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This classic dark and stormy cocktail is the perfect summertime cocktail. It’s packed with dark rum, lime, bitters, and spicy ginger beer.
I love a ginger-based cocktail. It’s so refreshing, and the spicy ginger beer gives it a subtle bite. So good!
That’s why one of my goto drinks will always be the dark and stormy cocktail! It’s simple to make (with just four ingredients!) and pairs perfectly with warm summer days and nights.
I made mine with lime bitters, spicy ginger beer, dark rum, and a small squeeze of fresh lime. If you don’t have lime bitters, use 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice. I love the addition of lime bitters, as it elevates the flavors ever so slightly without adding a lot of acid.
When picking a ginger beer, Gosling’s brand is popular, though it’s made with high fructose corn syrup instead of cane sugar. For a more natural option, try Fever Tree or Q Mixers.
For me, I’ll use whatever spicy ginger beer I can find. They all taste great to me.
Ingredients needed
- Ice
- Lime bitters
- Dark rum
- Ginger beer
- Fresh lime
How to make a dark and stormy cocktail
A dark and stormy cocktail is made with a 2:1 ratio of ginger beer to dark rum and a slice or squeeze of lime. It’s served over ice in a highball (tall) glass. Fresh lime juice and simple syrup are sometimes added for a sweeter drink.
Some people think of this drink as a Moscow mule with rum. The two cocktails have the same ingredients; only a Moscow Mule is made with vodka.
Dark and Stormy Cocktail FAQ’s
More cocktail recipes
Dark and Stormy Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice
- 3 dashes lime bitters
- 4 ounces ginger beer
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 1 wedge fresh lime
Instructions
- Add ice to a short cocktail glass and add your lime bitters.
- Pour ginger beer over ice in a glass.
- Carefully pour the rum over the back of a spoon to layer it on top of the ginger beer.
- Garnish with a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- Frozen Dark and Stormy: Add ice and blend in a blender
- Kraken Dark ‘n Stormy: Add 1.5 ounces of espresso
- Stormy Weather: Add 1.5 ounces of Shiraz wine
- Rhubarb Dark and Stormy: Add five dashes of rhubarb bitters
- Pineapple Dark & Stormy: Add 1 ounce pineapple juice and two dashes of orange bitters
- Pumpkin Spice Dark ‘n Stormy: Dissolve ¼ tsp pumpkin spice in the rum
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
All of them sounds wonderful. I would love to try Lime, Orange, Lavender, and Chocolate…oh, and grapefruit too. 😛 I’m sure they will kick my usual cocktail to another notch!
amy [at] utry [dot] it
If you’re looking for spicy ginger ale/beer you should try Blemheim’s Ginger Ale (https://www.blenheimgingerale.com/) It’s hard to find, but it’s AMAZING and totally worth it. Start with the Gold cap 🙂
Have I ever mentioned that ginger beer is my life? Especially in dark and stormys? Mmm YES.
pretty drink matches its name
Blemheim’s Ginger Ale is the best if you’re looking for spicy!
Opps! Sorry for the repeat 🙁
I’ve enjoyed Dark & Stormies before but not with lime bitters. Like the idea…will try.
Thanx