Perfect Storm

While there’s no one bartender to credit for the creation of the Perfect Storm, we can safely connect this cocktail to its predecessor, the Dark ’n Stormy. This slightly spicy, slightly sweet rum highball is a consummate summer classic, and is closely related to its vodka equivalent, the Moscow Mule. It’s a straightforward mix of rum (or vodka in the Moscow Mule case), ginger beer and lime juice. This simple template allows plenty of tweaks and variations, as with the Perfect Storm.

In this aromatic riff, spiced rum replaces the normal Goslings blackstrap, and adds a layer of warming spices to the classic combination of ginger beer and fresh lime juice. Popular brands include Kraken, Sailor Jerry and Boukman Botanical Rhum, which is made from sugar cane rather than molasses, in the rhum agricole style. Angostura bitters punch up the overall intensity, adding even more aromatics and spice.

Of course, with any Dark ’n Stormy variation, a key ingredient is the choice of ginger beer. Fever Tree is usually easy to find and is a reliable standby, beloved by bartenders, but there are plenty of other options these days. If you want to really show off, you can try making your own ginger beer.

Like its predecessors, the Perfect Storm is complex and refreshing while still being a breeze to put together. Try serving this lush crowd pleaser at your next barbecue, dinner party or other get-together. You might find it surpasses the original for your tastes.

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