Invented in Bermuda, the Dark and Stormy cocktail is simple to make but with a more complex and refreshing flavor than you might think from the ingredient list. Floating the rum on top of the ginger beer is a fun trick that is easy to achieve—just pour the rum slowly on top of the ginger beer.
Contents
What Is a Dark and Stormy Cocktail?
A Dark and Stormy (or a Dark ‘n Stormy) is made in a highball glass from three ingredients: ginger beer, lime, and dark rum. The drink was trademarked by Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, and the name is said to have originated from a sailor who said the drink looked like a storm cloud. Technically, a drink is only a Dark and Stormy if made with Gosling’s, but bartenders have been known to serve the drink under the name Safe Harbor when made with other brands.
Ingredients in a Dark and Stormy
Three ingredients are all you’ll need for this classic layered drink.
See more: Dark ‘N Stormy
- Ginger beer: Stronger in flavor than ginger ale, non-alcoholic ginger beer is brewed with ginger for a spicier profile. For this drink, you can use whatever brand you like.
- Lime: Adding lime juice isn’t strictly traditional, but we like a little extra tart flavor from the fresh juice. Regardless of whether you use the extra juice, though, the drink should be garnished with a lime wedge or wheel.
- Dark rum: If you choose to use another brand of dark rum, we won’t tell, but it’s only officially a Dark ‘n Stormy if it’s made with Gosling’s Black Seal rum. Whatever you do, be sure you’re not using spiced rum, which just won’t taste right in the drink.
How To Make a Dark and Stormy
No fancy bar equipment needed. This drink looks and tastes far more complicated than it is.
- Step 1. First, fill a highball glass with ice.
- Step 2. Next, add the ginger beer until the glass is about 3/4 full—this should be about 5 to 6 ounces (2/3 to 3/4 cup).
- Step 3. Then add the extra lime juice, if you’re using it.
- Step 4. Finally, float the rum on top so it looks a bit like a storm cloud. At this point, you can either serve the drink as-is, or stir it to evenly distribute the rum before garnishing with a lime wedge or wheel.
Ingredients
- Ice
- 2/3 cup (about 5 oz.) ginger beer
- 2tsp. fresh lime juice (optional)
- 1/4 cup (2 oz.) dark rum, such as Gosling’s
- 1 lime wedge
Directions
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Add ice to glass:
Fill a highball glass with ice.
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Add ginger beer and lime juice to glass:
Slowly pour ginger beer over ice.
Add lime juice, if using.
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Add rum:
Carefully float the dark rum over the ginger beer by slowly and gently pouring on top.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
Serving Tip
If you like, you can also stir the drink together with a barspoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between a Dark and Stormy and a Moscow Mule?
Both drinks have ginger beer and lime, but a Dark and Stormy uses dark rum and a Moscow Mule uses vodka for the liquor. The Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug, and the Dark and Stormy is usually served in a highball glass.
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What kind of rum should I use for a Dark and Stormy?
Gosling’s Black Seal rum is traditional for the drink, but we won’t tell if you decide to use a different brand of dark rum. Just make sure you’re not using spiced rum. This won’t have have the right flavor for this cocktail.
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What is another name for a Dark and Stormy?
Because the name of the drink has been trademarked by Gosling’s, it must be made with Gosling’s rum to be properly called a Dark ‘n Stormy. In places where the drink is made with other brands of rum, it occasionally goes by other names, like Safe Harbor or Rum and Ginger.