As iconic waterside cocktails go, the Dark ‘n Stormy is right up there. Invented in the 1920s by British sailors looking for a tipple to help with seasickness, it soon became apparent that it was popular with everyone and not just those struggling in the choppy waters.
Goslings Black Seal rum and Barritt’s Ginger Beer were the original combination, and unlike most cocktails, this matters. Goslings have actually trademarked the Dark ‘n Stormy (with one apostrophe) and taken legal action against companies in the past.
These days, Goslings use their own Ginger Beer creation too, but if Goslings Black Seal isn’t the rum in your Dark n’ Stormy, then it isn’t technically one at all!
Now of course, when it comes to mixology at home, you can do whatever you like! Baring that in mind, let’s take a look at the best ways to switch up this classic!
The Original Dark n’ Stormy– for the traditionalists
Dark rum and ginger are the two key ingredients here, but many add a dash of lime for a bit of zip. It’s so fresh and vibrant with the sweet and warming spice intertwining gorgeously with thick, caramelly rum. Such a vivid tropical flavour that will transport you away to sunnier climes.
Ingredients
50ml dark rum (Goslings Black Seal)
80ml ginger beer
20ml lime juice (optional)
Lime wedge (garnish)
Method
Probably the easiest cocktail to make – add your ginger beer over ice and top up with dark rum!
Sunny ‘n’ Stormy – for the orange lovers
Similar to a Moscow Mule, this just adds a little orange sun to the original. Angostura bitters give a bit more intensity and marmalade notes to the cocktail as well as a touch more spice, and freshly squeezed orange juice and zest adds fresh citrus to the equation.
Ingredients
45ml dark rum
60ml ginger beer
20ml orange juice/zest
Dash of angostura bitters
Orange wedge (garnish)
Method
Shake dark rum and orange juice with ice and strain into your glass. Top up with ginger beer and add a few dashes of Angostura bitters and orange zest on top!
Dark ‘n’ Stormy Orchard – for the cider lovers
This a fantastic autumnal twist on the tropical Dark ‘n’ Stormy. The ginger, cinnamon and spiced rum bring satisfying warmness and comforting flavours that match perfectly with the hearty apple cider. The thick and gently fizzy texture is also super moreish.
Ingredients
45ml dark spiced rum
50m apple cider
20ml ginger beer
Apple slices (garnish)
Cinnamon stick (garnish)
Method
Add your cider and rum to a glass, top up with a small pour of ginger beer and garnish with apple and cinnamon! For a touch of sweetness, add apple juice too!
Dark ‘n’ Stormy Espresso– for the coffee lovers
Coffee is such a versatile and intense taste that even just adding a little is a surefire way to mix up your favourite cocktail. Whilst the original has a kick, this takes it one step further with warm spice and bitter, earthy espresso livening up the cocktail.
Ingredients
30ml dark rum
25ml espresso
50ml ginger beer
Lime juice (optional)
Method
Pour your ingredients into your glass in layers. So, dark rum first over ice, then ginger beer, and then slowly pour in the freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy!
Stormy Weather – for the wine lovers
Wine, particularly Shiraz, works surprisingly well in the Dark & Stormy set-up. Similar to The Bishop cocktail, the rum brings the caramelly depth of tropical notes, whilst the Shiraz brings loftier sweet red fruits. Often already arriving with subtle peppery spice, Shiraz complements the ginger to create a rich, fruity and vibrant cocktail.
Ingredients
35ml dark rum
35ml Shiraz wine
Splash of ginger beer
10ml syrup
Lime juice
Method
Shake well with ice because it’s important everything is thoroughly mixed here. Strain, top up with ginger beer and away you go!
Need a dark rum to star in your Dark ‘n’ Stormy variations? Check out these gems for under £30!