Pomegranate Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipe

Whenever I’m in the mood for a refreshing spin on a classic, I go for a Pomegranate Dark and Stormy. It’s an easy drink that combines sweet pomegranate juice, spicy ginger beer, and smooth dark rum—honestly, it’s a bold mix that really wakes up your taste buds.

The pomegranate brings in a fruity note that just works with the ginger’s bite and the deep flavor of dark rum. If you’re hoping to impress friends or just want to level up your happy hour, this cocktail is a breeze to throw together and, let’s be real, it looks fantastic in the glass.

It’s the kind of drink for anyone bored with the usual options. I love how quick it is, and you can easily tweak it to fit your mood.

Pomegranate Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipe

What I like about this cocktail is how the warmth of dark rum plays with the sharpness of pomegranate juice and ginger beer. Every ingredient has its job, and the steps actually matter if you want the flavors to pop.

Equipment

• Highball glass
• Jigger or measuring spoons
• Bar spoon
• Cocktail shaker (optional, for mixing)
• Citrus juicer or reamer
• Knife and cutting board
• Ice cubes

A highball glass is the classic choice for a Dark and Stormy, though honestly, any sturdy glass will do if that’s what you have. A jigger helps me avoid over-pouring, which is easy to do. I’ll use a shaker if I want everything super cold, but sometimes I just stir and call it good. A long-handled spoon is handy for floating the rum. For the lime, a juicer is nice, but squeezing by hand totally works.

Ingredients

• 2 oz dark rum (I usually reach for Goslings Black Seal—it’s got that classic feel)
• 3 oz ginger beer (ginger ale is okay in a pinch, but ginger beer gives a stronger kick)
• 1 oz pomegranate juice
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge or wheel, for garnish
• Pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional)

The dark rum adds a rich, deep note and blends with the tart pomegranate and spicy ginger beer. Pomegranate juice brings color and some sweetness. Lime juice keeps things bright and fresh. Ginger beer, not ginger ale, gives that spicy fizz I’m after, though hey, use what you’ve got.

Instructions

• Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
• Pour in the pomegranate juice and lime juice.
• Add the ginger beer over the juices.
• Slowly float dark rum on top by pouring over the back of a spoon.
• Give a gentle stir if you want the colors to mix more evenly.
• Garnish with a lime wedge and a few pomegranate seeds, if you like.
• Serve immediately.

I usually start by adding the juices and ginger beer, then I float the dark rum on top for that classic “stormy” look. Whether you stir or not is really up to you. A little garnish just makes the drink pop.

Notes

I stick with Goslings Black Seal for its smooth, molasses-y flavor, but honestly, any dark rum gets the job done. Ginger beer is my go-to for spice, while ginger ale is a bit tamer.

You can tweak the lime juice if you want it more tart. Craving more sweetness? Just up the pomegranate juice. The pomegranate seeds are mostly for looks, but I think they’re fun to munch on.

If I’m out of fresh limes, bottled lime juice does the trick, though it’s never quite as zippy. This drink is a hit at parties—easy to make, and those colors always get people talking.

Tasting Notes

So, the first sip—it’s got this sweet-tart thing going on. The pomegranate juice jumps out immediately, giving the cocktail a bold, fruity punch.

Letting it linger for a second, the ginger beer starts to do its thing. There’s a soft fizz and a little bit of spice that tickles the tongue.

Lime sneaks in, just enough to brighten up those deeper flavors. The rum? Smooth, adds a gentle warmth, but honestly, it doesn’t overpower anything.

If I had to break it down, here’s what I’m getting:

• Sweetness: All about that pomegranate juice
• Tangy and Fresh: Definitely from the lime
• Spicy: That little hit from the ginger beer
• Warm: Mellow rum in the background

The colors are worth mentioning too. When you pour it, it’s this bright, almost glowing red with a gold edge—pretty striking, actually.

I like how the flavors play together. It goes down easy, not heavy or overly sweet. Sometimes ginger and pomegranate can fight, but here they just get along.