Here’s How To Make The Perfect Couple’s Dark And Stormy Cocktail

Despite its dark plotline, The Perfect Couple has us dreaming of drinking cocktails by the pool on the idyllic island of Nantucket. A couple of drinks in particular stood out from the hit Netflix show: firstly the Blackberry Mojito, which was circulating on the night of Merrit’s murder (we’ve shared a recipe here). But eagle-eyed fans will also have spotted the Dark and Stormy cocktail making an appearance in episode five. Here’s a bit of history on the trending rum-based drink, plus how to make your own version at home.

What Is A Dark And Stormy Cocktail?

A Dark and Stormy (or Dark ‘n’ Stormy) is a highball cocktail made using a mixture of dark rum, ginger beer, ice and lime. It’s a bold yet refreshing drink with a slightly zingy flavour, most similar to a Moscow Mule, which swaps the rum for vodka.

(L to R) Ishaan Khattar as Shooter Dival, Meghann Fahy as Merritt Monaco in episode 101 of The Perfect Couple. Seacia Pavao/Netflix © 2024

Where Did The Dark ‘n’ Stormy Cocktail Originate?

The Dark and Stormy cocktail dates back many years, having originated in Bermuda shortly after WW1. There are a few different stories about when it was invented, but one of the most quoted says it was first made by an early member of the Gosling rum family , who combined Gosling’s Black Seal rum with the local Barritt’s ginger beer. A sailor held up the drink and described it as ‘the colour of a cloud only a fool or a dead man would sail under’ – and so the Dark and Stormy cocktail was born. Ever since, it has been associated with the maritime world.

Fun fact: the Dark ‘n’ Stormy is one of only a handful of trademarked cocktails. Gosling owns the rights to the name, which means any bar which serves the drink must make it using Gosling rum.

Recipe

Ingredients: 

• 6 oz ginger beer
• 2 oz Goslings Black Seal Rum
• Lime wedge

Method:

1. Into a tall glass filled with ice, pour the ginger beer and float the rum on top.
2. Stir (until it looks like a storm cloud).
3. Optional garnish: Lime wedge.

Recipe courtesy of Goslings Rum