Uploaded July 2015 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
The Dark and Stormy is a somewhat misunderstood cocktail. By law, it needs to be made with Gosling's Rum. Anything else is a Rum Buck. The brand of Ginger Beer, however, is up to you.
The reason for this is that Gosling's trademarked the name of this cocktail. You can make the same drink with another dark and funky rum, but you can't call it a "Dark 'n Stormy" or a "Dark & Stormy" or a "Dark and Stormy." It would have to be called the less-sexy and untrademarked name, Rum Buck, which sounds more like it would be the name of a football player circa 1911.
You're going to want to try it according to this recipe first. But like the Rye Buck (youtu.be/PEONhRq3r1w) or the Dirty Shirley (youtu.be/UfRy80_IyqA), this too could benefit from a little freshly juiced ginger.
Some recipes also call for a little lime juice, but I'd suggest trying it first as it is in the video, which is the official recipe. The hint of lime on the nose from the garnish without the juice makes a big impact without the sour aftertaste. I certainly like the citrus aftertaste, particularly in a Cuba Libre (youtu.be/AcYqmOX-OtU), but it's a different experience this way.
Like most highballs, this one is easy to prepare. The garnish might just be the hardest part. This simplicity has to be one of the biggest appeals of highballs. But they are also crisp and refreshing, which you can't beat on a hot day. Cheers!
Recipe:
2 oz Rum
4-6 oz Ginger Beer
garnish Lime Wheel (optional)
Build over ice in a collins glass. Garnish with Lime Wheel.
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Featured in This Episode:
Gosling's Black Seal Rum
goslingsrum.com/microsites/blackseal.php
Fever Tree Ginger Beer
amzn.to/1f1vQbZ
Fentimen's Ginger Beer
amzn.to/1Nw70fE
Bar Tools:
Schott Zwiesel Collins Glass
amzn.to/1KT98zr
Measuring Cup
amzn.to/1KT9dTO
Barspoon
amzn.to/1FfLxB4
Cutting Board
amzn.to/1QgQTSW
Small Knife
amzn.to/1KDFQoc
The Dark and Stormy is a somewhat misunderstood cocktail. By law, it needs to be made with Gosling's Rum. Anything else is a Rum Buck. The brand of Ginger Beer, however, is up to you.
The reason for this is that Gosling's trademarked the name of this cocktail. You can make the same drink with another dark and funky rum, but you can't call it a "Dark 'n Stormy" or a "Dark & Stormy" or a "Dark and Stormy." It would have to be called the less-sexy and untrademarked name, Rum Buck, which sounds more like it would be the name of a football player circa 1911.
You're going to want to try it according to this recipe first. But like the Rye Buck (youtu.be/PEONhRq3r1w) or the Dirty Shirley (youtu.be/UfRy80_IyqA), this too could benefit from a little freshly juiced ginger.
Some recipes also call for a little lime juice, but I'd suggest trying it first as it is in the video, which is the official recipe. The hint of lime on the nose from the garnish without the juice makes a big impact without the sour aftertaste. I certainly like the citrus aftertaste, particularly in a Cuba Libre (youtu.be/AcYqmOX-OtU), but it's a different experience this way.
Like most highballs, this one is easy to prepare. The garnish might just be the hardest part. This simplicity has to be one of the biggest appeals of highballs. But they are also crisp and refreshing, which you can't beat on a hot day. Cheers!
Recipe:
2 oz Rum
4-6 oz Ginger Beer
garnish Lime Wheel (optional)
Build over ice in a collins glass. Garnish with Lime Wheel.
Follow Us!
facebook.com/DistinguishedSpirits
instagram.com/distinguishedspirits
twitter.com/DistinguishedSp
pinterest.com/DistinguishedSp
Featured in This Episode:
Gosling's Black Seal Rum
goslingsrum.com/microsites/blackseal.php
Fever Tree Ginger Beer
amzn.to/1f1vQbZ
Fentimen's Ginger Beer
amzn.to/1Nw70fE
Bar Tools:
Schott Zwiesel Collins Glass
amzn.to/1KT98zr
Measuring Cup
amzn.to/1KT9dTO
Barspoon
amzn.to/1FfLxB4
Cutting Board
amzn.to/1QgQTSW
Small Knife
amzn.to/1KDFQoc
