Printer Friendly

The Classic Dark and Stormy is typically considered a warm weather cocktail with its roots in the white sands of Bermuda. It's a staple in the Caribbean where it's spicy effervescence is a great foil to the heat. It has enough of a ginger kick to soothe an upset stomach too.

Sometimes you'll see this drink called a Dark ‘N Stormy. So just to get all the facts and legalities straight I think I should mention that as the unofficial drink of Bermuda, when this cocktail bears the Dark ‘N Stormy moniker it's actually a  trademarked drink and must be made with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum. But I like Bacardi in this, so I called mine a Dark AND Stormy just to cover my butt.

A good Dark and Stormy requires a deft balance between deeply rich rum and the super spice of ginger. I like mine with plenty of stormy bite too. So I often add a slice or two of raw ginger and a hint of sweetened ginger syrup. These are optional. As are the limes. In fact no true Bermudian would put lime into this cocktail, but I'm not Bermudian. So mine packs a punch of sour citrus. I think it adds to the stormy aspect of a Dark and Stormy.

But with a name like Dark and Stormy, doesn't it also seem an appropriate cocktail for Halloween? Most good ghost tales start with the phrase, "It was a dark and stormy night". Well, I'm not the only one to notice this connection. My friend and podcast mate Nathan (The Chocolate of Meats) also made the connection between the two this week on The Table Set in our Halloween-themed and appropriately named episode Dark and Stormy Night.

I hope you'll tune in and listen. Halloween lends itself to parties and this year we cover a lot of topics from homemade candy– using ghost pepper salt, to jack-o-lanterns that are more than just a pretty face.

You'll also get Nathan's version of the classic rum and ginger beer cocktail.

In Nathan's hands it's a much more creative tippler. Sure its got a healthy splash of ginger beer, but it also utilizes "the scariest spiced black rum on the market, The Kraken", chai tea syrup, and apple juice. He calls his version a Dark and Stormy Night. You can find this spookiest of recipes in the show notes for the episode. GREG

Classic Dark and Stormy serves 1 CLICK here for a printable recipe

• 1 sli fresh ginger
• 2 oz Bacardi dark rum
• 1/2 oz ginger syrup (optional)
  
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 2 lime wedges

Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice and add the fresh ginger slice. Add the rum and syrup (if using), then stir to combine. Top with ginger beer. Squeeze the lime wedges over the drink and drop them in.

Source: Mittie Hellmich