A Dark and Stormy cocktail is definitely not for the faint of heart! It’s a spicy, heartwarming cocktail that is sure to turn up the heat! 

Ginger beer is not the same drink as ginger ale, it is much spicier. So mixed with dark rum, it’s a drink that’s sure to warm you up, whether after a sleigh ride… or sail over stormy seas!

Dark and stormy cocktails in glasses with lime and ice

What Is A Dark And Stormy?

The Dark and Stormy drink originated in Bermuda and is the official drink there. It’s a lot like a Moscow Mule, but the dark rum is what differentiates it.

Just two ingredients (three if you count the garnish) make this the perfect drink recipe when you want an adventurous cocktail that’s super easy to make!

  • Dark – this portion of the drink’s name refers to the dark rum that is added.
  • Stormy –  refers to ginger beer, which has a cloudy look to it.

Layered over ice, it’s a very cool looking drink that’s also really tasty!

The Best Rum For Dark and Stormy Drink

There is no contest for which rum to use with this drink. There is really only one rum for a classic Dark and Stormy, and that is Gosling’s Black Seal (this is in the original), with its detailed flavorings that are really what make this one of a kind cocktail!

Don’t have Gosling’s Black Seal? While it won’t technically be a Dark and Stormy cocktail you can always use a dark rum that you have on hand for a similar effect. Just remember with only two ingredients you are really going to taste the quality of the rum used in this drink.

The Best Ginger Beer For Dark and Stormy

Gosling’s also makes a ginger beer for this cocktail, but the original Dark and Stormy had Barritt’s in it. I use Fever Tree as it’s what I most often have on hand. You can take your pick, Barritt’s is non-alcoholic while Gosling’s is around 5%, for a stronger drink.

Some others include:

  • Bundaberg for versatility
  • Goya Jamaican Style Ginger Beer is super spicy
  • Parker’s is mild
  • Spindrift for a fresh taste!

Dark and stormy cocktail in glasses with ice and lime

How To Layer Drinks

It’s just a case of using gravity to your benefit! The denser liquid naturally wants to sit at the bottom of the glass. So follow these three simple steps to create your own beautifully layered drink!

  1. Pour the liquid that’s got the most sugar content first. In this case, it’s going to be the ginger beer.
  2. Turn a spoon upside down over the ginger beer, but make sure the spoon is almost, but not quite touching it.
  3. Slowly pour rum over the spoon. A bar spoon is ideal for this technique if you have one. If not, a regular teaspoon will do the job just fine!

Or, for ease just aim the rum at a larger ice cube! If you’re careful enough you should be able to layer a cocktail by pouring the less dense liquid very slowly over an ice cube.

Enjoy this drink, but slowly, it’s a powerful one! Avast, me hearties!

Must-Try Cocktails

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Dark and stormy cocktail in glasses with ice and lime
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Dark and Stormy Cocktail

A spicy, heartwarming cocktail that is sure to turn up the heat! 
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cocktail
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Ingredients  

  • 4 ounces ginger beer
  • 1 ½ ounces Gosling's Black Seal rum (dark rum)
  • lime wedges

Instructions 

  • Fill a short glass with ice cubes.
  • Add ginger beer. Slowly add dark rum pouring over an ice cube to get the layered effect.
  • Garnish with a lime wedges and serve.

Notes

Drink should be stirred before consuming.
4.88 from 8 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 137 | Carbohydrates: 10g | Sodium: 8mg | Sugar: 10g | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Dark and Stormy with writing
Dark and Stormy with lime with a title

Categories:

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. Under Notes: Drink should be stirred before serving.
    If you layer the rum on top, why would you want to stir it before serving?

    1. I layer it for appearance, you’re right it should be served layered and stirred before consuming! I’ve updated the notes. :)

  2. The perfect amount of spice! Had never tried one of these before but have always loved ginger beer. This might be my new favorite drink. SWP Employee5 stars