A Dark & Stormy (or a ‘Coastal Storm’ as we like to call it in Copeland) is the ultimate, classic rum cocktail and is one of the easiest cocktails to make. The origins of the Dark & Stormy’s are just after World War 1 when, in a ginger beer factory owned by the Royal Navy, sailors soon put rum and ginger beer and the legend was born. The national drink of Bermuda, the name ‘Dark & Stormy’ was coined by a sailor who noted that it was the colour of a cloud “only a fool or a dead man would sail under”. If you’re a fan of a Moscow Mule, you’ve got to give this a try!

One key ingredient for this cocktail is Angostura Bitters. Invented nearly 200 years ago and meant to be used in hospitals, Angostura Bitters is a concentrated bitter based on gentian, herbs, and spices, by House of Angostura in Trinidad and Tobago. Angostura bitters are extremely concentrated, and at 44.7% alcohol by volume are not normally drank undiluted, and are used in small amounts as flavouring in many cocktails. You can pick up a bottle relatively easily in a supermarket – just look for a Worcestershire sauce sized bottle with a big label(!)

The glass of choice for us for a Dark & Stormy is a tall highball glass. Simply fill the glass with ice and add 25ml of juice from a squeezed lime, 150ml of ginger beer – fiery if you can get it – and 2-3 dashed of Angostura Bitters. Pour over 60ml of our Copeland Smugglers’ Reserve rum, or our Over-proof rum if you prefer, and garnish with a wedge of fresh lime.

A perfect cocktail for any time of the year.