Dark & Stormy

Being the Moscow Mule lover I am, I'm always trying to think of other ways to spin that cocktail. The ginger beer is the key ingredient, and while it goes so well with vodka and lime, I'm craving something a little smokier for fall. This fancied up version of the Dark & Stormy is my new jam. It's  made with dark spiced rum (not a bad staple liquor to keep around for this season), fresh lemon juice instead of lime, some grated ginger for extra zing, thyme for some added complexity, and crystalized ginger for a garnish treat. Dark & Stormies are typically served in Tom Collins glasses, but I'm a fan of a shorter, stronger, more sip-able version. It's so easy to make yet special enough to serve as a signature cocktail on Thanksgiving or at a fall soiree.

MAKE IT:2 oz dark spiced rum like Kraken3 oz ginger beer (I love Maine Root's version because it's the spiciest I have found, and not too sweet)1/2 oz fresh squeezed lemon juiceSmall sprig of fresh thyme to mix inA dash of grated gingerCrystalized ginger and fresh thyme for garnish

Chill a lowball glass with a few ice cubes. Combine the rum, lemon juice, thyme and ginger in a shaker with ice and mix. Strain the mixture through a mesh strainer into your glass. Top the drink off with ginger beer. Garnish with candied ginger on a toothpick and a sprig of thyme.

Photography by Dani Beutell