The Dark 'n' Stormy is a classic cocktail that combines the rich, deep flavors of dark rum with the spicy, refreshing kick of ginger beer. This drink is perfect for a warm evening or as a sophisticated choice for any gathering. Simple yet elegant, it’s a breeze to make and sure to impress.
While most of the ingredients for this cocktail are common, you might need to pay special attention to the dark rum. Not all supermarkets carry a wide variety of rums, so you may need to visit a liquor store to find a good quality dark rum. The ginger beer is also essential; make sure to get a good brand for the best flavor.

Ingredients For Dark 'n' Stormy Cocktail Recipe
Dark rum: This is the star of the cocktail, providing a rich, deep flavor that pairs perfectly with the ginger beer.
Ginger beer: Adds a spicy, refreshing kick to the drink, balancing the sweetness of the rum.
Lime: Used as a garnish, it adds a touch of citrus aroma and a pop of color.
Technique Tip for Making This Cocktail
To elevate the flavor of your Dark 'n' Stormy, consider using a homemade ginger beer. This allows you to control the sweetness and spice level, ensuring a perfect balance with the dark rum. Additionally, try expressing the oils from the lime slice over the drink before garnishing to add a burst of citrus aroma.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
dark rum - Substitute with aged tequila: Aged tequila provides a similar depth of flavor and complexity, making it a good alternative to dark rum.
dark rum - Substitute with bourbon: Bourbon has a rich, smoky profile that can mimic the boldness of dark rum in a cocktail.
ginger beer - Substitute with ginger ale: Ginger ale is less spicy but still provides a ginger flavor and effervescence, making it a suitable replacement.
ginger beer - Substitute with club soda and ginger syrup: Mixing club soda with ginger syrup can replicate the spicy and fizzy characteristics of ginger beer.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can provide a similar acidic and citrusy note, though it will be slightly different in flavor.
lime - Substitute with orange: Orange offers a sweeter citrus flavor that can still complement the other ingredients in the cocktail.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Cocktail
How To Store / Freeze This Cocktail
- To keep your Dark 'n' Stormy cocktail fresh, store the dark rum and ginger beer separately. This prevents the drink from losing its fizz and flavor.
- If you have leftover ginger beer, seal it tightly with a bottle cap or transfer it to an airtight container. This helps maintain its carbonation.
- For the lime slices, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and juicy.
- If you want to prepare the cocktail in advance, mix the dark rum and ginger beer in a pitcher without ice. Cover and refrigerate. Add ice and garnish with lime slices just before serving.
- Avoid freezing the Dark 'n' Stormy as the ginger beer will lose its carbonation and the texture of the drink will be compromised.
- For a quick chill, store the dark rum and ginger beer in the refrigerator for a few hours before mixing. This ensures a cold and refreshing cocktail without the need for excessive ice.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- Place the leftover Dark 'n' Stormy cocktail in a sealed container and refrigerate it to maintain its freshness.
- When ready to reheat, pour the cocktail into a small saucepan.
- Warm the cocktail over low heat, stirring gently to ensure even heating. Avoid boiling to preserve the flavors of the dark rum and ginger beer.
- Once warmed, pour the cocktail back into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a fresh slice of lime to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Best Tools for Making This Cocktail
Highball glass: A tall glass used to serve the cocktail, allowing for proper layering and presentation.
Ice: Essential for chilling the drink and maintaining its refreshing quality.
Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used to gently stir the cocktail, ensuring the ingredients are well mixed without losing carbonation.
Jigger: A measuring tool used to accurately pour the 2 oz of dark rum.
Knife: Used to slice the lime for garnish.
Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the lime.
How to Save Time on Making This Cocktail
Pre-chill your glass: Keep your highball glass in the freezer so it's ready to go when you are.
Use pre-sliced lime: Slice your lime ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Batch your drinks: Mix larger quantities of dark rum and ginger beer in a pitcher to serve multiple guests quickly.
Opt for pre-made ice: Use store-bought ice to save time on freezing your own.
Keep ingredients accessible: Store your dark rum and ginger beer in an easy-to-reach spot for quick access.

Dark 'n' Stormy Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz Dark rum
- 4 oz Ginger beer
- 1 slice Lime for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour the dark rum over the ice.
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a lime slice.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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