Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipe

This Dark and Stormy recipe is a classic combination of dark rum, ginger beer, and lime–based on the Moscow Mule but with rum instead of vodka.

It’s perfectly balanced – slightly spicy and fizzy – and SO easy to make in less than 5 minutes!

What is a Dark and Stormy cocktail?

The Dark and Stormy cocktail was invented in Bermuda. Rum originated in the Caribbean and is made from fermented sugarcane. The Dark and Stormy cocktail has a ‘stormy’ visual effect where dark rum floats on top of the lighter colored ginger beer–hence the name.

The Dark and Stormy cocktail ratio

The ratio of ginger beer to dark rum is 2:1. Lime juice is optional.

• 4 oz. of ginger beer to 2 oz. of dark rum OR
• 2 parts ginger beer to 1 part dark rum

Feel free to adjust the ratio to your tastes! I like to add 1/2 oz. to 1 oz. of fresh lime juice for extra citrus flavor.

In addition to mixing up a Dark and Stormy, I LOVE this Mojito Recipe with white rum.

Related: 40 Ginger Ale Cocktail Recipes

Dark and Stormy Ingredients

My classic Dark and Stormy recipe couldn’t be easier to make! Here’s how I make one:

• Ginger Beer: Choose a high-quality ginger beer with a strong ginger flavor and natural ingredients. Popular brands include Gosling’s Ginger Beer, Fever-Tree Ginger Beer, and Reed’s Ginger Beer. If you’re curious, you’ll find my ginger beer tasting notes below.
• Dark Rum: Traditionally, Goslings Black Seal Rum is used for a Dark and Stormy drink. This dark rum is known for its rich color, full flavor, and smooth finish. However, other dark rums with similar characteristics can be substituted.
• Lime garnish: The Dark and Stormy doesn’t require lime juice but I like to garnish my Dark and Stormy cocktail with a lime wedge and squeeze a little juice to give it a boost of zingy flavor. You can also use lemon.
• Ice: Crushed or cubed ice works well.

Ginger beer tasting notes

I definitely need intensely-flavored ginger beer for my Dark and Stormy cocktail! Here are some that I recommend.

• Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer: My favorite ginger beer, Goslings has a bit of bite and spice that I appreciate. I think it has the right amount of zing.
• Fever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer: This ginger beer offers a straightforward ginger flavor.
• Reed’s Extra Ginger Brew: This ginger beer has a bite, and it’s still mostly clear with a subtle ginger kick.
• Bottoms Up Ginger Beer: This ginger beer is less fizzy than the others. It’s not as spicy as Fever-Tree–but I like it.
• Fentiman’s Ginger Beer: This ginger beer has bite. It has a kombucha-like flavor that distracts from the ginger.

Looking for more classic cocktails? Don’t miss my Moscow Mule, Margarita, Long Island Iced Tea, or Mojito!

What rum is best for a Dark and Stormy?

Other than traditional Goslings, here are other dark rums you can use to vary your drink:

• Myers’s Original Dark Rum: Similar in color and sweetness to Black Seal, but with spicier notes of molasses and caramel. May overpower the ginger beer depending on the brand.
• Kraken Spiced Rum: A Caribbean black spiced rum–named after the Kraken, a mythical squid-like giant sea monster.
• Cruzan Black Strap Rum: Richer molasses flavor compared to Black Seal, leading to a sweeter and bolder Dark and Stormy. Adjust proportions accordingly.
• Mount Gay Eclipse Black Barrel Rum: Smooth and slightly smokey option, offering a different flavor profile but complementing the ginger beer well.
• Bumbu XO Rum: Aged rum with notes of vanilla, oak, and spice. Adds complexity and depth to the drink, though less traditional in style.

Each rum has a unique flavor profile, so your Dark and Stormy will have a slightly different taste compared to the traditional version. I LOVE exploring new rum expressions!

The darker the rum, the better, for this. I like Kraken, although some find it a bit spicy for a Dark and Stormy.

Do I have to serve a Dark and Stormy cocktail in a highball glass?

The Dark and Stormy cocktail is traditionally served in a highball glass. This glass accommodates the drink’s layered presentation–creating a stormy weather effect.

Other glassware can be used, such as a rocks glass or metal tumblers.

When to serve a Dark and Stormy cocktail

The Dark and Stormy is bubbly and zingy. It’s perfect for sipping as a:

• Happy hour drink
• Holiday drink
• Summer drink
• Cocktail hour drink
• Dinner party drink
• Late night drinks drink
• Guys or girls night out

Dark and Stormy Recipe

The Dark and Stormy is a refreshing drink with a warm, spicy zing from the ginger beer. This classic cocktail is made with simple ingredients. Makes 1 drink.

Continue to Content

Dark and Stormy Recipe

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Additional Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 2 minutes

This Dark and Stormy recipe is a classic combination of dark rum, ginger beer, and lime. It's slightly spicy and fizzy–and so easy to make in less than 5 minutes!

Print

Ingredients

• 2 oz. dark rum
• 4 oz. ginger beer
• 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice (optional)
• Ice (cubed)
• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Add ice cubes to a highball or rocks glass.
2. Add dark rum over the ice.
3. Top with ginger beer.
4. Optional: Squeeze in 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice for added zing.
5. Stir gently to combine, then optionally garnish with a lime wedge.
   

Notes

• Chilled Glass: A chilled glass/mug keeps the drink cold and adds sophistication.
• Freshness: Keep the carbonated ginger beer and ice separate to maintain crispness and fizz in each serving!
• Nutrition: Please note that the nutrition label are estimates and vary based on the ingredients you use.  

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 6
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 220Sodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 30gNet Carbohydrates: 30gSugar: 28g

Dark and Stormy Cocktail FAQs

How do I create the ‘stormy’ effect in my Dark and Stormy cocktail? 

Chill your glass, a cold glass helps maintain the fizz and creates a visual contrast with the dark rum. Pour the rum over ice first, then slowly pour the ginger beer. Use smaller crushed ice, it melts faster, creating a ‘stormy’ effect.

Should I use fresh lime juice in my Dark and Stormy? 

Yes and no. The traditional recipes doesn’t call for lime juice. But I use fresh lime juice in my Dark and Stormy cocktails for a zesty kick. Plus, it cuts through the dark rum and spicy ginger beer–making it taste more refreshing!

More rum drinks

Can’t get enough rum? Check out my rum cocktails for more drink inspo.

• The BEST Mojito Recipe!
• Moscow Mule Cocktail Recipe
• Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail
• 30 Kraken Cocktails to Try
• 30 Malibu Rum Cocktail Recipes

More drink recipes I know you’ll LOVE!

Here are some of my best mixed drink and cocktail collections:

• 40 Ginger Ale Cocktails
• 50 Best Gin Martinis (+ Recipes)
• Peanut Butter Whiskey and Coke
• 21 Bourbon Martinis Perfect

Let me know how your Dark and Stormy cocktail turns out in the comments! I hope you make the BEST Dark and Stormy Ever!

Cheers!