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Cocktails might turn off a lot of people as they seem too much of a hassle to make on your own, so they stay reserved only for nights out. But we shouldn’t be limited to drinking refreshing alcoholic beverages only when we are out and about in the city, as some of them are specifically designed for those lazy, chilled afternoons when the sun is just about right. The Dark and Stormy is exactly that kind of a drink, a simple and invigorating cocktail which is almost as easy to make as it is to pour beer into a glass.
The Dark ‘N’ Stormy, if you want to get fancy with its name, is, therefore, a perfect cocktail to start your mixology adventure or an easy addition to the arsenal of more experienced amateur or semi-pro bartenders.
What is a Dark and Stormy
Dark and Stormy cocktail falls into the highball category of mixed drinks, meaning it’s composed out of an alcoholic base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic drink, or a mixer. In the case of a Dark and Stormy drink, the base spirit is dark rum, and the mixer is ginger beer. The name highball comes from the fact that these drinks are served in tall glasses.
The Dark and Stormy originated in Bermuda after the World War I, which is all the proof you need that it is the ultimate summer, beach cocktail. It was really popular amongst the local sailing and sail racing community, and the name originated from a sailor who commented on the color it has “color of a cloud only a fool or a dead man would sail under”. So that’s why we have a sunny-weather cocktail with such dark name.
While the Pina Colada is the national drink of Puerto Rico, the Dark and Stormy is the official drink of Bermuda.
Dark and Stormy Ingredients
– Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
– Ginger beer (not ale)
– Limes
– Ice
Dark and Stormy Recipe
In order to make this popular cocktail you just need a knife, a bar spoon or a straw even, and a high glass, ideally, a cool one.
The Gosling family from Bermuda, the manufacturer of black rum, even has the legal trademark certificates which state that the Dark ‘N’ Stormy have to be made with their Black Seal Rum, and nothing else. A rarity in the world of mixing drinks and the company is pretty rigorous in pushing the bars do respect their legal right. They can’t get you if you’re at home so you can use another black rum for this cocktail.
But for the original, pour two ounces of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum into the high glass. Proceed to fill the glass with ice to the top, then fill the glass by pouring ginger beer into it. You should try to find a ginger beer with sediment in it, as that will be closer to the original recipe.
Chop off a quarter of a half of lime, and squeeze it into the cocktail and put the slice into the drink. To garnish the drink, put another piece of lime on the side of the glass and you are done. Just stirr the drink with a bar spoon or a straw gently, and it’s ready to refresh you.
Tell us how did your Dark and Stormy turned up, and now you just need to pick up some tricks on how to approach girls at the beach and you’re set for the summer. Make sure that you take care off your back hair before you hit the sand though.
