Dark and Stormy co*cktail Recipe with Spiced Simple Syrup (2024)

The ominous-sounding Spiced Dark and Stormy co*cktail features rich caramel vanilla flavor notes from Goslings Black Seal Rum, snappy ginger beer, warm-spiced sweet simple syrup, and fresh citrusy lime.

I’ve always been drawn to pirates. Who doesn’t enjoy tales of Blackbeard and Captain Jack Sparrow?!

It sounds like a very interesting lifestyle; traveling around the high seas exploring and treasure-hunting! Of course not so much the plundering, pillaging, and well, pirating that they do. But pirate lore always fascinates me.

Years ago I made Dark and Stormy Cupcakes with the same flavor profile as the co*cktail. Since then I’ve wanted to make my own version of this adult beverage. After recently sharing my recipe for Polyjuice Potion, I was inspired to do it!

This is my spin on a classic Dark ‘N Stormy co*cktail. I wanted to add spice to complement the ginger flavor, while keeping the integrity of the drink and using Goslings Black Seal Rum.

I decided to make a simple syrup with warm spices, and it couldn’t be any easier. To make spiced simple syrup, just add spices to sugar and water and bring it to a boil in a saucepan on the stovetop.

Traditionally, a Dark and Stormy co*cktail doesn’t add simple syrup, but because here we use simple syrup as a vessel to add spice, we need to balance out the added sweetness. A little fresh lime juice is perfect. (Just between you and I, to be perfectly honest I like this version even better than the original!)

This Spiced Dark and Stormy co*cktail recipe features the caramel, vanilla, molasses-y flavor notes of Goslings Seal Black rum along with the fresh effervescence and crisp bite of ginger beer. The sweet warm spicy flavor of spiced simple syrup and the brightness of lime juice tie everything together beautifully. It’s a fun twist on the classic beverage.

The Classic Dark ‘N’ Stormy co*cktail

Originally, this beverage was made with Goslings Black Seal Rum and Barritt’s Ginger Beer. Specifically, 1 ½ ounces of Goslings Black Seal Rum poured on top of 4 to 5 ounces of ginger beer over ice in a highball glass. Optionally, garnished with a lime wedge if you want. (Recipe found on Goslings Rum.)

Goslings trademarked it in Bermuda in 1980 and in the U.S. in 1991. This means that if a drink is called a Dark and Stormy, Goslings Black Seal Rum must be used to avoid potential litigation. (Read more about this on Forbes.)

Its ominously dark name paints quite the picture, and this is definitely a co*cktail with an interesting history.

History of the Dark ‘N Stormy

As the story goes, in 1806 James Gosling set out from England to America in a chartered ship called the Mercury. After 91 days at sea his charter had run out and the closest port was St. George’s, Bermuda.

By 1860, Gosling and his family had started a rum business. It’s said that they sold rum from a large barrel and encouraged their customers to bring their own jugs to fill. After a while they sold their dark rum in repurposed champagne bottles that were corked and sealed with black sealing wax. Hence the name, black seal rum.

The Dark ‘N Stormy came a bit later though. After World War I, the Royal Naval Officers Club ran a ginger beer factory in Bermuda. The sailors purportedly discovered that a hefty splash of rum was a pretty fabulous addition to ginger beer. And the rest is history!

You can read more about the history of the Dark ‘N’ Stormy co*cktail on CNN Travel, Scuttlebutt Sailing News, and Make Me a co*cktail.

The Best Spiced Dark and Stormy co*cktail Recipe

Dark and Stormy Ingredients

• Goslings Black Seal Rum
• Fresh lime juice
• Spiced simple syrup
• Ginger beer (not ginger ale)

Ingredients in Spiced Simple Syrup

• Sugar
• Water
• Cinnamon stick
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Whole peppercorns

How to Make a Dark n Stormy co*cktail

See Also

Dr. McGillicuddy’s. Root Beer Float Recipeco*ke-Brined Fried Chicken Recipe21 Whiskey co*cktail Recipes for Every Enthusiast22 Easy Thanksgiving co*cktail Recipes

1. Add ice to a highball glass.
2. Pour in 4 to 5 ounces of ginger beer.
3. Top with 1 ½ ounces of Goslings Black Seal Rum.
4. If desired, garnish with a lime wedge.

For our Spiced Dark and Stormy co*cktail, we first make a spiced simple syrup by combining sugar, water, and spices in a saucepan on the stovetop. Once boiling, let the mixture boil for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature before using.

Tips for Making a Dark and Stormy co*cktail Recipe

• The ginger component. Be sure to use ginger beer, not ginger ale for this co*cktail recipe. Ginger beer is much zippier with a stronger ginger bite than ginger ale.
• And now for the rum. Like we talked about earlier in this article, in order to legally be called a Dark ‘N Stormy, you have to use Goslings Black Seal Rum. Taste-wise this is the perfect choice because of its rich caramel vanilla flavor profile.
• The layered look. You can serve this co*cktail with the rum floating on top if you like the layered look. Or if you prefer, give it a quick stir with a bar spoon to mix it.

Dark and Stormy co*cktail FAQs

What’s in a Dark and Stormy co*cktail?

A classic Dark ‘N Stormy contains dark rum and ginger beer served in a highball glass over ice with a squeeze of lime.

What is the Best Rum for a Dark and Stormy?

Because Goslings trademarked it, Goslings Black Seal Rum must be used to avoid potential litigation. Of course, if you're making this drink at home, feel free to use whatever type of dark rum you like!

How is a Dark and Stormy Different Than a Moscow Mule?

Both drinks contain ginger beer and lime. The difference is that a Dark ‘N Stormy uses Goslings Black Seal Rum and a Moscow Mule has vodka.

Why is it Called a Dark and Stormy?

Supposedly the sailor who coined the name compared the drink’s murky look with a stormy sky and said it was “the color of a cloud that only a fool or a dead man would sail under.” (Find out more on Smithsonian Magazine.)

More co*cktails to Make

• Mai Tai co*cktail Recipe
• Blackberry Mojito Mocktail or co*cktail
• Hot Toddy Recipe

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