How to Make a Classic Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipe

The Dark and Stormy is a cozy, velvety cocktail with a touch of sweetness from dark rum, lively spice from ginger beer, and bright citrus from lime. Simple to make and full of flavor, it’s perfect for a quiet night in or for serving friends.

Two tall glasses with two dark and stormy cocktails in it along with limes on a table — Image Credit: Dishes Delish.

If you enjoy a Moscow mule and like dark rum, you’ll love a Dark and Stormy. It uses just three main ingredients and comes together quickly.

I remember the first time I made one at a restaurant where I worked. A guest asked for a Dark and Stormy and I didn’t know the recipe offhand. I grabbed the bartender’s recipe book and tried to recreate it.

But I made a mistake: the restaurant didn’t have ginger beer, so I used ginger ale instead. It’s not the same. Ginger ale is mild and sweet, while ginger beer is spicy and bold. The drink I served the guest was acceptable, but he didn’t order another.

Since then I’ve learned the right balance and now make the cocktail the way it’s meant to be enjoyed.

History of the Dark and Stormy

The Dark and Stormy has roots in Bermuda and is closely associated with Gosling Brothers Ltd., which holds trademarks on the name “Dark ’N Stormy.” It’s considered the unofficial national drink of Bermuda and has an interesting backstory tied to the island and the rum trade.

Helpful

Tips

Some recipes skip fresh lime juice or layer the rum on top. I prefer mixing the rum with the ginger beer and lime so the flavors blend. Try this straightforward method first to see if you like it.
There are many dark rums available; Gosling’s Black Seal is a classic and my go-to choice.
Ginger beers vary in heat and flavor. A spicy ginger beer complements the dark rum best; Gosling’s ginger beer is one example that works well.
Traditionally served in a tall Collins glass, you can also use a highball, double old-fashioned, or any glass you prefer.
Wash limes before juicing or garnishing. Rinse under cold water and scrub the skin with a cloth if needed, then rinse again.

Horizontal photo of A tall glass with the cocktail with lime wedges

How to make a Dark and Stormy cocktail

Pre-step

This cocktail is built directly in the glass. Prepare your glassware and tools: a tall glass (Collins or highball), ice, a measuring tool, and a citrus squeezer or reamer for fresh lime juice.

Step one

Gather ingredients: dark rum (Gosling’s Black Seal recommended), spicy ginger beer, and fresh lime.

Dark rum, limes, and ginger beer on a wooden table — Image Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step two

Measure 2 ounces of dark rum per cocktail (4 ounces total for two). Add rum to an ice-filled glass.

Measure out 4 ounces of rum and pour it into the ice-filled glasses — Image Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step three

Measure 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice per cocktail (1 ounce total for two) and add to the glass.

Measure out 1 ounce of fresh squeezed lime and pour it into the ice-filled glasses — Image Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step four

Top each glass with ginger beer. You don’t need to be exact—about 4–5 ounces per glass is typical. Add more ice if desired.

Ginger beer poured into the glasses up to the top — Image Credit: Dishes Delish.

Step five

Cut two thin lime wedges. Squeeze a wedge into each drink, drop the wedge in as garnish, and give the drink a gentle stir if you prefer.

Close view of the cocktail with the lime wedge in it along with more lime and another glass in back — Image Credit: Dishes Delish.

Refreshing and simple—the Dark and Stormy is a classic for a reason.

Other rum-based cocktails

Rum swizzle
Daiquiri
Piña Colada

May all your dishes be delish!

If you try this recipe, feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts.

square view of a tall glass with the cocktail in it along with a lime for garnish

Dark and Stormy Drink

This Dark and Stormy blends dark rum, spicy ginger beer, and tart lime into a lively cocktail that’s easy to make and delicious to sip.

5 from 9 votes

Course: Cocktail

Cuisine: Cocktails

Keyword: dark and stormy, dark and stormy cocktail, dark n stormy

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: 2 cocktails

Calories: 169kcal

Author: Elaine Benoit

Ingredients

4 ounces Goslings Black Seal Dark Rum (divided – 2 ounces per drink)
8 ounces Goslings Ginger Beer (approximate – pour to taste)
1 ounce lime juice (divided – 1/2 ounce per drink)

Garnish

2 wedges lime (squeeze into cocktail and place in glass)

Instructions

Fill tall glasses 3/4 full with ice.
Add rum, lime juice, and ginger beer.

4 ounces Goslings Black Seal Dark Rum, 8 ounces Goslings Ginger Beer, 1 ounce lime juice
Adjust ice, squeeze lime wedge into the drink and drop it in. Stir if desired.
Sip.
Smile.
Enjoy.

Equipment

Collins glass

Measuring glass

Citrus juicer

Stirrer

Notes

Helpful tips

Try the recipe with lime juice and mixed, rather than layering rum on top, to get a balanced flavor. If you prefer a dramatic layered look, experiment after tasting this version.
Choose a dark rum you enjoy; Gosling’s Black Seal is traditional and reliable.
Select a ginger beer with the level of spice you like—spicier ginger beers pair nicely with dark rum.
Any tall glass works: Collins, highball, or double old-fashioned are all fine choices.
Wash limes before juicing. Rinse under cold water and scrub the skin gently with a cloth, then rinse again.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may vary based on exact ingredients used. For accuracy, consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Nutrition