Rum n Ginger

[Hank Koestner]

This is my favorite "go to" cocktail. I am trying different rums to see what I think are the best matches. I usually like about 2 ounces of rum and 4 ginger, and a dash of Angostura bitters. The mix will change with my mood, sometimes its half and half, and sometimes its rum with just a spalsh. Occasionally a wedge of lime will find its way in the glass. It is amazing how much variation in flavor there is when using different rums. I am going to try cucumber slices, I hear this is tasty. So far, the rums I found are good matches are: Appleton V/X, Ron Matusalem Classico, and Sailor Jerry's Spiced rum. Appleton Estate is good also, but this one gets just a splash. I wont list the others I have tried, but so far these are best. Mount Gay works OK when out at a bar, since almost every bar seems to have this if nothing else. Bacardi Select or 8 can pass if that is the last choice. Any suggestions, my fellow rhumheads?
Also, as a sidenote, I do rum n tonic. So far, Gosling's Gold tastes the best to me, with tonic, in comparison to others I have tried. One dash of bitters, a lime wedge. I understand key limes are better.

Today, I made a Daquiri with fresh lime juice and rhum agricole blanc,and it was delicious.

[Edward Hamilton]

I used to know a man from the UK who owned a boat called Rum 'n Ginger. He loved rum and ginger ale and his wife, or maybe it was his mistress was named Ginger.

In the islands ginger root is readily available and I kept a bottle of fresh ginger syrup on board. To a couple of cups of boiling water add a couple of cups of good sugar dark sugar, in the islands you can buy real brown sugar, not white sugar which has been colored or sprayed with caramel or molasses. As the sugar is melted grate a cup or so of ginger root, and boil while stirring for about 5 minutes. Let this cool and then save in a small bottle. The sugar will preserve the fresh ginger for several weeks if you don't drink it all first.

Though this may be sweeter than you prefer you can add more ginger and then use less in a drink. You can also reduce the amount of ginger but it won't last as long unless it is refrigerated. This is a very popular drink in Barbados where Cockspur 5 star used to be the rum of choice.

[Scottes]

I've been "collecting" ginger ales in order to do a comparison any day now. I hate high fructose corn syrup so I've been trying to find ones made with cane sugar. Alas, I've only found 2 so far, though I really want to find at least 1 more. I plan on comparing these to the generic ginger ales - Schweppes, Canada Dry, and Seagrams. Finally, I want to try some different rums with them and compare everything.

I think I'm going to be busy Saturday night. And I'm not so sure that my final comparisons will be very valid...


I also have a couple of ginger beers - Reed's and Barrits - so I might throw those into the mix, too. What the heck.

[Edward Hamilton]

I was very excited to see Barritt's on a shelf in the US but upon closer examination I discovered that it was Bermuda Style Ginger Beer made with HFCS- high fructose corn syrup.

[Scottes]

I was very excited to see Barritt's on a shelf in the US but upon closer examination I discovered that it was Bermuda Style Ginger Beer made with HFCS- high fructose corn syrup.
Ouch! Crap!

Oh, well, maybe the Gosling's will cover the taste.

[bluewave6]

I have tried a couple of ginger beers and noticed you can usually fine the ones made with cane sugar instead of HFCS around Passover (I think???) this is also the time of year to find the genuine coca cola made with cane sugar instead of the HFCS...quite difference in taste.

[Edward Hamilton]

I have tried a couple of ginger beers and noticed you can usually fine the ones made with cane sugar instead of HFCS around Passover (I think???) this is also the time of year to find the genuine coca cola made with cane sugar instead of the HFCS...quite difference in taste.

There is a huge difference in drinks sweetened with hfcs and real sugar cane sugar. But if you're looking for sugar cane coca cola around passover start your search early or you will probably be disappointed as the supply is limited to a few stores in limited geographic areas of the US.

[Scottes]

Rumor has it that Latino markets often stock Mexican Coca-Cola at all times of the year. I'll be checking 2 or 3 out tomorrow, places that are supposed to have it. Hopefully.

[Hank Koestner]

Ok, two questions. Ed, how would I use that delicious syrup in a properly made drink? I think I could find real brown sugar at the organic food market.
Scottes, what are the brand names of the ginger ales that have natural cane sugar as thier sweetener? I have been using Canada Dry.

[Scottes]

So far I've found Stirrings, and something called Outrageous Ginger Ale. or something like that.

A good liquor store should have the Stirrings. For any others, I've been trying any Whole Food Markets or Trader Joe's.

