The dark and stormy is a classic rum cocktail that has exploded in popularity in recent years. Consisting only of dark rum, ginger beer, and a lime wedge garnish, it’s a simple yet refreshing highball drink. But what exactly makes a true, authentic dark and stormy? Let’s explore the key defining characteristics of this cocktail, from its origins to its ingredients.
The History and Origins of the Dark and Stormy
The dark and stormy traces its roots back to Bermuda in the early 1900s. As the story goes, members of the Royal Naval Officer’s Club (or RNOC) would mix Gosling’s Black Seal Rum with the local ginger beer, enjoying it while waiting out the frequent storms that passed through the area. The combination of the ominous weather and deep, rich rum cocktail led to the name “dark and stormy.”
For several decades it remained a local favorite in Bermuda, but eventually started gaining popularity internationally as well. The Gosling’s rum company helped spread the cocktail by trademarking the name “Dark ‘n Stormy” and enforcing standards around its preparation. As the company states, a real Dark ‘n Stormy must include:
- 2 ounces Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
- Ginger beer
- Slice of lime
So while many rum producers now make their own versions of the drink, Gosling’s Black Seal stands as the original and most iconic rum for a true dark and stormy.
Key Characteristics of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
Gosling’s Black Seal Rum has several distinctive characteristics that make it well-suited for the dark and stormy cocktail:
- Color – As the name implies, Black Seal rum has a very deep, dark color that lends the drink its signature black hue.
- Flavor – It has robust and intense flavors of molasses, licorice, butterscotch, caramel, and vanilla. This bold flavor profile stands up well against the bubbly, ginger notes of ginger beer.
- Proof – Black Seal is 80 proof (40% ABV), providing an underlying strength to balance the sweetness.
- Origin – As noted earlier, it’s made in Bermuda, the birthplace of the cocktail itself.
Beyond Gosling’s there are other excellent dark rums that can be used to make a dark ‘n stormy-style drink. But to be considered a true, authentic version, Gosling’s Black Seal is the ideal rum choice.
Key Characteristics of Ginger Beer for the Dark and Stormy
While the names are often used interchangeably, ginger beer is not the same as ginger ale. Traditional ginger beer has much more substantial ginger flavor and expected carbonation levels. Here are some factors to look for in selecting a ginger beer:
- Ginger Intensity – The ginger flavor should be pronounced, not mild. The ginger beer should add a clear spike of ginger to the drink’s profile.
- Carbonation – A good ginger beer will have robust carbonation, giving the cocktail slight effervescence and a lively texture.
- Sweetness – Many ginger beers add sugar or sweeteners to balance the ginger bite. The sweetness should complement the rum, not overpower it.
- Ingredients – The only essential ingredients should be ginger, water, sugar and carbonation. Avoid ginger beers with artificial flavors, preservatives or other additives.
Some popular ginger beer brands well-suited for dark and stormy cocktails include Cock ‘n Bull, Fever-Tree, Crabbie’s, and Reed’s Extra.
Proportions of Rum and Ginger Beer
One of the major factors affecting the taste and strength of a dark and stormy is the respective proportions of rum and ginger beer. There’s room for personal preference, but here are some general guidelines:
- Standard proportion is 2 parts ginger beer to 1 part rum (a 2:1 ratio). This provides solid ginger flavor balanced by rum richness.
- For a stronger, more spirit-forward drink, use equal parts rum and ginger beer (a 1:1 ratio).
- For a lighter, more ginger focused drink, go up to a 3:1 or even 4:1 ratio of ginger beer to rum.
The most common serving sizes are:
- Highball glass: 2 oz rum, 4-6 oz ginger beer
- Copper mug: 1.5 oz rum, 3-5 oz ginger beer
- Pint glass: 1 oz rum, 2-3 oz ginger beer
Garnish with a lime wedge and serve over ice. Adjust proportions to your preferred intensity of rum booziness versus ginger zing.
