This isn't your sweet & fruity rum drink! Dark & Stormy is a bold, refreshingly spicy cocktail made with rich dark rum, bubbly ginger beer and a touch of lime. Its simple ingredients pack a punch of flavor making it perfect for summer entertaining or really any time of year.
Why you'll love this recipe
If you're into drinks that are both easy and impressive, you're going to love this one.
Easy to make. You only need a few ingredients and a glass full of ice. No shaker, no muddler - just pour and go.
There's a perfect balance of sweet, spice, and bite. The ginger beer gives it that signature zing, the rum brings the warmth, and the lime juice adds a bright citrus pop.
Cool layered look. The dark rum floating on top of the light ginger beer creates a beautiful stormy sky effect in your glass.
It's customizable. Switch up the rum, try a different ginger beer, or toss in a dash of bitters. It's a cocktail that plays well with others.
Ingredients
You don't need much to make this iconic drink, but choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference.
Dark Rum - The star of the show. The best choice is Goslings Black Seal Rum, which is the original and trademarked rum for a true Dark 'n Stormy. It's smooth, rich, and full of character.
Ginger Beer - This gives the cocktail its signature spicy kick. Goslings Ginger Beer is the go-to for authenticity, but Fever-Tree is another fantastic choice.
Lime Juice - Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens everything up.
Lime Wedge or Slice - For garnish, and for that cool tropical vibe.
Ice - Lots of it! A tall glass of ice keeps things crisp and cold.
How to Make a Dark and Stormy
This cocktail is so easy, you'll wonder why you haven't been making it all along.
- Fill a tall glass (like a highball or Collins glass) about ¾ full with ice. Pour in the ginger beer, followed by the lime juice.
- Slowly pour the dark rum on top for that dramatic layered look. (See the tip below for how to do it like a pro.)
Garnish with a lime wedge or slice and give it a quick stir, if you like. Enjoy!
Recipe Tip
Do you want that gorgeous layered look? Here's how:
Fill your glass with ice and pour in the ginger beer and lime juice. Hold a spoon against the inside of the glass, just above the liquid and ice. Gently pour the rum over the back of the spoon so it floats on top. It'll look like a storm brewing in your glass, hence the name!
Recipe Variations
Feeling creative? Here are some easy ways to change up your Dark & Stormy:
- Ginger Beer Swap - Try apple cider for a fall twist or ginger ale for a milder version.
- Dark Rum Alternatives - You can swap in white rum, bourbon, whiskey, or even vodka (which technically turns it into a Moscow Mule).
- Add Bitters - A dash or two of aromatic bitters can deepen the flavor and add complexity.
- Make It Sweeter - Stir in a splash of simple syrup or honey if you want to mellow out the spice.
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See more about the Dark & Stormy cocktail below the recipe card.
Dark and Stormy Cocktail
Ingredients
- 4 oz ginger beer (Fever Tree is a good option)
- 3 oz dark rum (Goslings Black Seal Rum is the classic choice)
- ½ oz lime juice (fresh is best)
- Garnish: slice or wedge of lime
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass about ¾ full with ice then add ginger beer and lime juice.
- To create the layered look, slowly pour black rum over the back of a spoon, held just above the top of the ice and liquid. Garnish with lime.
- Note: You can also add all ingredients over ice and stir if you don't care about the layered effect.
Nutrition
What is a dark and stormy drink?
A Dark 'n Stormy is a highball cocktail made with dark rum and ginger beer, served over ice and often finished with lime. It's known for its bold flavor and dramatic layered look. While it's often compared to the Moscow Mule, it's got a richer, deeper flavor thanks to the dark rum.
Dark and stormy cocktail history
The Dark 'n Stormy has its roots in Bermuda, where British sailors started mixing dark rum with spicy ginger beer after World War I. The drink became so iconic that Goslings actually trademarked the name. So technically, if it's not made with Goslings Black Seal Rum, it's not a true Dark and Stormy (but we won't tell if you bend the rules).
What does a dark and stormy taste like?
It's got a bold, spicy flavor that hits you in all the right ways. The ginger beer brings a fiery zing, the dark rum adds a rich molasses-like depth, and the lime juice brightens it all up. It's sweet, spicy, slightly smoky, and ultra-refreshing.
Dark and Stormy vs Moscow Mule
They might look similar and both use ginger beer, but they're two very different drinks.
- A Dark 'n Stormy uses dark rum as the base spirit and typically includes lime. It's served in a tall glass.
- A Moscow Mule uses vodka and is traditionally served in a copper mug.
This post was originally published on February 26, 2016. It has been updated with new photos and more helpful information.
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