Have you ever tasted a cocktail that combines the fiery zing of ginger beer with the deep, rich flavor of dark rum? If not, you’re in for a treat! The Dark & Stormy cocktail is the perfect drink to enjoy on a cozy night or to show off at your next gathering. Trust me, this drink will become a favorite in no time!
I can’t wait to share more about this amazing cocktail with you. What do you think makes a great cocktail? Let me know in the comments! 👇
Dark & Stormy Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Highball glass: The traditional choice for serving this cocktail.
- Jigger: For precise measurement of your ingredients.
- Bar spoon: To mix everything together.
- Ice cube tray: Large ice cubes work best as they melt slowly.
Ingredients
The Dark & Stormy uses simple but important ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 3 oz ginger beer
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Garnish: Lime wedge
Choose a good quality dark rum for the best flavor. Spicy ginger beer is crucial; it gives the cocktail its signature kick. Fresh lime juice adds tanginess. Don’t skip the garnish—it makes the drink look and taste even better.
Instructions
Follow these steps to mix your cocktail:
- Fill your highball glass with ice to the top.
- Pour in the dark rum over the ice.
- Add the ginger beer slowly. Pouring it gently keeps the layers separate.
- Squeeze in fresh lime juice. A half-ounce should do the trick.
- Stir gently with your bar spoon to mix everything just a little.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately. 🍹
- Make sure to pour the ginger beer slowly to prevent it from fizzing too much. Stirring too much can blend the flavors more than desired, so just a gentle mix is recommended.
Notes
The quality of the ginger beer is crucial—choose one with a strong, spicy flavor.
If you like your drink sweeter, consider adding a splash of simple syrup.
A few dashes of angostura bitters can add extra depth to the flavor.
Share your own twists and variations in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you make your Dark & Stormy! 😊
That’s it! You’re now ready to impress your friends with this classic cocktail. Cheers! 🥂
Must Have Ingredients
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![]() | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
The Dark & Stormy cocktail is quite a treat! 🍹 Let me tell you what to expect:
First sip immediately brings bold flavors. The dark rum delivers a rich, warming taste that mixes with the spicy ginger beer. It’s both sweet and spicy at the same time.
You can also detect the sharpness of fresh lime juice. It adds a zesty kick, making the drink feel balanced and refreshing.
Here’s a quick breakdown of flavors:
- Dark Rum: Rich and deep, almost caramel-like.
- Ginger Beer: Spicy, crisp, and fizzy.
- Lime Juice: Fresh, tangy, and citrusy.
Each ingredient plays its part perfectly. One sip and you’ll keep coming back for more.✨
Feel free to share your own tasting notes in the comments! What do you taste when you take a sip of the Dark & Stormy? 🍋 🍹
Substitute
Sometimes, you might not have all the ingredients for a Dark & Stormy. No worries! I’ve got some great substitutes for you. 😊
If rum is missing, you can use:
- Whiskey for a bolder twist.
- Cognac for a touch of elegance.
- Tequila for a kick.
For ginger beer, try:
- Ginger ale. It’s a bit sweeter but still works great.
- Club soda with a splash of ginger syrup.
Out of lime juice? Use:
- Lemon juice for a slightly different tartness.
- Orange juice for a citrusy twist.
If you want a non-alcoholic version:
- Ginger beer and lime juice still make a refreshing drink.
- Add a splash of sparkling water for extra fizz.
Experiment and find your favorite mix! 🌟 Share your substitutes in the comments below! 🥂

Tips & Tricks
Making a Dark & Stormy? Here are some tips to perfect your cocktail!
Choose the right rum: The best Dark & Stormy uses dark rum. My favorite is Gosling’s Black Seal. 🥃
Ginger beer matters: Look for a spicy, high-quality ginger beer. It should have a real kick to balance the rum’s sweetness.
Ice, ice, baby: Use lots of ice! More ice means your drink stays colder longer without getting watered down.
Perfect proportions: The standard ratio is 2 oz. of dark rum to 3 oz. of ginger beer. I like to taste as I mix to get it just right.
Fresh lime: Squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice over the top. It adds a zesty twist that elevates the flavor.
Stir gently: To mix everything without losing the fizz, just give it a gentle stir.
Garnish with style: Add a lime wedge or a slice of fresh ginger for that extra touch.
Pro Tip:
If you want to make a batch for a party, simply scale up the ingredients and mix in a large pitcher. Let guests help themselves with a ladle. 🎉
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! 🍹