The Dark and Stormy is the official drink of Bermuda. That is set in stone. However, I would like to nominate this refreshing cocktail as the official beverage of the City of Mobile, AL. Why? Because it rains so doggone much here. And it’s hot. And humid. An incredibly humid during the months of May through September. And if you happen to get caught up in a hurricane, this libation will take the edge off and help you weather the storm. So … do I have your vote?
A Dark and Stormy (or Dark ‘n’ Stormy) is an alcoholic highball style cocktail popular in many British Commonwealth countries, such as Australia and Bermuda. It consists of dark rum and ginger beer over ice. The local rum is usually used, for example, Bundaberg in Australia or Goslings in Bermuda. [1]The drink is also popular in Rhode Island, particularly Newport.
Barritts, a Bermudian brand of ginger ale, has the essential bite without a burn, and is almost always used as the base for the Dark ‘n’ Stormy at bars and restaurants in Bermuda. [6] The trademark only allows it to be made with a measure (1.5oz) of Black Seal Rum and ginger beer to taste. It is optionally accompanied by a slice of lime.
Pour the rum into a glass over ice. Pour the Bundaberg Ginger Beer over it. Squeeze in the lime wedge and drop it in. [7]
While the Dark ‘n’ Stormy is traditionally made with dark rum, one variation nicknamed the Light ‘n’ Stormy uses 10 Cane, a light rum. Combine 1 1/2 oz. 10 Cane rum with 1 1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice and 6-8 oz. Blenheim’s Pink Cap Ginger Ale over ice.
- Ice
- 2 parts Gosling’s Black Seal rum
- 6 parts Ginger Beer
- 1 lime wedge
Dixie Dining 
You might also like to check out Fentimans Botanically Brewed Ginger Beer, established in 1905 in Northern England. A 7-day brewing and fermentation process is utilized that creates aromas and flavours just not possible through any other method. You can learn more at http://www.DrinkFentimans.com (North American Website) or on the UK site, http://www.fentimans.com
Cheers,
Greg
If you’d like to try a variation…try a Dark ‘n Horné. It’s made with Horné Spiced Rum…a brand from Atlanta, GA.
The only restaurant in the entire state of Alabama that has any is Cortlandt’s in Mobile. We haven’t launched our rum in Alabama yet…but my sister works there and keeps a bottle handy.
Get us a botle and we’ll review it — sounds interesting, John!