Build over cubed ice and stir briefly
Moscow Mule
Crisp vodka, zesty lime, and a lively ginger snap.
Build over ice and float the rum without stirring
Dark ’N’ Stormy
A tall Bermudian highball whose appeal comes from cold fizz, a dark rum layer, and a clean lime finish.
Edited by CocktailSteps Editorial Team
- Time
- 3 minutes
- Level
- Easy
- Glass
- Highball
- Approx. ABV
- 13% · Medium-low
- Tradition
- Bermudian
- Profile
- Sweet · Spicy · Citrus
Ingredient totals
Ingredients
Amounts below make one drink. The method, Quick Check, and guided Make use these one-glass amounts.
2 ozDark rumRecommended brandGoslings Black Seal Rum
3.33 ozGinger beerRecommended brandFever-Tree Premium Ginger Beer
1 pieceLime wedgeOptionalRecommended brandSunkist Persian Lime
Measured method · one drink
How to make Dark ’N’ Stormy
These steps make one glass. For more drinks, use the ingredient totals above to set up, then repeat this method for each serving.
- 01
Add the ginger beer
Cubed ice · 3⅓ oz ginger beer
Fill the highball with cubed ice, then pour in 3⅓ oz ginger beer.
Add the ginger beer visual check - 02
Float the dark rum
2 oz dark rum
Pour 2 oz dark rum very slowly over a bar spoon so it floats as a distinct dark layer.
Float the dark rum visual check - 03
Finish with lime
1 lime wedge
Set 1 fresh lime wedge on the rim and keep the rum layer intact.
Finish with lime visual check
Fill the highball with cubed ice, then pour in 3⅓ oz ginger beer.
AI-assisted illustration of one step. Follow the measured method above; sound is optional.Key move
Pour the rum slowly so the dark cap remains visible
Technique note
Why this build works
The darker rum goes on top of cold ginger beer to create the storm-cloud presentation. Pouring over a spoon near the surface slows its entry so the layers can remain visible. The layer is a serving effect, not a guarantee of even flavor: early sips can be rum-heavy until the drink mixes. Ginger beer's spice and sweetness need enough intensity to support the 2-ounce rum pour.
Common failure points
- The rum immediately disappears into the ginger beer.
- Hold the spoon close to the surface and pour slowly over its back. A fast pour from high above the glass drives the liquids together.
- The drink tastes mild and sugary rather than gingery.
- Use ginger beer with a clear spicy finish, not ginger ale by default. Taste the mixer cold before building; a decorative dark layer cannot compensate for a weak mixer.
Measure or substitute
The IBA reference specifies Goslings rum. Another dark rum at 2 ounces makes a variation with different sweetness and molasses flavor; color alone is not a match. Squeezing the lime garnish adds acidity, so taste before using the whole wedge.
Recipe references
These references describe the drink or its ingredients. Our measured build and teaching notes are CocktailSteps adaptations; proportions and methods may differ from the reference.
Set the station
Tools
JiggerRecommended brandCocktail Kingdom Japanese Style Jigger
Highball glassRecommended brandRIEDEL Drink Specific Highball
Choose your bottle
Bottle buying guide
Best fit is our default. Spend less with Smart buy, or choose Upgrade when you want more character.
Dark rum
Know the pour
Medium-low
Dark rum is lengthened with more than an equal measure of ginger beer.
Contains alcohol. Serve only to adults of legal drinking age and enjoy responsibly.
