Dark ’n’ Stormy
A bold, refreshing highball combining dark rum, lime and spicy ginger beer. Rich and warming with bright citrus, lively carbonation and a fiery ginger finish..
Dark ’n’ Stormy Recipe
- Dark rum 50 ml
- Lime juice 15 ml
- Ginger beer 100 ml
- Fresh lime 1 wedge, optional
- Ice 200 g, optional
Make it properly
- Add dark rum and lime juice to a highball glass.
- Fill the glass with plenty of ice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD DARK ’N’ STORMY?
A good Dark ’n’ Stormy is bold, refreshing and full of contrast. Dark rum provides rich caramel and spice character, lime brings fresh citrus acidity and ginger beer adds fiery warmth, sweetness and lively carbonation.
Plenty of ice keeps the drink cold and refreshing, while a fresh lime wedge adds extra citrus aroma. The finished cocktail should balance rich rum with bright lime and enough ginger spice to give it a distinctive, warming finish.
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DARK ’N’ STORMY: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a Dark ’n’ Stormy, from choosing the right dark rum and ginger beer to balancing rich rum, fresh lime and spicy ginger.
ORIGINS OF THE DARK ’N’ STORMY
The Dark ’n’ Stormy has its roots in Bermuda, where Goslings rum and ginger beer became a natural pairing among sailors in the early 20th century.
According to the commonly told story, the drink took its name from the dark layer of rum floating above the lighter ginger beer, which was said to resemble a storm cloud.
Today, the Dark ’n’ Stormy remains closely associated with Bermuda and Goslings Black Seal Rum, becoming one of the best-known rum and ginger beer cocktails.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A DARK ’N’ STORMY
A good Dark ’n’ Stormy starts with a rich, characterful dark rum that remains clearly present alongside spicy ginger beer. Fresh lime adds acidity and brightness, while a bold ginger beer provides the cocktail’s distinctive spice and refreshing carbonation.
For Drinkero’s version, we recommend Goslings Black Seal Rum or
Planteray Original Dark Rum. Its rich caramel, vanilla and spice character works particularly well with ginger beer and fresh lime.
Complete the drink with Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer and lime juice for a bold, refreshing highball with plenty of ginger character.
TECHNIQUE: BUILD, TOP & STIR
The Dark ’n’ Stormy is built directly in the serving glass rather than shaken. Add the rum and lime juice to a highball glass, fill generously with ice, then top with chilled ginger beer.
Stir gently to combine the ingredients while preserving the ginger beer's carbonation. Avoid vigorous stirring, which can flatten the drink.
For a more dramatic presentation, the dark rum can also be added last so it forms a darker layer above the ginger beer before serving. Finish with a fresh lime wedge.
Questions about the Dark ’n’ Stormy
What rum is best for a Dark ’n’ Stormy?
A rich, full-flavoured dark rum works best. Drinkero recommends Goslings Black Seal Rum, the classic rum associated with the Dark ’n’ Stormy.
What ginger beer is best for a Dark ’n’ Stormy?
Choose a ginger beer with strong ginger character and lively carbonation. We recommend Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer for its bold, spicy flavour.
Does a Dark ’n’ Stormy contain lime juice?
Our recipe uses 15 ml of lime juice per cocktail to add fresh acidity and balance the sweetness of the rum and ginger beer.
How much rum is in a Dark ’n’ Stormy?
Our recipe uses 50 ml of dark rum per cocktail.
What glass should I use for a Dark ’n’ Stormy?
A highball glass works well because it provides enough room for the rum, ginger beer and plenty of ice.
Can I make Dark ’n’ Stormys for a group?
Yes. Choose 6, 12, 24 or 48 cocktails in the Drinkero Cocktail Kit Builder and the required ingredient quantities are calculated for you.
Is the Dark ’n’ Stormy an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Dark ’n’ Stormy is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail list as a New Era cocktail. See the IBA’s official Dark ’n’ Stormy recipe for the classic specification.