Stormy Times

The Dark 'n' Stormy is one of the most well-known rum cocktails in the world. Instead of the dark rum used in the original, our Stormy Times recipe calls for Guerilla Gold. The smooth, full flavour of this golden rum pairs perfectly with the spicy ginger beer, creating a longdrink that's both refreshing and intense.
The recipe is simple and quick to put together. The real secret, though, lies in the floating technique: rather than simply stirring the rum in, you pour it slowly over the back of a spoon so it sits on top of the ginger beer. This might sound like something only experienced bartenders can pull off, but with a little patience it works just fine at home. The trick is the difference in density between the two liquids. Ginger beer is heavier than rum, which means the rum stays on the surface as long as you pour it slowly enough. The back of the spoon breaks the flow so the rum doesn't sink straight in and spreads gently across the top instead. Hold the spoon just above the surface of the ginger beer and pour the rum in a thin, steady stream. Take your time and it'll work on the first try. The result is as good to look at as it is to drink: giving it a stir reveals a swirling pattern that looks just like gathering storm clouds.
For a bit more freshness, squeeze the lime wedge lightly into the glass before serving. And if you prefer something a little milder, you can swap the ginger beer for ginger ale - though the difference is bigger than you might expect. Ginger beer has a much more pronounced ginger kick, while ginger ale is softer and sweeter.

Ginger Beer and Rum

With so few ingredients in the Stormy Times recipe, every single one matters. Ginger beer in particular varies a lot, both in quality and flavour. Some are almost sweet and mild, others have a sharp, punchy ginger heat. A good rule of thumb: if you enjoy drinking it straight, you'll love it in this drink.

The same goes for the rum. Not every rum works well in a ginger beer cocktail or longdrink. What you need is a rum with enough character to hold its own against the ginger beer, while still leaving room for the freshness to come through. Guerilla Gold strikes exactly that balance: its smooth, naturally deep profile complements the spicy ginger beer without overpowering it.