Hibiscus Dark and Stormy co*cktail (Hibiscus Ginger Beer) (2024)

We can’t all live year ’round in the tropics, but we can bring the flavor of the tropics to us! This Hibiscus Dark and Stormy drink recipe is just the vibrant burst of tropical sunshine you need! And only 3 ingredients to boot!

Dark rum, spicy, floral hibiscus ginger beer and fresh lime juice is all it takes! So kick off your flip-flops, grab a chair and dream of toes in the sand, sea breezes and lapping azure waves.

It’s no secret that I am in love with Hibiscus; this flower is not only powerful in antioxidants, but it’s gorgeous, tinting everything you make with it a vibrant bright reddish pink! You might want to try my Healthy Hibiscus Margarita or this Minty Hibiscus Mojito, or this refreshing Passion Tea Lemonade.

I created this drink at the beginning of summer, but wasn’t been motivated to photograph this beautiful tropical drink until recently.

Perhaps it has something to do with all that is going on in our world this year. I am so sorry to mae you wait. You need this bright and beautiful Caribbean inspired beverage in your life!

Why is it called a Dark and Stormy?

The unofficial drink of Bermuda, it allegedly received its name from an old sailor who compared the dark and murky hue of the drink to that of dark storm clouds. Bermuda, where the Dark ‘n’ Stormy was invented, is known as the shipwreck capital of the world, with 300 identified vessels lying ruined at the bottom of the surrounding North Atlantic Ocean. (Source)

What is in a Dark and Stormy?

The classic Dark ‘n’ Stormy boasts dark rich rum and spicy ginger beer. Some, like me add fresh lime juice, because I love the tartness lime juice adds to the drink.

The only thing I do differently is make this co*cktail/mocktail using Q Mixers Hibiscus Ginger Beer; it is spicy, bright and flowery with a striking pink hue, delicious all on it’s own but even better in this gorgeous co*cktail!

This post is done in collaboration with QMixers, while I did receive free product as always the opinions and recommendations expressed are unbiased and my own.

Bermuda’s own Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and Barritt’s Ginger Beer are the original brands of choice. Some bartenders (like me!) add lime juice as well, but it really isn’t needed. If you want this drink in its true Bermudian style, skip the lime.

Can You Make this a Mocktail?

You bet, it’s still amazingly refreshing and delicious, in fact many times I will make a mocktail version when I am not in the mood for any alcohol.

Is a Dark & Stormy a Mule?

While mules have taken the world by storm and are best known for using ginger beer, the spirit of choice in a classic moscow mule is vodka instead of rum. I am all about mixing things up, like this Colorado Whiskey Mule or a Pomegranate Mule. Call it what you want!

Is a Dark & Stormy a Girly Drink?

Considering the original dark and stormy was created by an old seaman, I would say it is absolutely not a girly drink!

Does the pink hued addition of hibiscus make it girly? Well, ladies love it and it is beautiful, but my guy, Mr. Fresh Cooky loves this drink, he will drink Hibiscus Ginger Beer straight from the can. So I’m going with no, it’s a beautiful Caribbean drink that guys and girls love!

How Do you Make this Hibiscus Rum co*cktail?

This co*cktail or mocktail is super simple to make!

1. Add ice to highball or old fashioned glass — I like mine crushed, cubes are fine!
2. Pour in dark rum of choice (I like Plantation Original Dark Rum)
3. Squeeze half a lime (or omit if you are going authentic on me)
4. Top with Hibiscus Ginger Beer (Q Mixers is the only hibiscus ginger beer I know of, but you won’t be disappointed, this is delicious! You can buy online, or try Target, some Krogers and Walmart SuperCenters)
5. Optional |Garnish with slice of lime and dried hibiscus flowers, which taste like a dried cranberry, lightly sweetened. They add a fabulous exotic touch to the drink.

What’s the Difference between Dried Hibiscus Flowers and Dried Sweetened Hibiscus Flowers?

1. Dried Hibiscus Flowers are mostly used for tea and they are spectacular; if you have ever had a Passion Tea from Starbucks you have drank Hibiscus tea, so many healthy benefits from this edible flower! Lowers cholesterol, heart healthy and is high in antioxidants!
2. Dried Sweetened Edible Hibiscus Flowers are sort of the texture of fruit leather, but the taste of tart cranberries lightly sweetened. They are fun, exotic and unique!

HIBISCUS GINGER BEER SUBSTITUTIONS

I realize we can’t all get our hands on Hibiscus Ginger Beer and that’s okay, I have a few ideas for work arounds.

• Add a splash Hibiscus Simple Syrup (a teaspoon or two)
• Make some Hibiscus Tea and add 1-½ oz of tea concentrate
• Use a splash of a good Grenadine syrup

That’s it, super simple dark and stormy co*cktail or mocktail!!

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• Pink Lemonade Vodka co*cktail
• Blueberry Gin co*cktail
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• Fresh Strawberry Gin co*cktail