Dark ‘n’ Stormy Recipe
- Fill your glass with ice: Use a highball or tall glass filled with ice to keep the drink perfectly chilled throughout.
- Pour the ginger beer: Start by pouring 3 oz of ginger beer into the glass. This ensures the layers of the cocktail will be properly formed when the rum is added.
- Float the rum: Gently pour 2 oz of dark rum over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the ginger beer, creating the signature “stormy” look with its dark clouds swirling through the drink.
- Squeeze in lime: Garnish with a lime wedge and squeeze some of its juice into the drink to add brightness and balance the flavors.
- Stir (optional): While traditionally the rum is left floating on top, you can give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors if you prefer a more uniform taste.
Explore: Dark ‘n’ Stormy Variations
Dark ‘n’ Stormy Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) dark rum – The signature rum for this cocktail is Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, which provides a rich, molasses flavor with notes of spice and caramel.
- 3 oz (90 ml) ginger beer – A spicy ginger beer gives the drink its fiery kick, balancing the sweetness of the rum and adding a refreshing bite.
- Lime wedge – The lime not only adds a fresh citrus aroma but also balances the richness of the rum and the heat of the ginger beer.
Dark ‘n’ Stormy FAQ
What is a Dark ‘n’ Stormy made from?
A Dark ‘n’ Stormy is made with dark rum (traditionally Gosling’s Black Seal Rum) and ginger beer, garnished with a lime wedge. These ingredients create a perfect combination of sweetness, spice, and citrus.
Why is it called a Dark ‘n’ Stormy?
The name comes from the appearance of the drink, with the dark rum floating on top of the ginger beer, resembling storm clouds over the sea. The cocktail was created in Bermuda, where the sea and weather can turn stormy quickly.
Can I use any dark rum for a Dark ‘n’ Stormy?
Technically, a true Dark ‘n’ Stormy is made with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, which is trademarked by Gosling’s. However, you can use another dark rum if you don’t have Gosling’s on hand, though it won’t have the exact same flavor profile.
What’s the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale in a Dark ‘n’ Stormy?
Ginger beer is the traditional choice for a Dark ‘n’ Stormy because it has a stronger, spicier ginger flavor than ginger ale. Using ginger ale will result in a milder, sweeter cocktail, which might not have the same punchy character.
How should a Dark ‘n’ Stormy be served?
A Dark ‘n’ Stormy is best served in a highball glass over ice, garnished with a lime wedge. The drink’s visual appeal comes from the dark rum floating on top of the ginger beer, so it’s best to add the rum last.
What is the history of the Dark ‘n’ Stormy?
The Dark ‘n’ Stormy was invented in Bermuda in the early 20th century, believed to have been created by sailors of the British Royal Navy. They mixed Gosling’s dark rum with the local spicy ginger beer to create this refreshing cocktail. It has since become the national drink of Bermuda.
