Dark 'n' Stormy
The Dark 'n' Stormy is a famously simple yet satisfying cocktail hailing from Bermuda. It features a bold combination of dark rum, which provides deep molasses and vanilla notes, and spicy ginger beer, which adds a sharp, effervescent kick. A squeeze of fresh lime juice cuts through the sweetness and spice, creating a perfectly balanced and invigorating drink. Its signature layered appearance, with the dark rum floating atop the lighter ginger beer, resembles a storm cloud over the sea.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Dark 'n' Stormy is classified as a classic highball cocktail, recognized by the International Bartenders Association (IBA). Highballs are tall, refreshing drinks typically composed of a base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served in a highball glass. Its simple, timeless recipe solidifies its status as a classic.
Serving
Served cold over ice in a tall Highball glass, this drink's volume is substantial and refreshing. It has a moderate alcohol content, comparable to a strong beer or a glass of wine.
Serving size
240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The drink's origin is tied to the Gosling family, who arrived in Bermuda in the early 19th century and began blending rum. Around the same time, a British naval officer's garrison club was brewing ginger beer. Legend has it that a sailor combined the two, remarking that the dark rum floating over the ginger beer looked like "a storm cloud only a fool or a dead man would sail under," thus coining the name.
Origin
Bermuda, circa 1920s. The cocktail's creation is closely linked with the Gosling Brothers rum company and the Royal Naval Officer's Club after World War I.
Dark 'n' Stormy
The name "Dark 'n' Stormy" is a registered trademark of Gosling Brothers Ltd of Bermuda. Technically, for a drink to be called a Dark 'n' Stormy, it must be made with Gosling's Black Seal rum. The only common alternative name is a slight variation in spelling, "Dark and Stormy".
Original name
Dark 'n' Stormy
Alternative name
Dark and Stormy
Characteristics overview
This drink offers a bold flavor profile dominated by spicy ginger and sweet rum, with a refreshing, bubbly texture. Its striking layered appearance and warming aftertaste make it both visually appealing and satisfying to drink, especially in the summer.
Flavor
Spicy ginger, sweet molasses, rich rum, zesty lime
Aroma
Pungent ginger, sweet rum, fresh citrus
Taste balance
Sweet, spicy, slightly sour
Aftertaste
Warming, spicy, clean
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Two-toned, layered, dark brown float over cloudy pale gold
Texture
Crisp, light, bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, invigorating
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is defined by a strong spicy kick from the ginger beer and a moderate sweetness from the rum, balanced by high carbonation and a low alcohol strength. It is not salty, bitter, or creamy.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This is a simple two-ingredient cocktail, requiring only dark rum and ginger beer. A lime wedge for garnish adds a crucial touch of citrus.
- Dark Rum60 ml / 2 ozTraditionally, Gosling's Black Seal Rum is required for an authentic Dark 'n' Stormy.
- Ginger Beer100 ml / 3.3 ozChoose a high-quality, spicy ginger beer, not ginger ale. The amount can be adjusted to taste or to top the glass.
- Lime Wedge1 pieceUsed for garnish. Some recipes call for a small amount of lime juice (approx. 15ml / 0.5oz) to be mixed in.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed as this drink is built directly in the serving glass. A jigger for measuring is helpful for consistency.
- Highball glass for building the drink
- Bar spoon for a gentle stir (optional)
Instructions
The process involves building the drink directly in the glass by adding ice and ginger beer first. The rum is then carefully floated on top to create the signature storm-cloud look before garnishing.
1. Fill a highball glass completely with ice cubes.
2. Pour the ginger beer over the ice, leaving about an inch or two of space at the top.
3. Slowly pour the dark rum over the back of a spoon onto the top of the ginger beer to create a layered effect.
4. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge on the rim of the glass.
5. Serve immediately, allowing the drinker to stir before enjoying if they prefer.
Garnishing
A simple lime wedge is the traditional and only necessary garnish. It adds a bright citrus aroma and allows for an extra squeeze of juice to taste.
- Lime wedge, placed on the rim of the glass or dropped in
Dietary Information
The Dark 'n' Stormy is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. Assuming a gluten-free ginger beer is used, the cocktail is also gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the ginger beer. The nutritional values can vary significantly based on the brand of ginger beer used.
Calories
Averagely 185 kcal / 774 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for warm weather occasions like summer parties, barbecues, or relaxing at a beach bar. Its simple elegance also makes it a great choice for casual get-togethers and happy hour drinks with friends.
- Summer Party
- Beach Bar
- Casual Gathering
- Barbecue
- Happy Hour
Pairing suggestions
The spicy-sweet profile of the Dark 'n' Stormy pairs wonderfully with bold flavors. It can cut through the richness of barbecue and complement the heat of spicy dishes from Caribbean, Thai, or Indian cuisines. It is also an excellent companion for grilled meats and seafood.
- Spicy Caribbean or Asian cuisine
- Grilled seafood, like shrimp or fish tacos
- Barbecue ribs or pulled pork
- Salty snacks like plantain chips
The Dark 'n' Stormy: Bermuda's Tempest in a Glass
The Dark 'n' Stormy is the national drink of Bermuda, a testament to its refreshing and satisfying nature. Its preparation is incredibly simple, requiring just dark rum and ginger beer built over ice, yet it delivers a complex taste experience. The spicy warmth of the ginger is perfectly balanced by the deep, sweet notes of the rum, all lifted by a zesty lime garnish. It is a visually striking, incredibly refreshing, and timeless classic highball.