Dark ‘n Stormy

Travel Distilled reviews the Dark ‘n Stormy rum cocktail in a can from Goslings, with a history of Goslings too.

After a wary start, I’m now a big fan of cocktails in a can, and this Dark ‘n Stormy rum cocktail from Goslings – which in the UK recently went on sale in Waitrose – is the perfect example of why.

Of course not all cocktails in cans are good, just because they’re in cans, but there is no reason they can’t be top quality. They may not match the creative inventions of bartenders and mixologists, working with fresh ingredients, quality spirits, and adding their own individual flourishes, but for the average person at home who sometimes wants something quick and simple, cocktails in a can are a useful standby.

It helps to keep a selection in the fridge for those evenings when you’re just too busy to put something together for yourself but are in the mood for a cocktail. And if you’ve got something as good as a Dark ‘n Stormy, you’ll be glad you put some by.

What Is a Dark ‘n Stormy?

A Dark ‘n Stormy is a rum cocktail that is actually a registered trademark in the USA in the name of Goslings, and is Bermuda’s National Cocktail. It’s a refreshing drink for a hot climate, the main ingredients being ginger beer and rum. The rum, though, has to be Goslings Black Seal Rum, according to Goslings, although of course it’s easy enough to make a similar drink using some other rum, and give it another name.

A Dark ‘n Stormy is very similar to a Moscow Mule, but using rum instead of vodka. It’s usually served over ice, with a slice of lime, so all you have to do if using the canned version is provide your own ice and lime.

Rum Cocktail in a Can

The Goslings Dark ‘n Stormy in a can uses Goslings’ own Stormy Ginger Beer with its Black Seal Rum, to produce a cocktail that is 4.5% ABV. We’d had a couple of cans in the fridge for a few weeks, waiting for the moment when it was just the drink we fancied. The evening came when the weather had been warm, we’d been gardening, my wife was making chili con carne, and we wanted a drink that was thirst-quenching, warming, and also a little spicy to get us ready for the chili, which was simmering on the stove and filling the kitchen with all kinds of wonderful aromas.

The Dark ‘n Stormy has its own wonderful aromas too. And flavours. It’s a beautiful balance of the ginger and the rum, not overly gingery, but the ginger beer gives it a lovely spiciness, and there’s a hint of citrus as well, providing a nice freshness to the taste. Unfortunately we were out of limes, and I think a slice of lime or a dash of lime juice would be the only way it could be improved. The final verdict goes to my wife, who was keeping an eye on the chili: ‘That’s the best cocktail, in or out of a can, that I’ve had in a long time.’ So there.