The Dark and Stormy cocktail is like the rebellious younger brother of the Moscow Mule.
It’s just as refreshing, bubbly, and full of ginger spice. But instead of crisp vodka, it’s wonderfully warm, thanks to the dark rum.
If you love the classic copper mug cocktail, I think you’ll adore this dark twist!
Ingredients For a Dark ‘n Stormy
You’ll find a complete list of the ingredients and a step-by-step method at the bottom of this post.
For now, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
- Ice: The Dark and Stormy is best served chilled and over plenty of ice.
- Ginger Beer: Adds a bit of zesty spice, sweetness, and plenty of fizz. Use Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer for the most authentic flavor.
- Lime Juice: Freshness is key in the Dark and Stormy. So always use fresh citrus.
- Gosling’s Black Seal Rum: This brand of dark rum is well-balanced and delivers its signature flavor. It’s the heart of the drink, but most top-shelf dark rums will work in a pinch.
- Lime Wedge: Add a lime wedge for garnish and a pop of color.
The Best Rums for A Dark ‘N’ Stormy
A true Dark ‘n Stormy recipe calls for Gosling’s Black Seal Rum. And I highly recommend getting your hands on some if you can.
Luckily, there are plenty of dark rums that will work instead. Such as:
- Plantation O.F.T.D
- Myer’s Jamaican Dark Rum
- Kraken Black Spiced Rum
- Bacardi Reserva Ocho
The key is to get dark rum. White or gold just won’t cut it!
Also, you can swap out the ginger beer. Find a brand you like and stick with it. My choices include Maine Root and Reed’s Extra Craft Ginger Beer.
How to Make a Dark and Stormy Cocktail
Wondering why this isn’t called a “something” Mule?
Well, when made right, the dark rum sits atop the fizzy layer of ginger beer like a storm cloud. Hence the name Dark and Stormy.
And while the presentation is part of its overall charm, it’s super easy to make.
1. Add ice to a highball glass, all the way to the top.
2. Pour the ginger beer and lime juice over the ice.
3. Make a rum storm cloud by pouring dark rum over the back of a spoon.
4. Garnish and serve with a lime wedge on the rim.
Tips and Variations
New to the cocktail game? No worries!
Check out a few expert tips and variations for the best Dark and Stormy cocktail:
- Adjust the sweetness. Ginger beer is more spiced than sweet. So feel free to add simple syrup.
- Lighten it up. Use gold rum and ginger ale for a more mellow flavor. It won’t technically be a Dark and Stormy, but it’ll still be tasty.
- Stir it up! The original Dark and Stormy is undeniably pretty. But that first sip packs a dark rum kick! If that’s not your jam, stir it gently to combine before serving.
- The Dark ‘n Stormy Mocktail. For an alcohol-free alternative, skip the dark rum and use Lyre’s Dark Cane Spirit instead. Don’t worry, it’ll still create those stunning layers, and it tastes amazing!
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Dark ‘n Stormy
1
servings5
minutes195
kcalThe Dark and Stormy cocktail is like the rebellious younger brother of the Moscow Mule. It’s refreshing, bubbly, and full of ginger spice and warm rum.
Ingredients
Ice
3 ounces ginger beer
1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
2 ounces Gosling’s Black Seal Rum (dark rum)
Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in the ginger beer and lime juice.
- Pour the rum over the back of a spoon so it floats on top.
- Stir, if desired, or let the rum stay layered for visual effect. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Gosling’s Black Seal Rum for an authentic Dark and Stormy. It’s the trademarked rum for this cocktail.
- Choose a quality ginger beer that’s spicy and effervescent to complement the rich rum flavor.
