Dark 'N' Stormy
Shake ∙ Collins glass ∙ 3 min ∙ 11.7% ABV ∙
The Dark 'n' Stormy is a Bermudian highball of dark rum floated over ginger beer and lime, a trademarked national drink of Bermuda. Spicy ginger beer meets deep molasses-rich rum, brightened by fresh lime and a bitters edge, with a long, warming finish — an easy any-hour long drink.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake the first 4 ingredients with ice: Dark rum 50 mlLime juice 20 mlSugar syrup 10 mlAngostura aromatic bitters 2 dashes
- Strain into the ice-filled glass while also pouring Ginger beer 90 ml
- Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim
Tips
- Build the ginger beer over ice first, then float the dark rum on top so it cascades down for the signature two-tone look.
- Use a spicy, assertive ginger beer rather than mild ginger ale — the pepper is what makes it stormy.
- Add fresh lime juice and a touch of sugar syrup to balance the ginger's heat, as this recipe does.
History
Gosling Brothers claims the Dark 'n' Stormy was invented in Bermuda just after World War I, pairing the island's dark rum with local ginger beer. The original was reportedly made with Gosling Black Seal rum and Barritt's Ginger Beer, though that partnership eventually failed and Gosling Brothers began producing its own ginger beer. In the United States, "Dark 'n Stormy" has been a registered trademark of Gosling Brothers Ltd of Bermuda since 1991; the company uses the mark to restrict the name to drinks made with Gosling Black Seal rum and has litigated or threatened litigation against rivals including Pernod Ricard and Proximo Spirits. Gosling registered a one-apostrophe spelling, while the International Bartenders Association uses two.
FAQ
What is a Dark 'n' Stormy made of?
A Dark 'n' Stormy is made of dark rum and ginger beer served over ice with a lime wedge. Many recipes, including this one, add fresh lime juice and a little sugar syrup to balance the ginger, plus a dash of Angostura bitters.
Is a Dark 'n' Stormy shaken or built?
The classic Dark 'n' Stormy is built by pouring ginger beer over ice and floating the rum on top. This version is shaken with the rum, lime, and syrup, then topped with ginger beer, which integrates the citrus more fully.
What is the best rum for a Dark 'n' Stormy?
A dark rum with rich molasses character is best, and by trademark the official Dark 'n' Stormy uses Gosling Black Seal rum. Any full-bodied dark rum works for a homemade version; avoid light or white rums, which lack the depth the drink needs.
What glass is a Dark 'n' Stormy served in?
A Dark 'n' Stormy is served in a tall Collins or highball glass filled with ice, which suits the long, ginger-beer-topped build and shows off the dark rum floating over the paler mixer.
How do you make a perfect Dark 'n' Stormy?
Use a spicy ginger beer and a good dark rum, keep it cold over plenty of ice, and add fresh lime for brightness. Float the rum last so it streaks down through the ginger beer for the cloudy, stormy look that gives the drink its name.