[Milicent]

Barritt's Ginger Beer and rum is a fantastic beverage. I am able to buy it at one of the local liquor stores, and it is imported from Bermuda and made with cane sugar. I would feel sadly cheated to buy Barritt's and find it was made with high fructose corn sugar.

[Edward Hamilton]

I'd stock up on Barritt's if you can find the original at your local store, it should have a decent shelf life.

[Scottes]

This stuff I have - the bad Barritt's - does not appear to be alcoholic. Soda is usually only good for a few months I believe. Would you expect it to keep longer than 3 months?

[Scottes]

I just posted a comparison of 11 carbonated ginger sodas - mostly ginger ales.

http://scottesrum.com/2007/11/11/a-bunch-of-ginger-ales/

Hopefully tomorrow night will allow me to compare some Rum & Gingers.

[Milicent]

This evening's beverage: Matusalem Gran Reserve. Last night, I had Lillet (Blanc) for the first time: neat (okay), in a Vesper (3 parts gin, 1 part vodka, and 1/2 part lillet, and a twist of lemon)(so so), and in a Lillet cocktail (1 1/2 parts Lillet, 1 part gin, and a twist of lemon peel) (excellent). Lillet is a keeper.

Scottes, Nice review on ginger ales and beers. I am a fan of the original Bermuda Barritt's blend, but since I prefer stronger ginger flavor I will now seek out and try The Ginger People's Ginger Beer, especially with Gosling's Gold.

[RumBarPhilly]

If anybody knows where I can get Barrit's in the NJ/PA area, please let me know. I can't find it anywhere anymore. I think it makes the best dark n stormy.

[Edward Hamilton]

You can contact Barritt's (http://www.barrittsgingerbeer.bm/index.html) in Bermuda, there's an email address on their site. I just noticed that their Ginger Beer made in Bermuda is called Bermuda Stone Ginger Beer, what I've seen in the US is Bermuda Style Ginger Beer made with hfcs. The say it is available through the Gosling's distributor but that doesn't work in NY, though it is on the shelves in NJ at better liquor stores.

[Scottes]

My cans, with HFCS, also say Barritt's Bermuda Stone Ginger Beer.

[Edward Hamilton]

Thanks for that Scottes, are your cans bottled in Bermuda or the US?

[Scottes]

Bottled in Florida.

[Edward Hamilton]

I'm not sure how long soda is expected to last on the shelf. Refrigeration should extend the shelf life. I imagine there is a best by date if it is bottled in Florida.

[Mark B.]

Boylan's Bottleworks is another real cane sugar ginger ale. It's what I usually have on hand for mixing. I like it, but I haven't done the extensive taste comparisons that you have.

Boylan's is available at Trader Joe's out here.

[Hank Koestner]

Ed, how would you mix the ginger syrup in a cocktail?

[Scottes]

Boylan's Bottleworks is another real cane sugar ginger ale. It's what I usually have on hand for mixing. I like it, but I haven't done the extensive taste comparisons that you have.

Boylan's is available at Trader Joe's out here.
I found some Boylan's ginger ale last night - well after the tasting of course. AND another brand of ginger beer.

I've had some of the other Boylan products and found them to be quite light in taste. I hope the ginger ale isn't.

[RobertBurr]

For a Dark And Really Friggin' Stormy, try Reed's Extra all natural Jamaican style Ginger Beer, made from sparkling water, sweetened with fructose, pineapple juice and honey, with fresh ginger root, lemon and lime and spices. It's a bold brew that stands up to Gosling's in meager portions. One drink of the Extra Brew goes a long way for me, compared to the the ginger beer Gosling's gave me, which is made in Hialeah, I think.

The various flavors from Reeds include: Original, Extra, Premium, Raspberry, and Spiced Apple.

http://www.reedsgingerbrew.com

[Edward Hamilton]

Ed, how would you mix the ginger syrup in a cocktail?

With a spoon or swizzle stick if I have one. To taste of course. One of my favorite ginger syrup cocktails is a combination of a 2-5 year old dark rum, ginger syrup and a lime. The proportions of this cocktail are subject to several factors, not necessarily in this order: Ratio of sugar and ginger, flavor of the rum, the juice factor of the lime and my mood. For the first drink I might use more rum, if the syrup isn't too sweet.

I think of the sugar in my ginger syrup as a vehicle to deliver the ginger and to preserve it so the syrup will last a few days to a few weeks.

[Dood]

For a Dark And Really Friggin' Stormy, try Reed's Extra all natural Jamaican style Ginger Beer, made from sparkling water, sweetened with fructose, pineapple juice and honey, with fresh ginger root, lemon and lime and spices. It's a bold brew that stands up to Gosling's in meager portions. One drink of the Extra Brew goes a long way for me, compared to the the ginger beer Gosling's gave me, which is made in Hialeah, I think.