Other Possible Ingredients or Customizations
While gin and ginger beer are the two core components, dark and stormy cocktails allow for some creative customizations as well. Here are some common variations:
- Bitters – A dash or two of aromatic bitters like Angostura adds another layer of flavor complexity.
- Cinnamon – A cinnamon stick can infuse a subtle cinnamon note or rim the glass with cinnamon sugar.
- Citrus – Lemon or grapefruit wedges offer alternates to the traditional lime garnish.
- Cider – For a fall twist, use apple cider in place of ginger beer.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different add-ins or rims. Just keep the star ingredients of rum and ginger beer at the forefront.
Serving Tips and Presentation
Part of the appeal of the dark and stormy lies in its dramatic, moody aesthetic. Here are some serving tips for an artful, eye-catching presentation:
- Serve in a copper mug or highball glass over fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with a lime wedge placed on the rim of the glass.
- Optionally, roll the outer rim of the glass in brown sugar or black lava salt for a sweet or salty contrast.
- Top with extra ginger beer and add a straw.
- For a decadent touch, float a small amount of blackstrap rum on top.
- Accompany with dark, stormy ambient sounds or ocean wave tracks.
Going the extra mile to theme the glassware, garnish and sensory experience can take the dark and stormy to the next level. But even in its simplest form, it’s an iconic tropical drink with outstanding flavor.
Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipes
Now that we’ve covered the key ingredients and techniques, here are some excellent dark and stormy cocktail recipes to mix up:
Classic Dark & Stormy
- 2 oz Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
- 4-6 oz ginger beer
- Lime wedge
The standard, no-fuss version with the signature Gosling’s rum.
Dark & Stormy with Bitters
- 2 oz dark rum
- 4-6 oz ginger beer
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Lime wedge
A dash of bitters contributes an extra layer of spice aroma and flavor.
Spiced Dark & Stormy
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 4-6 oz ginger beer
- Cinnamon stick
- Orange wedge
Tailor-made for sipping by the fire or during the fall and winter seasons.
Blackstrap Dark & Stormy
- 2 oz Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
- 4-6 oz ginger beer
- 0.5 oz blackstrap rum (float on top)
- Lime wedge
The float of blackstrap rum adds a touch of richness.
Bermuda Dark & Stormy
- 2 oz Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
- 3 oz ginger beer
- 3 oz pineapple juice
- Splash blackberry liqueur
- Pineapple wedge
A tropical twist incorporating pineapple and blackberry notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying dark and stormy cocktails:
Should it be served in a copper mug?
A traditional copper mug is the iconic vessel for a dark and stormy, but a highball glass also works well. Copper conducts cold better, keeping the drink chilled. But it’s not essential.
What’s the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale?
Ginger beer has a much more pronounced ginger flavor and bite, while ginger ale is milder and sweeter. For the proper ginger intensity, use ginger beer.
What’s the alcohol content?
The ABV will depend on the rum strength and ginger beer to rum proportions. Generally it ranges from 5-10% alcohol. A standard 2:1 ratio of ginger beer to 80 proof rum yields about 7-8% ABV.
Is dark rum interchangeable with black rum?
While often used interchangeably, technically dark rum has some molasses flavor while black rum is heaviest on molasses. Either works well in a dark and stormy.
Can it be made into a cocktail pitcher for parties?
Absolutely – just batch the recipe into a cocktail shaker or pitcher. But be sure to pour into individual highball glasses with fresh ice and garnish when serving.
Conclusion
With its stunning mahogany color, lively carbonation, and balanced flavors of rich rum and spicy ginger, the Dark ‘n Stormy has secured its position as a contemporary classic cocktail. While many rums and ginger beers can stand in for Gosling’s trademarks, there’s no denying this iconic combination is responsible for launching the drink to international fame. So next time a storm is brewing, blend up this easy, two-ingredient Bermuda legend.