Dark and Stormy Cocktail

The Dark and Stormy Cocktail is a delicious and easy-to-make drink that features the refreshing trio of dark rum, ginger beer, and lime served over ice and garnished with a slice of lime.

This highball cocktail is very similar to the Moscow mule except that the Dark ‘n’ Stormy has dark rum instead of vodka.

I’ve made a spooky Halloween version with a black sugared rim, drink sparkles, and creamy cloud foam. I mean, the name Dark & Stormy just tells you that it’s perfect for Halloween!

You can even make a delicious mocktail by leaving the rum out. Since I don’t drink any more, some of my pictures are simply the mocktail or the virgin dark & stormy with clouds!

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Please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe. I read all the comments myself and I try to help as soon as I can. I have readers from all levels of comfort and experience in the kitchen on my site, and I’ve tried to answer some of your questions already in the post. But if I’ve missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and ask.

Why do they call it a Dark ’n Stormy?

From what I’ve heard, this dark ‘n stormy drink got its name from an old sailor who thought the drink’s murky hue looked like the color of storm clouds. Of course, that could be just a fish tale!

What is the best rum for a dark & stormy?

The original Dark ‘n’ Stormy was made with Gosling Black Seal Rum and Barritt’s Ginger Beer in Bermuda. And I have read that Goslings has a trademark and that the drink must be made with their rum to stay true to the trademark.

If you’re making it at home, no one will enforce that trademark on you, and you really can make it with any rum you like.

Some people will call the drink the Safe Harbor to avoid use of the trademarked term.

Dark rum is best for this stormy drink recipe.

What is the difference between this and a Moscow mule?

But, isn’t this the same as a Moscow Mule?

Though the two are very similar, the Moscow mule is made with vodka rather than rum, and the mule is typically served in a copper mug, where the dark and stormy is served in a highball glass.

Check out my Orange Cinnamon Moscow Mule to learn more about them.

What is ginger beer?

Ginger beer is a spicy brewed beverage that’s really tasty on its own. But it’s also added as a mixer to cocktails and mocktails because it’s so good.

Back in the day, ginger beer was fermented and contained a small amount of alcohol. The bubbles in the drink came from that natural fermentation. Today however, most commercially available ginger beers are non-alcoholic.

Ginger ale on the other hand is carbonated, which comes from dissolved carbon dioxide gas, typically artificially injected under pressure.

If ginger beer is unavailable, ginger ale can be substituted, though drink snobs will frown upon using ginger ale. And, honestly, you won’t get the flavor punch that you would with ginger beer.

Can I make a large batch in a pitcher?

This is a great drink for a party!

To make a large batch of Dark and Stormy cocktails, mix the rum and lime juice in a pitcher, and let your guests pour and top their own glasses with the ginger beer. 

How do you get layers in the drink?

The layers of the drink add extra flair with the rum floating on top, mimicking a stormy sky.

Add the ice to the glass, pour in the ginger beer and the lime juice. Mix in the drink glitter. Then gently pour the dark rum on top of the drink.

If you’re adding the creamy clouds, dollop them on top, or pipe them onto the top of the drink. You can place the whipped cream mixture into a plastic bag, cut the tip of the bag off, and squeeze the clouds on top of the drink.

As you serve the drink, plunge a straw through the clouds and the ice to give movement to the angry storm clouds on top of the drink.

Variations

There are lots of ways you can switch this drink up.

The fall dark ‘n’ stormy contains bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and ginger beer. This one sounds amazing to me!

A cider and stormy is dark rum, apple cider, and ginger beer.

Or make up your own variation with a bit of ginger beer, some juice, and your favorite spirit.

Some of the specialty items you may want to buy

Note: these are affiliate links

Bats – these are waterproof which makes them good for drinks!
Edible drink glitter (I went with silver but black would also be super cool!)
Edible black glitter for rim
Dragon straws (I could not find the dragon straws that I have online, but I did find these silicone straws and these straw toppers)
Highball glasses

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