This Dark n Stormy cocktail uses a trio of dark rum, ginger beer, and lime juice to create a classic drink similar to a Moscow mule! The Gosling’s Black Seal Rum creates the true Dark n Stormy flavor! Plus, it’s simple to make!
Best Dark And Stormy Cocktail
If you’re a fan of the insanely popular Moscow mule, then it is time for you to try out this Dark n Stormy cocktail! Instead of vodka, this drink utilizes dark rum (hence the name).
Whether you’re a rum lover or want to branch out from vodka, this is a great drink to try out! It’s super easy to make and requires no bar tools!

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🌎 Origin
Known to be Bermuda’s unofficial drink, the Dark n Stormy has a hazy origin story. It is said to have been created in a ginger beer factory that was run by the Royal Naval Officer’s Club.
The sailors discovered that adding a splash of the newly popular Black Seal rum to the ginger beer created a great pairing! Thus, the Dark n Stormy was born.
🍹 Ingredients
- Rum – 2 ounces of Gosling’s Black Seal rum.
- Lime Juice (optional) – ½ ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice (*see note).
- Ginger Beer – 5 ounces of ginger beer (enough to top off the glass).
- Lime Wheel (optional) – 1 lime wheel for garnish, if desired.
*Be sure to see the recipe card below for ingredients, amounts, & instructions!*
🍸 Instructions
This drink is a snap to make! The only thing you’re going to need is your highball glass!
- Fill. To begin, fill a tall glass with ice and then add 2 ounces of Gosling’s Black Seal rum and ½ ounce of lime juice.
- Top off. Next, top off the glass with about 5 ounces of ginger beer.
- Garnish. Finally, garnish the drink with a lime wheel and enjoy while cold.
🥂 Cocktail Tips & Variations
- Ginger ale should not be substituted for ginger beer. Ginger ale is a sweet soda while ginger beer is actually brewed and fermented. Ginger ale would still make a tasty drink, but it would not have the signature ginger 'bite' that a dark n stormy cocktail should have.
- In Bermuda, they generally do not add lime juice to this drink. You will find they add a garnish of lime so that you may add the lime juice at your own discretion.
- Gosling Brothers Ltd of Bermuda actually trademarked the dark n stormy. So, for the true dark n stormy experience, you should always use Gosling's Black Seal rum!
🍲 Foods To Serve With
- Grilled Pork Steaks
- Pan Seared Hanger Steak
- Baked Chicken Wings
- Pan Seared Lamb Leg Steak
- Grilled Chicken Thighs
- BBQ Baked Pork Spareribs
❓ What Rum Is Best For A Dark N Stormy Cocktail?
Technically, this drink can only actually be called a “Dark N Stormy” cocktail if it uses Gosling’s Black Seal Rum! Of course, you could use any rum you like and still have a tasty drink (preferably dark rum)!
❓ What Is Ginger Beer?
Ginger beer is a non-alcoholic drink with a strong ginger-flavored punch. It originally contained alcohol (but not beer) in the 1700s, but Prohibition laws resulted in the creation of the nonalcoholic version in the 1920s.
❓ What Is The Difference Between A Dark N Stormy Cocktail And A Moscow Mule?
The only difference between a Moscow mule and a dark n stormy cocktail is that a Moscow mule contains vodka whereas a dark n stormy uses rum! Of course, Moscow mules are also typically served in a copper mug.
📋 Recipe
Dark n Stormy Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gosling's Black Seal rum
- ½ oz lime juice (optional, freshly squeezed - *see note)
- 5 oz ginger beer (about 5 ounces, enough to top off the glass)
- lime wheel (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice then add the rum and lime juice.2 oz Gosling's Black Seal rum, ½ oz lime juice
- Top off the glass with ginger beer.5 oz ginger beer
- Garnish with a lime wheel if desired and serve while cold.lime wheel
Equipment You May Need
Notes
- Ginger ale should not be substituted for ginger beer. Ginger ale is a sweet soda while ginger beer is actually brewed and fermented. Ginger ale would still make a tasty drink, but it would not have the signature ginger 'bite' that a dark n stormy cocktail should have.
- In Bermuda, they generally do not add lime juice to this drink. You will find they add a garnish of lime so that you may add the lime juice at your own discretion.
- Gosling Brothers Ltd of Bermuda actually trademarked the dark n stormy. So, for the true dark n stormy experience, you should always use Gosling's Black Seal rum!
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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