The Perfect Dark ‘n Stormy Cocktail Recipe

The Dark ‘n Stormy Cocktail Recipe—With a Kick of Caffeine

Over the years—centuries, in fact—rum has kept soldiers warm during times of war and sailors merry on the seas. And let’s be honest, people. Who hasn't thrown worries to the wind and reached for that rum a time or two as we put our “toes in the water, ass in the sand”?

When it comes to rum, the Dark ‘n Stormy is legendary! But don’t be fooled by the name. Thanks to its Caribbean origins, instead of bleak and depressing darkness, this cocktail is so tasty—and actually more colorful than it sounds. And to truly treat yourself, make this cocktail the way it was meant to be swigged—supercharged. Add a chilled shot of Death Wish Coffee Vanilla, our latest everyday flavor. This blend of arabica and robusta beans, paired perfectly with rich vanilla and that extra kick of caffeine you need, will bring out your inner pirate—or you can sip it in solitude. There’s no judgment here.

The Legend of the Dark ‘n Stormy

According to Gosling’s Rum tale, the Dark ‘n Stormy was invented over 100 years ago when a Ginger Beer Factory run by Bermuda’s Royal Naval Officer’s Club offered sailors an additional splash of the local—and always available—rum to their already-spicy, homemade ginger beer. Because of its unique color, they likened the cocktail to the cruel sea and described it as “the color of a cloud only a fool or dead man would sail under.”

The Perfect Dark ‘n Stormy Cocktail Recipe

Adding to its popularity is the fact that a Dark ‘n Stormy is so easy to make—yet so sophisticated, guaranteeing it's ideal for any occasion. With the base being rum, it’s served on the rocks, generally in a Collins or highball glass. A true Dark ‘n Stormy can’t take on the name unless it’s made with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, since “Dark ‘n Stormy” has been a registered trademark of Gosling Brothers Ltd. of Bermuda since 1991. But although Gosling’s is the original rum used to make this tasty treat, any dark rum will give it the perfect dark, menacing—and stormy hue. Add a chilled shot of Death Wish Coffee Vanilla—and now you have a masterful concoction you’ll never want to sail the “stormy” seas without.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Gosling’s Black Seal Rum (or substitute with any dark rum)
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice (optional)
• 3 ounces chilled ginger beer
• 1 chilled shot Death Wish Coffee Vanilla (brewed any way you like)
• 1 candied ginger slice
• 1 lime wheel

Directions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the rum and lime juice and shake well.
3. Strain into an ice-filled Collins (or highball) glass.
4. Stir in the ginger beer and a chilled shot of Death Wish Coffee Vanilla.
5. Skewer the ginger slice and lime wheel and garnish the cocktail.

Now you can make the Dark ‘n Stormy—with an extra kick of caffeine—right at home when you check out our Death Wish Coffee Vanilla flavored coffee. And don't let the name fool you, there’s nothing “vanilla” about this brew. Warm your cold heart in a blaze of balanced, rich vanilla that’s medium-roasted and made with no artificial ingredients. A blend of arabica and robusta beans perfectly paired with vanilla for a bold, smooth taste and a subtly sweet finish made for sipping in solitude. A heavy hitter brewed hot or over ice, drown your cup in cream and sugar for the death-by-decadence experience.

[Featured Image Credit: Mae Mu via Unsplash]