The Dark 'n Stormy

In celebration of International Rum Day, we have a classic tropical rum cocktail, the Dark 'n Stormy. This is an official International Bartender's Association (IBA) New World Drink.

A Sweet Rum Cocktail With a Bite

This classic rum cocktail combines Goslings Black Seal rum with Goslings ginger beer to create a great combination of sweet and spicy.

I was first introduced to the Dark 'n Stormy 28 years ago on a trip to Bermuda with my girlfriend (now wife) to visit her family. At a club one night I was looking for something the locals drink, and her cousin recommended the Dark 'n Stormy - I was hooked.

Where Does the Dark 'n Stormy Come From?

The Dark 'n Stormy was invented by Gosling Brothers in Bermuda after World War 1. It's a trademarked rum cocktail, originally created using Goslings rum and Barritt's ginger beer, but the two companies had a falling out, after which Goslings started producing its own ginger beer.

According to Goslings:

Our trademarked cocktail had its origins in a Bermuda ginger beer factory run as a subsidiary to the Royal Naval Officer’s Club. They soon discovered that a splash of the local Goslings Black Seal Rum was just what the ginger beer was missing. The name was said to have originated when an old fisherman, observed that the drink was the “color of a cloud only a fool or dead man would sail under”. Probably followed by – “Barman, I’ll have another Dark ‘n Stormy!”

The cocktail has been spelled many different ways, you may see Dark and Stormy, Dark 'n' Stormy, or Dark & Stormy, but the trademarked name is Dark 'n Stormy, and it is an official International Bartenders Association (IBA) cocktail.

To get around Goslings' trademark, you may also see the cocktail with other rums referred to as a Safe Harbour. It's similar to a Moscow Mule, but made with rum, instead of vodka.

Do You Have to Use Goslings?

Because this is a trademarked cocktail, it can only be created using Goslings Black Seal rum, and Goslings ginger beer. If you are using any other brand, it is technically not a Dark 'n Stormy, but I won't tell anyone.

My wife and I have tried many brands of ginger beer, and Goslings is the best in our opinion. The Great Jamaican is a good substitute, and Fever Tree will do in a pinch, but you want a good strong ginger beer with a lot of bite to counter the sweetness of the rum.

Dark 'N Stormy Ingredients

Goslings Black Seal Rum: As mentioned above, because this is a trademarked cocktail, the official ingredients list contains Goslings rum. 

Goslings Ginger Beer: Use Goslings ginger beer to make the official Dark 'N Stormy.

Lime juice: Adds a refreshing brightness, or zip, to this cocktail.