Of cocktails with sturdy vacation spot origins or associations – such because the Mai Tai is to Hawaii, the Pimm’s Cup is to the U.Ok., and a Pisco Bitter is to Peru – the Darkish ‘n’ Stormy (and the Rum Swizzle) is to Bermuda.
Photographs by Rosewood Bermuda
Though its mysterious title alludes to an advanced combine, it’s some of the fool-proof traditional cocktail recipes: Collins glass, ice, rum, ginger beer, stir, and drink.
Often called the shipwreck capital of the world with greater than 300 sunken ship ruins mendacity on the ocean ground surrounding the island, Bermuda is the right place to have a nationwide cocktail named after a sea voyager’s worst nightmare.
And who higher to invent and title the cocktail however a courageous bunch of distinguished mariners? In response to lore of Goslings Rum – a family-owned distillery since 1857 – the Darkish ‘n’ Stormy was invented by members of the Bermuda Royal Naval Officer’s Membership greater than a century in the past. They mentioned the murky brown colour of the cocktail was “the colour of a cloud solely a idiot or useless man would sail below.”
Lime was not part of the unique cocktail however is now a broadly accepted garnish. It brightens it up and pulls it collectively, just like the shine on a naval officer’s footwear. Attention-grabbing to notice there is just one method, legally, to make a Darkish ‘n’ Stormy. Any ol’ darkish rum won’t do. Trademarked in 1991, it can’t be referred to as a Darkish ‘n’ Stormy except it’s made with the molasses-based Goslings Seal Rum (In the event you’re curious, three different cocktails have United States patents as effectively: Ache Killer, Hand Grenade, and Sazerac).
To actually recognize Bermuda’s nationwide cocktails – be it a Darkish ‘n’ Stormy or Rum Swizzle – it’s finest to get pleasure from them on the supply; it simply tastes higher. Sipping it whereas watching the sundown over the island’s beautiful pink sand seashores doesn’t damage, both. Owned by a neighborhood icon William Cox, Harry’s in Hamilton is the place to mingle with the island’s jet setters. For a facet of recent artwork together with your drink, head to the Fairmont “Pink Palace” and seize a drink at Marcus’; essentially the most romantic spot in Hamilton for a drink at Waterlot’s; and if hidden speakeasies are your beat, take a look at Yours Really. On the opposite facet of the island, for the classiest Darkish ‘n’ Stormy you’ll ever imbibe, make the drive up the hill to Conservatory Bar at Rosewood Bermuda.
Whereas touring to Bermuda for a Darkish ‘n’ Stormy is likely to be in your dream 2025 must-visit checklist, for now, you possibly can combine up this biting but clean sipper.
Darkish ‘n’ Stormy
by Bar supervisor John Lake – Conservatory Bar, Rosewood Bermuda
Components
- 1 ½ oz. Goslings Black Seal Rum
- ½ oz. Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer
- Lime Wedge
Preparation
- In a tall glass full of ice, add ginger beer and prime with rum.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
