Drink in History: Dark ‘n’ Stormy

Of cocktails with strong destination origins or associations – such as the Mai Tai is to Hawaii, the Pimm’s Cup is to the U.K., and a Pisco Sour is to Peru – the Dark ‘n’ Stormy (and the Rum Swizzle) is to Bermuda.

Photos by Rosewood Bermuda

Although its mysterious name alludes to a complicated mix, it’s one of the most fool-proof classic cocktail recipes: Collins glass, ice, rum, ginger beer, stir, and drink.

Known as the shipwreck capital of the world with more than 300 sunken ship ruins lying on the ocean floor surrounding the island, Bermuda is the perfect place to have a national cocktail named after a sea voyager’s worst nightmare.

And who better to invent and name the cocktail but a brave bunch of distinguished mariners? According to lore of Goslings Rum – a family-owned distillery since 1857 – the Dark ‘n’ Stormy was invented by members of the Bermuda Royal Naval Officer’s Club more than a century ago. They said the murky brown color of the cocktail was “the color of a cloud only a fool or dead man would sail under.”

Lime was not a part of the original cocktail but is now a widely accepted garnish. It brightens it up and pulls it together, like the shine on a naval officer’s shoes. Interesting to note there is only one way, legally, to make a Dark ‘n’ Stormy. Any ol’ dark rum will not do. Trademarked in 1991, it cannot be called a Dark ‘n’ Stormy unless it’s made with the molasses-based Goslings Seal Rum (If you’re curious, three other cocktails have United States patents as well: Pain Killer, Hand Grenade, and Sazerac).

To truly appreciate Bermuda’s national cocktails – be it a Dark ‘n’ Stormy or Rum Swizzle – it’s best to enjoy them at the source; it just tastes better. Sipping it while watching the sunset over the island’s stunning pink sand beaches doesn’t hurt, either. Owned by a local icon William Cox, Harry’s in Hamilton is the place to mingle with the island’s jet setters. For a side of modern art with your drink, head to the Fairmont “Pink Palace” and grab a drink at Marcus’; the most romantic spot in Hamilton for a drink at Waterlot’s; and if hidden speakeasies are your beat, check out Yours Truly. On the other side of the island, for the classiest Dark ‘n’ Stormy you’ll ever imbibe, make the drive up the hill to Conservatory Bar at Rosewood Bermuda.

While traveling to Bermuda for a Dark ‘n’ Stormy might be on your dream 2025 must-visit list, for now, you can mix up this biting yet smooth sipper.

The post Drink in History: Dark ‘n’ Stormy appeared first on Chilled Magazine.