Rum and Ginger Beer recipe is a quick and easy cocktail idea that is an absolute classic. Sometimes called a Dark and Stormy drink, it is full of flavor and great any time of year.
With just two simple ingredients plus fresh lime juice, this rum cocktail recipe is ready in under 5 minutes! It's super easy to make and wonderful to share with friends.
It was a dark and stormy night... Just kidding. I live in California. We have very few dark and stormy nights. What I love about this spiced rum and ginger beer cocktail is that it is great no matter what the weather is like.
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Why this recipe works
With just a few easy ingredients, this cocktail recipe doesn't require any special skills and is ready in a matter of minutes.
My love of Moscow Mules led to a love of ginger beer. With its refreshing and bold flavor, it makes a great cocktail mixer!
Related: Spiced Rum Daiquiri
Sipped in summer, spiced rum and ginger beer take on a tropical island vibe. Serve it in a tiki glass and you're all set. In fall, they feel moody and like you should throw on a super thick cable knit sweater and batten down the hatches.
Fresh lime finishes off this delightfully simple 3-ingredient recipe that is an easy rum cocktail to make at home.
Ingredients
While a traditional Dark and Stormy recipe is made with dark rum, I prefer to use spiced. Dark rum is aged and has a delicious flavor. But spiced rum has added flavorings and spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg) that just really float my boat.
You can use whatever you have or whatever you prefer. As long as it's not white rum. That is not going to give this the flavor match that the ginger beer needs.
There are tons of brands of ginger beer, so choose whatever you have or what is available in your store. Bundaberg is a classic brand. Reed's is always tasty too.
Do not substitute ginger ale. It is much sweeter and doesn't have the same zing of ginger. (Save it for a Fireball and Ginger Ale...)
I also add fresh lime juice to my rum and ginger beer. I've seen Dark and Stormy recipes with just a lime garnish or with juice. I say go ahead and give it a squeeze. Fresh lime juice makes most cocktails better.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
To a highball glass, add ice. Then add 2 ounces of spiced rum.
Step 2
Top with ginger beer. You can measure this, or eyeball it. Totally up to you.
Step 3
Add the fresh lime juice.
Step 4
Use a bar spoon to give it a gentle stir. It's that easy!
How to make it your own
- If you are a lightweight, feel free to make this drink with 1 ounce of spiced rum and then taste test to see if you want or need to add more.
- A garnish of fresh lime slice is perfectly fine but you can play off the notes in the spiced rum and grate fresh nutmeg or lay a cinnamon stick across the top.
- If this drink is too dramatic for you, add a splash of orange juice and a splash of vanilla to sweeten it up.
- Make this into an adult-friendly float by adding some vanilla or coconut ice cream...YUM!
- If you're super into rum, consider adding the ginger beer first, then lime juice and finally float the spiced rum on top.
- To really kick up the ginger flavor, slice a quarter-inch-sized piece of fresh ginger and muddle in the glass with lime juice before adding the ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can basically make anything into a Mule the same way you can make things a margarita. Typically, a Mule is made with vodka, ginger beer and lime. A Dark and Stormy uses rum so it's not called a Mule. But you could easily serve this rum and ginger beer cocktail in a copper mug and call it a Dark and Story Mule... Or just make a Rum Mule.
I was sent a bottle of this Captain Morgan 1671 spiced rum (a special edition) and then bought more because I loved the flavor so much. You can use any brand you find. Sailor Jerry is another well-known brand.
This quick and easy Rum and Ginger Beer cocktail is ready fast and perfect for sharing with others! Have you ever had one?
More easy rum cocktails
And just so you know, Coconut Rum Cupcakes are a thing. And you should make them.
- Rum Punch
- White Zinfandel Rum Cocktail
- 7-Up Pineapple Rum Float
- Spiced Pear Cocktail with Rum
- Classic Daiquiri Recipe
- Spiced Rum and Aperol Cocktail
- Moscow Mule with Rum
Rum and Ginger Beer [aka Dark and Stormy]
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Spiced Rum
- 4 ounces Ginger Beer
- 1 ounce lime juice
Instructions
- To a tall cocktail glass (preferably a highball glass) add ice.
- Add spiced rum, ginger beer and fresh lime juice.
- Use a bar spoon to stir gently.
- Garnish with a slice of lime. (optional)
Notes
- If you are a lightweight, feel free to make this drink with 1 ounce of spiced rum and then taste test to see if you want or need to add more.
- A garnish of fresh lime slice is perfectly fine but you can play off the notes in the spiced rum and grate fresh nutmeg or lay a cinnamon stick across the top.
- If this drink is too dramatic for you, add in a splash of orange juice and a splash of vanilla to sweeten it up.
- Make this into an adult-friendly float by adding some vanilla or coconut ice cream...YUM!
- If you're super into rum, consider adding the ginger beer first, then lime juice and finally float the spiced rum on top.
- To really kick up the ginger flavor, slice a quarter-inch-sized piece of fresh ginger and muddle in the glass with lime juice before adding the ice.
Shawn says
It's a not a Dark and Stormy if made this way. Ginger Beer first, then the rum, floated when pouring, so it stays in the top third of the glass.
The presentation of a dark and Stormy sky is just as important as the flavor. You won't miss out on flavor as it blends as you tip.
Cheers!