On a recent run through Bermuda, I quickly realized there are two forces ruling life around the island: Water and rum. The Caribbean’s favorite alcohol is a staple of the island nation, and two signature cocktails put it to its most popular use.
The main rum of Bermuda (and the America’s Cup) is the country’s own Gosling’s Dark. That’s the key ingredient in the official cocktail of Bermuda, the Dark n’ Stormy. Technically, it’s a high ball and not a true cocktail because it’s primary two ingredients, but here’s the spot on recipe:
Also: 2015 America’s Cup Series Sails through Bermuda
Dark n’ Stormy
Ingredients:
- Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
- Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer
- Lime Wedge
Preparation: Into a tall glass filled with ice, four two ounces Gosling’s Black Seal Rum. Top with Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer to taste or until it looks like a storm cloud. Garnish with a lime wedge.
The other popular call on the island is a little stiffer, a littler fruitier and a little fancier.
Bermuda Rum Swizzle
Ingredients:
- Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
- Gosling’s Gold Rum
- Pineapple Juice
- Orange Juice
- Grenadine
- Bitters
- Orange Slice
- Cherry
Preparation: Add one ounce of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, one ounce of Gosling’s Gold Rum, two ounces of pineapple juice, two ounces of orange juice, a splash of grenadine and a dash of bitters to a shaker.
Shake over ice and strain into an ice filled double Old-Fashioned or Martini glass. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
Both drinks are perfect accompanying the island’s most signature dish, the Fried Fish Sandwich. As for how to make the perfect one of those, that’s a Bermuda debate for another day.
