dark 'n stormy
This cocktail is a real summertime treat.. David Draper
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Like gin, rum is a spirit best quaffed between Memorial Day and Labor Day. I don’t make these rules or really follow them, but they do make drinking more interesting by forcing me to sample something outside of my typical rye or bourbon. I’ve been known to drink a few daiquiris and coladas in the summer, but sometimes I don’t feel like breaking out the blender. There’s nothing wrong with a rum and Coke, especially if you get sophisticated by adding a lime wedge and calling it a Cuba Libre.

But for a real rum treat, try the Dark ’N Stormy, which blends rich, syrupy black rum with the spice of a good ginger beer. It’s somehow complex and refreshing at the same time. The lime juice is not traditional. It is, however, very common here on the mainland, and I prefer the bright offset of citrus it provides. But feel free to try it without.

For an authentic Dark ’N Stormy (complete with the trademarked apostrophe-n) only Gosling’s Black Seal rum will do, but most places where you order one will use whatever dark rum they have on hand. If you can get your hands on a bottle of Cruzan Black Strap, do so. Plantation Original is a good choice as well. Bacardi Select will do in a pinch.

Dark ‘N Stormy

2 oz. dark rum
4–5 oz. ginger beer
Squeeze of lime juice

Pour dark rum and ginger beer into an ice-filled glass and stir. Squeeze lime juice over the top. Garnish with a lime wedge.