Dark N Stormy co*cktail Recipe — A Full Living (2024)

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Step into the world of theDark N Stormyco*cktail—a timeless and widely loved drink. It's famous as the national drink of Bermuda and can be found on bar menus worldwide. The Dark 'n Stormy is a go-to for various events, whether it's a romantic date night, a holiday party, or even a stormy night! It's made in the glass with just 4 simple ingredients.

Dark N Stormy co*cktail Recipe — A Full Living (1)

Disclosure: This recipe was originally posted on December 2nd, 2016, and was republished with new photos and an updated recipe on December 29th, 2023.

This popular co*cktail only requires four ingredients to make, and it's absolutely delicious. It's perfect for serving at parties, during holiday get-togethers, or just sipping alone on your patio or front porch.

Looking for more yummy co*cktail recipes to serve at your next party? Try thispear martini recipe, thisAperol sour recipe, or thislove potion co*cktail.

If you want more ginger beer co*cktails, try this raspberry mule, this Floradora co*cktail, or this pomegranate gin co*cktail!

Jump to:
  • ❤️Why we love this recipe
  • 🍹Ingredients
  • ✨Substitutions
  • ✨Variations
  • 🔪Prep work
  • 📋Instructions
  • 💭Frequently Asked Questions
  • More co*cktail Recipes To Consider
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Community

❤️Why we love this recipe

  • Super easy. The Dark 'n Stormy stands out as one of the simplest co*cktails, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and anyone who is craving a classic drink! It's made with only 4 simple ingredients, and it comes together in a glass. No shaking required!
  • Rich and flavorful.You'll love the rich, flavorful notes of dark rum, complemented by the spicy kick of ginger beer. It's a stormy experience for your taste buds that mirrors the color of a cloud in a highball glass.
  • Classic drink. There's a reason this drink is an iconic classic! This drink is over 100 years old and is a popular choice worldwide. It's simple, yet always delicious. You can't go wrong with this choice.

🍹Ingredients

Here are the ingredients we used for this recipe. You can find more information for substitutions below.

Dark N Stormy co*cktail Recipe — A Full Living (2)
  • Dark rum.Goslings Black Seal Rum is the traditional rum used for this drink. If you don't have Gosling's rum, you can use another dark rum, but it is now "technically" not a Dark n' stormy.
  • Ginger beer.Make sure it's well chilled. Use anything you like here. We had Fever Tree on hand.
  • Orange bitters.This is an optional ingredient, but it adds another layer of subtle flavor to the drink.

Visit the recipe card for the full quantities and nutritional information.

✨Substitutions

Here are a few suggestions on additional flavors to try, or simple variations to this recipe.

  • Ginger ale.Swap ginger beer for ginger ale if you prefer a milder taste. Please note that this will essentially give you a different drink entirely, as the ginger beer in this recipe is pretty integral to the taste.
  • Mocktail.Use a rum alternative (non-alcoholic rum) in place of dark rum.
  • Low carb and keto friendly.All you have to use a diet or sugar-free ginger beer in place of regular ginger beer to significantly cut down on the added carbs and sugar.
  • Rum options.While Gosling's Black Seal Rum is the classic choice, experiment with spiced rum for a twist.

✨Variations

  • Moscow mule version. Try a Dark 'n Stormy mule in a copper mug with spicier ginger beer and extra lime juice.
  • Aromatic bitters. Enhance the flavor with a dash of aromatic bitters instead of orange bitters. You can also omit the bitters entirely.
  • Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer. Elevate your experience with the distinctive taste of Gosling's Stormy Ginger Beer.
  • Make it fancier. Use some fun-shaped ice cubes, like balls or diamonds, to make this drink even more fun to look at.
  • Extra sweetness. Take the flavor up a notch by adding some simple syrup to the drink.

🔪Prep work

  • Make sure to chill the ginger beer and rum.
  • Squeeze lime juice.
  • Cut lime wheels, wedges, or slices for garnish.
  • Measure out all remaining ingredients.

📋Instructions

Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice cubes. Pour in the ginger beer.(Image 1)

Dark N Stormy co*cktail Recipe — A Full Living (3)

✨Pro Tip: Make sure the ginger beer is well chilled.

Add in a dash of orange bitters (if using). (Image 2)

Dark N Stormy co*cktail Recipe — A Full Living (4)

Pour the Goslings rum over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the drink and create layers that mimic a dark and stormy sky!(Image 3)

Dark N Stormy co*cktail Recipe — A Full Living (5)

Add in a squeeze of lime over the top.(Image 4)

The drink should have a layered look, with the dark rum on the top and the ginger beer on the bottom.

