Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipe

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Hello there, cocktail lovers! Today, we’re setting sail on a flavor voyage with a classic cocktail that’s as dramatic as its name suggests: the Dark & Stormy. I half-apologize in advance for all the ocean & ship references, but ya know… Rum, pirates… I just can’t help myself.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• Recipe Video
• History
• Ingredients
• Variations
• Our Variation
• Recipe

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Crafting Your Cocktail: How to Make the Dark & Stormy

This is such an easy cocktail to make! You don’t even need a cocktail shaker. Watch the video below to see how Chris does it, and definitely check out the fun variation we have for you, too:

The Tale of the Dark & Stormy

The Dark & Stormy hails from Bermuda; in fact, it’s the national drink of the British territory. Some say it was the brainchild of British sailors who mixed their ginger beer with dark rum to help keep the sea sickness at bay. Others say it was actually the resourceful locals who blended the bold flavors of their local rum with the spicy zing of ginger.

Gosling’s Rum claims that, according to legend, the name of this popular cocktail was derived after a fisherman proclaimed that the drink looked like a cloud “only a fool or a dead man would sail under.” And, after all, it does use authentic dark rum, so the name could allude to the liquor and to the sea– although that doesn’t speak to the origin of the drink’s creation, of course.

But whatever its true history, this drink packs a powerful punch full of flavor, although it’s quite simple to make.

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What You’ll Need: Dark and Stormy Ingredients

This ginger beer cocktail lives in the highball cocktail family, using 2-3 ingredients (some people add a squeeze of lime, while others include 1/4-1/2 ounce). To make a classic Dark & Stormy, you need only three simple components:

1. Dark Rum: Go for a rich, full-bodied rum with lots of character. We like to use Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, not just because it’s traditional but because it has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Also, this drink is actually trademarked by Gosling’s, so there’s that. Whichever brand you go with, choose a flavorful dark rum that will play off the spicy ginger beer.
2. Ginger Beer: We’re not talking ginger ale. You’ll need a strong, fiery ginger beer with bite. The spicier, the better in our opinion. It’s the “storm” to the rum’s “dark,” after all. Gosling makes their own, but of course, choose your favorite (like Fever-Tree ginger beer or Bundaberg ginger beer, both of which are quite popular).
3. Fresh Lime Juice: For that zesty, fresh kick of citrus that cuts through the spicy sweetness of ginger beer, you’ll use a little squeeze of lime (up to 1/2 ounce, based on personal preference of how much additional lime flavor you really want), as well as a lime wheel garnish.

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Variations and Twists

Now, for my more adventurous friends, here are some twists on the classic:

• Swap Out the Rum: Try a smoky mezcal, bourbon, or spicy rye whiskey if you’re feeling brave.
• Play with the Ginger Beer: There are so many varieties & brands out there. Experiment with different types to find your perfect storm– like hibiscus, tropical, or blood orange.
• Add a Splash of Flavor: A bit of pineapple juice or a couple dashes of bitters can add a whole new dimension to your cocktail. (More on bitters & infusions here.)
• Juice it Up: Not feeling the ginger beer? Try fresh ginger juice and soda water instead! This can help control the ginger flavor, too, by using more or less juice– which the classic version doesn’t really offer.
• Simplify the Recipe: Try using ginger simple syrup instead of ginger beer or juice; you can top it off with sparkling water. Note that this will add a new sweetness to the recipe.

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Our Variation

Our own twist is a much more complex cocktail with lots of depth– Plus, it uses our favorite spirit in the whole world:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 ounces Dark Rum (Gosling’s)
• 1/2 ounce Green Chartreuse
• 1/2 ounce Tamarind Syrup (Liquid Alchemist)
• 3/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
• 3-4 ounce Ginger Beer

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DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix all the ingredients together except the ginger beer in a cocktail shaker.
2. Strain into a highball glass with ice, and top with the Ginger Beer.
3. Garnish with a Lime Wheel.

Yes, this cocktail uses the elusive Green Chartreuse. If you don’t happen to have a bottle you’re currently savoring and can’t find it anywhere– or don’t want to spend the inflated big bucks for a bottle you do happen to find at your local liquor store– check out this article for substitutes. My personal favorite is hands-down Heirloom Genépy.

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Time to Make Your Own Dark and Stormy Cocktail

The Dark & Stormy is bold, it’s adventurous, and it’s the perfect drink for warm summer nights or backyard parties when you need something easy to make but still a bit out of the ordinary.

Remember, the best part of making drinks at home is making them your own way. So, grab your ingredients, and go make some waves with your creation. Cheers!