Thanks to the low ABV movement of the last decade, simple highball cocktails have seen a major resurgence. These two ingredient cocktails have a tremendous amount of versatility, which in turn creates an extremely diverse array of flavors and combinations. Given the wide variety of options, there is one classic highball cocktail that continues to thrive despite the recent low ABV trend: the Dark ‘N Stormy. This simple serve of dark rum and ginger beer is the unofficial cocktail of Bermuda and has captivated fans for over two-hundred years. Our version of this esteemed island classic utilizes Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos in place of dark rum, which significantly lowers the ABV while providing a layer of complexity that is missing from the original highball recipe. Give this Bermuda favorite a try and it is sure to become a go-to in your cocktail arsenal.
COCKTAIL: DARK ‘N STORMY
Full Ingredients list
- 2oz Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos
- 6oz ginger beer
- Garnish: orange twist
Recipe author: Steven Dragun
WHO INVENTED THE HIGHBALL COCKTAIL?
The Dark ‘n Stormy cocktail is said to have originated in Bermuda in the spring of 1806. The story goes that sailors at a ginger beer factory owned by the Royal Navy Officer’s Club discovered that adding Gosling’s Black Seal rum to the ginger beer improved the overall flavor of the drink. Ginger beer was very popular amongst the British sailors to heal seasickness, and the rum may have been added to help settle the stomach. The drink’s name is said to come from a sailor who compared its murky color to storm clouds, saying it was the color of a cloud that only a fool or a dead man would sail under.
WHAT GLASS IS A DARK ‘N STORMY COCKTAIL SERVED IN?
A 12oz highball glass is typically used when serving a Dark ‘n Stormy, along with any other highball cocktail.
Other glassware can be used, as long as the volume is 12oz.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MAKE A DARK ‘N STORMY COCKTAIL?
WHAT SHERRY IS BEST FOR A DARK ‘N STORMY COCKTAIL?
Any dry, oxidative sherry will work best in a Dark ‘n Stormy. We chose Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos due to its salinity and nuttiness, which accentuates the flavor of the ginger beer.
HOW TO PREPARE A DARK ‘N STORMY COCKTAIL AT HOME
1. Add Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos to a highball glass.
2. Add ice and top with ginger beer
3. Gently stir and garnish with an orange twist.
FAQ
What is a Japanese highball?
A Japanese highball is comprised of Japanese Whiskey and Club Soda.
What is the most popular highball variation?
The Gin and Tonic is the most popular highball cocktail. Fancy one? Here’s a Lustau version of the classic G&T..