Dark N Stormy co*cktail Recipe — A Full Living (6)

Garnish with a slice or a wedge of lime. Before enjoying, gently stir to mix the ingredients so they can come together.Enjoy!

Dark N Stormy co*cktail Recipe — A Full Living (7)

✨Tips & tricks

  • If possible, use Gosling's Black Seal Rum. This is the traditional choice for this classic co*cktail. Goslings is technically the only rum that can make this a true dark n' stormy, as they are the creators of this drink.
  • Always use freshly squeezed lime juice. This co*cktail has so few ingredients, but they all count. Fresh lime juice will make all the difference in this drink.
  • Use a good ginger beer that you enjoy the taste of.It has a large impact on the taste of the drink!
  • Use fresh ice. Make sure you have good ice to use for this drink that hasn’t been sitting in the freezer for a long time. Old ice can soak up the scents of the items around it, making for a weird-tasting drink!
  • Balance the flavors and taste and adjust. The key to a great Dark 'n Stormy is the balance between the spiciness of the ginger beer and the richness of the dark rum. Adjust the ratios to your personal preference if desired.

Need supplies?Shop ourAmazon store!Stock your pantry, and find all of our favorite kitchen tools! A Full Living LLC earns a small commission through purchases on our storefront to help support this site.

💭Frequently Asked Questions

How to store the leftovers?

This drink is best enjoyed fresh, so prepare the Dark N Stormy just before serving. If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for a few hours, but it won't taste as good as it does fresh as the ice will melt and water down the drink. The ginger beer will also lose fizz as it sits.

Can I make this co*cktail into a pitcher?


Yes! If serving a crowd, this drink can be made in a pitcher. Simply follow all of the same instructions as you would if making the drink in a glass, and scale it up for the amount of drinks you need. Right before serving, give the pitcher a good stir, and pour into individual glasses.

More co*cktail Recipes To Consider

  • Pomegranate Gin co*cktail Recipe
  • Floradora co*cktail Recipe
  • Raspberry Mule co*cktail Recipe
  • Mango Mojito Recipe

Did you try this recipe? Make sure to leave a 5-star review below! 🌟 This helps other readers find our recipes and encourages them to try them. Also, be sure to leave a comment with your experience. Follow along, and tag @AFullLiving on Instagram with your photos!

📖 Recipe

Dark N Stormy co*cktail Recipe — A Full Living (12)

Dark N Stormy co*cktail Recipe

Briana

Have you had a Dark 'n' Stormy co*cktail? It's a refreshing blend of just four ingredients. This classic drink combines rich Goslings rum, spicy ginger beer, zesty lime juice, and a splash of orange bitters, served in a single glass. A simple yet flavorful concoction, perfect for any occasion.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1 people

Calories 146 kcal

Equipment

  • high ball glass

  • bar spoon

Ingredients

  • 5 ounces ginger beer, chilled (or more, to taste)
  • dash orange bitters (optional)
  • squeeze of lime juice (optional)
  • 1.5 ounces Goslings Black Seal Rum (or any dark rum)

Instructions

  • Fill a Collins or high ball glass with ice. Add in 4-7 ounces of ginger beer (to taste).

  • Add in an optional dash of orange bitters.

  • Use the back of a bar spoon to slowly pour in 1.5 ounces of Goslings Black Seal Rum to create a dark layer on top.

  • Add in a squeeze of lime juice on top.

  • Garnish with a wheel or wedge of lime. Before enjoying, stir the drink to meld the flavors together.

Notes

  • If possible, use Gosling's Black Seal Rum. This is the traditional choice for this classic co*cktail. Goslings is technically the only rum that can make this a true dark n' stormy, as they are the creators of this drink.
  • Always use freshly squeezed lime juice. This co*cktail has so few ingredients, but they all count. Fresh lime juice will make all the difference in this drink.
  • Use a good ginger beer that you enjoy the taste of.It has a large impact on the taste of the drink!
  • Use fresh ice. Make sure you have good ice to use for this drink that hasn’t been sitting in the freezer for a long time. Old ice can soak up the scents of the items around it, making for a weird-tasting drink!
  • Balance the flavors and taste and adjust. The key to a great Dark 'n Stormy is the balance between the spiciness of the ginger beer and the richness of the dark rum. Adjust the ratios to your personal preference if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcalCarbohydrates: 12gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 2mgSugar: 13gCalcium: 4mgIron: 0.3mg

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Dark N Stormy co*cktail Recipe — A Full Living (2024)

FAQs

What is the best rum for Dark and Stormy? ›

Goslings Black Seal is a rich, flavorful rum from Bermuda, where the rum's long history dates to 1806. Goslings Black Seal features notes of caramel, vanilla and spice, and technically, this rum is the only rum that can be used in a Dark 'n Stormy.

