A Dark and Stormy is a classic cocktail that is made with two key ingredients: rum and ginger beer. The traditional recipe calls for specifically Gosling's Black Seal rum and Gosling's Stormy ginger beer. These two brands are often associated with the drink and are highly recommended for an authentic Dark and Stormy experience.
Let's start with the rum. Gosling's Black Seal rum is a rich and flavorful dark rum that forms the base of the cocktail. It has a smooth and slightly sweet taste with hints of caramel and molasses. The dark color of the rum gives the drink its name, as it resembles the dark and stormy skies.
Ginger beer is the other essential component of a Dark and Stormy. It is a non-alcoholic carbonated beverage that is flavored with ginger. Unlike ginger ale, which is milder and sweeter, ginger beer has a stronger and spicier taste. The ginger adds a refreshing kick to the drink and balances out the sweetness of the rum.
Now, let's talk about the specific combination of Gosling's Black Seal rum and Gosling's Stormy ginger beer. The Gosling family has been producing rum in Bermuda for over two centuries, and their products have become synonymous with the Dark and Stormy cocktail. In fact, Gosling's holds a trademark for the name “Dark ‘N Stormy” and has specific guidelines for making the drink.
According to Gosling's, a true Dark ‘N Stormy should only be made with their Black Seal rum and Stormy ginger beer. They believe that the unique flavors of these two products complement each other perfectly and result in the most authentic and delicious Dark and Stormy.
It is worth noting that some variations of the Dark and Stormy may include lime juice as an additional ingredient. However, according to Gosling's, the original recipe does not call for lime juice. Adding lime juice is a personal preference and is not considered part of the official Dark ‘N Stormy recipe. That being said, it is common to garnish the drink with a lime wedge for added freshness and a hint of citrus aroma.
A Dark and Stormy is made with Gosling's Black Seal rum and Gosling's Stormy ginger beer. These specific brands are highly recommended for an authentic taste. While lime juice is not traditionally included, garnishing with a lime wedge is acceptable. The combination of the rich and flavorful rum with the spicy and refreshing ginger beer creates a delightful and satisfying cocktail experience.