Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipe – Classic Rum and Ginger Beer Drink

Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipe  – The Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipe is a spit of brash easiness itself. This tropical beverage of the Caribbean origin consists of the very few ingredients yet has the wealth of the flavour transcending the essence of the sailing cruises and the turbulent waves of the oceans. The drink is originally created in Bermuda and registered as a trade-mark of Gosling Rum and packs a stunning mixture of the molasses-laden rum alongside the spicy tingle of the ginger beer.

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You can enjoy it on the terrace during the summer season, or make it on occasion and keep the party going, but no matter how you take it, this juice drink is guaranteed to be a splash. Now the question is, how do you prepare an ideal Dark and Stormy at home?

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Active Time: 5 minutes

• Resting Time: 0 minutes

• Cuisines: Caribbean, American

• Course: Beverage / Cocktail

• Servings: 1

• Calories: 180 kcal

• Total Time: 5 minutes

Equipment

• Highball or Collins glass

• Bar spoon

• Jigger or measuring tool

• Ice cubes

• Optional: citrus juicer if using fresh lime

Ingredients

• 2 oz dark rum (preferably Gosling’s Black Seal)

• 3 oz ginger beer (high quality, spicy)

• ½ oz fresh lime juice (optional, for extra citrus kick)

• Ice cubes

• Lime wedge or wheel (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Fill the Glass with Ice

   • Take a highball glass and fill it to the top with ice cubes. Chilling the glass ensures the cocktail stays crisp and refreshing.

2. Pour Ginger Beer

   • Add 3 oz of chilled ginger beer over the ice. It’s best to pour this first to help create the signature layered look.

3. Float the Rum

   • Slowly pour 2 oz of dark rum over the back of a spoon onto the ginger beer. This lets the rum float above the ginger beer, creating the iconic “stormy” visual.

4. Add Lime Juice (Optional)

   • For a little acidity and extra brightness, you can squeeze in ½ oz of fresh lime juice. Some purists skip this, but it’s a great flavor boost.

5. Garnish and Serve

   • Add a lime wedge or wheel for garnish. Serve with or without stirring, depending on whether you want to keep the layered look.

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Nutrition

Flavor Profile

1. Spicy – Thanks to the punchy ginger beer.

2. Bold & Rich – The dark rum gives depth and molasses-like notes.

3. Citrusy – Optional lime adds a bright, tart edge.

4. Slightly Sweet – From both the rum and ginger beer.

5. Refreshing – Perfect for warm weather and casual sipping.

FAQs

Q1: What type of rum should I use?
A: Gosling’s Black Seal Rum is the traditional choice and is trademarked for the Dark ‘n Stormy. However, any quality dark rum will work.

Q2: Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer?
A: Technically, yes—but ginger beer is spicier and more authentic to the original recipe. Ginger ale is milder and sweeter.

Q3: Is lime juice necessary?
A: No, it’s optional. Traditional versions don’t always include it, but many prefer the added zest and balance lime juice brings.

Q4: Can I batch this cocktail for a party?
A: Yes! Just multiply the ingredients and mix in a large pitcher, skipping the rum float and mixing everything together.

Q5: Is it okay to stir the drink after pouring?
A: Yes. The rum float is mostly for presentation. Stir it before drinking to blend the flavors.

tisha