Does a Dark and Stormy need to be goslings? ›

To make a Dark and Stormy—it has just three ingredients but lots of spice—Gosling's Black Seal rum is the preferred brand, but really, anything dark and funky will work. Officially speaking, it is frowned upon to liven up your Dark and Stormy with lime juice, but we appreciate a layer of citrus.

What is the difference between Jamaican mule and Dark and Stormy? ›

Jamaican Mules give the drink a slightly sweeter taste compared to that of the Moscow Mule, which is similar to that of a Dark 'N' Stormy—a rum and ginger beer mixed drink without lime juice. The Jamaican Mule is great when paired with fish, spicy jerk chicken, or jambalayas.

What is in a Bermuda Dark and Stormy? ›

Riffs on this drink abound, but to be legally considered a Dark 'n Stormy, it must be made with Black Seal rum made by Gosling's, which has trademarked the co*cktail's name. Fill Collins glass with cubed ice, add rum and ginger beer, stir and garnish with lime wedge or wheel.

What is the strongest alcohol in rum? ›

The strongest Rum on the list St Vincent's Sunset Rum has an alcohol strength of 84.5% ABV. This White Rum is molasses based and distilled using the column still method.

What was the original rum in Dark N Stormy? ›

The original Dark 'n' Stormy was made with Gosling Black Seal rum and Barritt's Ginger Beer, but after the partnership between the two failed and the companies parted ways, Gosling Brothers created its own ginger beer. In a highball glass filled with ice pour the ginger beer and top floating with the Rum.

Should a Dark and Stormy be stirred? ›

How To Drink a Dark and Stormy. The rum is often served floating on top, mimicking a stormy sky. The first thing any seasoned Dark and Stormy drinker will do, however, is stir it up. It is also officially served in a highball glass, though for those of us who love the drink, any glass will do.

Which ginger beer for Dark and Stormy? ›

Gosling's Stormy Ginger Beer

A proper Dark and Stormy is made with Gosling's Black Seal Rum, but whether you incorporate Gosling's Ginger Beer as well is a personal decision.

What is a cowboy mule? ›

Have an empty pint glass or bar/sundae spoon. Add bourbon, lime (and / or Pomegranate) juice, and bitters. Add crushed ice and ginger beer to top. Transfer back and forth from mug to pint glass or stir with a bar spoon. Garnish with a citrus wedge.

What beer is best for dark and stormy? ›

The 6 Best Ginger Beers for Your Moscow Mule and Dark and Stormy
  • For an Extra Gingery Drink, Try Bruce Cost Ginger Beer. ...
  • For a Super-Fizzy Drink, Try Fever-Tree Ginger Beer. ...
  • For a Crisp Drink, Try Gosling's Ginger Beer. ...
  • For a Mild Drink, Try Bundaberg Ginger Beer. ...
  • For a Fresh Drink, Try Maine Root Ginger Brew.
Mar 22, 2018

Does rum go bad? ›

If kept out of direct sunlight and in a cool setting, unopened rum can be stored almost indefinitely. It is considered a stable liquor with a high ABV to preserve its integrity while in storage. Once opened, a bottle of rum should be used within 6 months to 2 years, depending on the additional flavors in the liquor.

What is a famous Bermuda drink? ›

The Rum Swizzle is the national drink of Bermuda. It's enjoyed in bars across the island nation and has become a staple on Tiki bar menus across the world.

Who invented the Dark and Stormy co*cktail? ›

So the story goes sometime after World War 1, the Dark 'n Stormy was born. It has its origins in a Ginger Beer factory that was run by the Royal Naval Officer's Club. The sailors soon discovered that a hefty splash of the local Gosling's Black Seal rum was a great addition to the Ginger Beer.

What brand is Dark and Stormy rum? ›

Dark n Stormy - Goslings Rum.

What is the best quality dark rum? ›

  • Appleton Estate 15 Year Old Black River Casks. ...
  • Barceló Organic Rum. ...
  • Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Dark Rum. ...
  • Eminente Gran Reserva Edition No 1. ...
  • La Hechicera. ...
  • Mount Gay The Master Blender Collection: The PX Sherry Cask Expression. ...
  • Ron Santiago de Cuba Extra Añejo 20 Años. ...
  • Takamaka Pti Lakaz.
Oct 20, 2023

Is Captain Morgan considered a dark rum? ›

The Captain's Dark Rum isn't just any old seafarer's beverage. To make the perfect dark rum to keep the Captain's men going across the seven seas, Captain Morgan Dark Rum is aged for at least two years in charred oak barrels for that heavenly oak finish, before being blended according to our very own secret recipe.

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