Description
The Zesty Dark and Stormy is a classic cocktail blending smooth dark rum with spicy ginger beer and fresh lime juice, served over crushed ice. Ready in minutes, this refreshing drink is perfect for entertaining or relaxing with a vibrant, balanced flavor that’s both easy and impressive.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 1 1/2 oz dark rum (such as Gosling’s Black Seal or Myers’s Dark Rum)
- 1/2 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
Serving Ingredients
- Crushed ice, for serving
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a highball glass with crushed ice, ensuring the glass is well-chilled and nearly full to keep the cocktail cool and refreshing.
- Build the Cocktail Base: Pour 4 oz of ginger beer into the glass over the crushed ice, followed by 1/2 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir gently to combine and chill the mixture while preserving carbonation and bright flavors.
- Float the Rum: Slowly pour 1 1/2 oz of dark rum over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the cocktail, creating the signature layered effect of a Dark and Stormy.
- Stir and Garnish: Just before serving, gently stir the drink with a cocktail spoon to blend the layers slightly. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy immediately for the freshest, most balanced taste.
Notes
- Use a good quality dark rum, such as Gosling’s Black Seal or Myers’s Dark Rum, for authentic flavor.
- Ginger beer is key to the cocktail’s spicy kick; avoid substituting with ginger ale unless necessary, and if you do, add fresh grated ginger for extra spice.
- Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best acidity and brightness.
- Serve over plenty of crushed ice in a copper mug or highball glass to maintain chill and refreshment.
- This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to retain fizz and flavor.
- Can be scaled up easily for larger parties.
- Store lime juice refrigerated and use within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Build and float
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 135 kcal
- Sugar: 15-20 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Dark and Stormy, cocktail, ginger beer, dark rum, lime juice, easy cocktail, refreshing drink, classic cocktail, summer drink
