A Dark and Stormy Cocktail that will warm that Winter chill

Even the name of this cocktail—Dark and Stormy—makes you want to don your warmest sweater and cozy up near a fire.  this rum-based tipple has enough of a spicy kick to lift you up from the cold-weather blues without burning your tongue. That zip comes from allspice, black peppercorns, orange peel, and nose-clearing ginger beer, all balanced out with a hit of fresh lime juice.

Spiced Rum

  • 2 teaspoons allspice berries
  • 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
  • 4 1” strips orange zest (removed with a vegetable peeler)
  • 1 750-ml bottle dark rum

Cocktail

  • 3 oz. fresh lime juice
  • 1 12-oz. can ginger beer
  • 2 lime wedges (for serving)

Preparation

special equipment:

A spice mill or mortar and pestle

spiced rum

Coarsely grind allspice and peppercorns in spice mill or with mortar and pestle; add spices and orange zest to rum and let infuse at least 2 days. Strain into a clean bottle or a glass jar.

DO AHEAD: Rum can be infused 3 weeks ahead. Store in a dark, dry place.

cocktail

Combine lime juice and 4 oz. spiced rum in a cocktail shaker; fill with ice. Shake until outside is frosty, about 30 seconds. Strain into highball glasses filled with ice, top off with ginger beer, and garnish with lime wedges.

Recipe by Bon Appétit