A refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make; here’s how to make a Dark and Stormy.
This simple yet refreshing alcoholic beverage is a welcome addition to your summertime cocktail menu. Whether you’re a mixologist extraordinaire or an at-home cocktail maker, a DARK AND STORMY COCKTAIL is an excellent drink to add to your repertoire. It is especially perfect on a warm summer’s day, enjoyed on the dock. It’s also a welcome companion as you observe the gathering storm on the lake and, in your glass!
Here are a few tips on making a DARK ‘N STORMY COCKTAIL;
INGREDIENTS
Legend has it, this cocktail was first created in Bermuda just after WW1. The very first DARK ‘N STORMY was created by GOSLING BROTHERS a Bermudan distillery famous for its rum spirits. They stirred Gosling’s Black Seal Rum with ginger beer and lime juice to create this smooth and refreshing drink now enjoyed the world over. Unlike a Moscow mule, made with vodka, their Dark ‘n Stormy played up the rich flavor of Gosling’s rum partnered with their own ginger beer.
The backstory of this cocktail is interesting. Some say the mix resembles the color of a cloud right before a thunderclap. Others claim it cures seasickness. There’s even a story about a sailor who ventured out in a storm; returning home safely his friends thought him a dead man and a fool, yet he claimed a DARK AND STORMY brought him to safe harbor. Seriously? No wonder it became the favourite cocktail of British sailors and British naval officers. Yes, sir!
We suggest following a similar approach to the original. To begin, select a favourite dark rum. We used KRAKEN, a Trinidadian-based rum for our story as Gosling’s was unavailable here. It has a memorable flavor profile of clove, cinnamon, ginger, and galangal with a big punch of vanilla, a touch of coffee, and a hint of pepper. Other dark rums that work well in this recipe include; Worthy Park, Pusser’s Gunpowder, Bacardi Carta Negra, and Captain Morgan Black Label. Pick your favourite.
HOW TO MAKE THE COCKTAIL
The other key ingredients in this cocktail are ginger beer and fresh lime juice. Although you can make this drink using a premium, soft, ginger beer such as FEVER TREE or ginger ale, we found an alcoholic version more pleasing. Try making it as we did with CRABBIES. It has a beautiful dark amber gold colour; fairly intense aromas of ginger, and spice, with notes of oak and cedar; sweet, medium-bodied, frothy carbonation.
To craft this cocktail find an attractive, tall highball glass as well as a cocktail measure, spoon, and ice tongs. Then, add ice cubes and pour the measures of rum, ginger beer, and lime juice. To present, stir the libation, garnish with a slice or lime wedge, and serve. Some folks also add a dash of bitters for added flavor. No blenders, cocktail shakers, or fancy bartending accouterments are needed.