5 Favorite Dark 'N' Stormy Cocktails

Photo courtesy of Maryse Chevriere

The Daily Meal Staff|Oct. 13, 2010 2:54 pm EST

The Dark 'n' Stormy. You could write paeans to the simple perfection that comes from mixing dark rum with ginger beer— someone probably has. With the resurgence of tiki bars and the growing popularity of throwback recipes in today's cocktail culture, it's no wonder this classic island drink is having a moment at some of the country's top watering holes.

First, a few facts. The national drink of Bermuda, the Dark 'n' Stormy has been trademarked by Gosling's Black Seal Rum, a barrel-aged blended Carribean rum. Purists will argue that it's the only rum the cocktail should be made with. Traditionally, it's served over ice, in a highball glass, with a lime wedge garnish.

But bending the rules and taking liberties when creating a Dark 'n' Stormy can yield exceptional results. Below are five variations we're digging right now.

Stormy Veloce. (Marea, New York, NY). Made with Gosling's Black Seal Rum and fresh ginger, the cocktail is mixed with the Italian aromatic liqueur, Veloce, and Italian citrus/herbal soda, Chinotto— additions more in step with the restaurant's cuisine.

Dark & Stormy. (The Violet Hour, Chicago, IL). This popular Chi-Town speakeasy is all about fresh, house-made ingredients. Their Dark & Stormy features house ginger syrup, along with Brugal Anejo, lime, and Cruzan Black Strap.

Jamaican Firefly. (The Tar Pit, Hollywood, CA). Don't let the name fool you, this take on the Dark 'n' Stormy sticks fairly to tradition, using Gosling's dark rum, housemade ginger beer, fresh lime juice and simple syrup, with a candied ginger garnish.

Dark 'n' Stormy. (Abattoir, Atlanta, GA). Atlanta Magazine's dining editor and restaurant critic, Bill Addison, tweeted that this rendition, using homemade ginger beer, "remained his downfall."

Dark and Stormy. (Coveside Marina and Restaurant, South Bristol, ME). Sit on the dock attached to this classic New England clam shack and take in the harbor. It's the perfect setting in which to enjoy a cocktail that evokes images of the beach and sea.