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★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★
A Classic Cocktail with a Moody Vibe
The Dark and Stormy is a timeless cocktail that's easy to add to your home bartending lineup. This drink doesn’t just taste great—it makes a dramatic first impression.
With its layered look and bold contrast between dark rum and pale ginger beer, it captures the essence of a stormy sky, which is exactly where it gets its name.
A Beautiful Drink Worth Admiring
Before you take your first sip, take a moment to appreciate the visual appeal. The way the dark rum floats over the ginger beer creates a striking ombré effect—like clouds rolling in before a summer storm.
It’s the kind of drink that turns heads and makes a great conversation starter, whether you're hosting guests or just treating yourself.
Simple Ingredients, Easy to Make, Big Flavor
Making a Dark and Stormy is surprisingly simple. All you need is ginger beer, dark rum, a few dashes of bitters, and a wedge of lime.
No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just pour, float, and garnish. It’s a drink that feels elevated but requires almost no effort, which is part of its charm.
Dark Rum vs. Vodka: A Flavor Twist
If you’re a fan of Moscow Mules, the Dark and Stormy offers a delicious twist. While both cocktails use ginger beer and lime, swapping vodka for dark rum changes everything.
The result is a deeper, richer flavor with molasses notes and a little extra warmth, making it a perfect pick for cooler nights or anytime you want something with bold character.
Inspired by the High Seas
After returning home from a Disney cruise (an amazing experience!), I had pirates, boats, and rum on the brain and so I thought I'd share some of the experience with you in the form of a rum cocktail recipe.
If you want to see a few pic from our trip (and get a recipe for another of my favorite cocktails), check out my Piña Colada recipe post!
If you're getting into making craft cocktails like I am 🙂 check out my Raspberry Gin Fizz post too while you're at it.
★ Ingredients You'll Need ★
This is a simple cocktail, made with just 4 ingredients plus ice.
Here's what you'll need:
- Dark rum. Goslings Black Seal rum is traditionally used.
- Ginger beer.
- Bitters. This adds tons of flavor so use sparingly.
- Lime. For garnish, but you can squeeze the juice to add flavor to your drink.
★ Tips & FAQs ★
You can use ginger ale, but it doesn't have the same robust flavor as ginger beer or the spicy quality which balances the richness of the rum. Ginger ale is milder and sweeter, so while you can use it, the drink won’t have the same bold kick.
Traditionally, Gosling’s Black Seal rum is used in a Dark and Stormy—it’s even trademarked! However, any dark or black rum with bold, molasses-like flavor will work if you're making it at home.
It’s totally up to you! The layered look is visually striking, but many people give it a quick stir before drinking to blend the flavors. Either way, it tastes great.
It’s moderate in strength. The dark rum provides a warming kick, but the ginger beer keeps it light and refreshing. You can adjust the amount of rum to your taste or to suit the occasion.
★ More Cocktail Recipes ★
Browse all my easy cocktail recipes for more drink ideas you can make at home.
Classic Dark and Stormy Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz dark rum
- 3 ½ oz ginger beer
- 2-3 dash bitters
- ½ cup crushed ice
Garnish
- 1 slice lime
Mighty Mrs. is a #WalmartPartner.
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add rum, ginger beer and bitters in layers.
- Garnish with a lime and serve.
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