The various flavors from Reeds include: Original, Extra, Premium, Raspberry, and Spiced Apple.

http://www.reedsgingerbrew.com

BTW, you can find this at Trader Joe's in some parts of Southern California. I've had varying degrees of luck in finding it in any given store, but it's got a good, strong ginger flavor.

[Scottes]

Part 1 of my exploration into Rum & Ginger has been posted on my blog.
http://scottesrum.com/2007/11/13/rum-ginger-part-1/

I'm beginning to think that things should get very interesting by Part 5. :-)

[Hank Koestner]

I used Goslings Black Seal with Canada Dry ginger ale. It creates a sweeter drink, with mostly caramel and rum flavor coming through with a just a hint of ginger. Now that I have my ginger shopping list, I will make more comparisons. I think this rum will mix better with a stronger ginger preparation. A lime worked well, not squeezed, just floated. I chose not to put bitters in this one, I think it would have been too much. :rolleyes:

[Mark B.]

I used Goslings Black Seal with Canada Dry ginger ale. It creates a sweeter drink, with mostly caramel and rum flavor coming through with a just a hint of ginger. Now that I have my ginger shopping list, I will make more comparisons. I think this rum will mix better with a stronger ginger preparation. A lime worked well, not squeezed, just floated. I chose not to put bitters in this one, I think it would have been too much. :rolleyes:

I've never actually tried Goslings Black Seal. Is it at all similar to Cruzan Black Strap?

[Milicent]

Here is a recipe for a version of Dark and Stormy called A Perfect Storm. It is a little labor intensive, but it is tasty.

1 ounce ginger Brew
1 1/2 ounces apple cider (Martinelli's)
2 ounces dark rum (Goslin's Black Seal, El Dorado 5, etc.)

1 Vanilla bean
1/2 cup superfine sugar

Scrape insides of the vanilla bean. Combine scrapings with sugar. Dip rim of glass in water, then in sugar/vanilla mixture. Mix liquid ingredients and pour into glass over ice. Presentation is improved if garnished with half of the (discarded) vanilla bean. Pretty and tasty.

Give it a shot and let me know what you think.

[Milicent]

By the way, I used Maine Root Ginger Brew for the above beverage. Quite enjoyable, I highly enjoy it. Most importantly, it is available at Whole Foods, which is available for most folks. Give it a shot.

[Hank Koestner]

Mark,
In my humble opinion, The Gosling's is a better rum on it's own, and seems to be a good mixer. I am not a fan of the Cruzan Blackstrap, I find it to be a bit rough on it's own. I have never mixed it though, and I will give it a try!

Millicent,
Thank you for the recipe. It sounds delicious, and as soon as I have some time, I will collect the ingredients and give it a try!

Scottes,
Thank you for all the great info on the ginger ales!

[Dood]

I thought I might have found my rum & ginger of choice last night...and then I see this recipe and think, "Well, time to try something else."

However, I'm still very enamored with the pairing of Zaya and Reed's Ginger Brew. The Zaya stands up nicely to the strong ginger flavor and seems to partner with it rather than be completely overtaken with it.

[Milicent]

Dood,

Give the recipe a shot. Great flavor and great presentation: a great drink. I've made it with Gosling's and El Dorado 5 so far, preferring the Gosling's. I have a few other rums marked to try in this recipe. (By the way, since I don't have vanilla beans at the moment, I use pure vanilla extract to wet the glass rim and then dip that into the sugar. Seems to work perfectly.)

I'll follow your recommendation re ginger brew and Zaya. That sounds like an excellent combination. Maybe tonight or definitely tomorrow. It is hard to go wrong with Zaya.

I'll give Reed's a try as well. I am not a purist, but I have found that I prefer cane sugar over high fructose corn syrup. Still, I am not such a fool as to cut of my nose to spite my face. There are just too many good things out there that are not using cane sugar. I will survive.

Sounds like you are going somewhere (packing). Have a great trip.

[Hank Koestner]

Reed's Ginger Brew is a unique beverage, and looking at the ingredients, they flavor and sweeten with honey, pineapple, and citrus. This is a refreshing beverage on it's own, but the honey really comes through. I used Appleton V/X with it last night, and found it to be very good. It tones down the ginger a little, and I did not care for lime or bitters with this Brew. It make a spicy drink, with the V/X being a little edgy naturally. There is a Reeds Extra, which I am going to try. There are, of course, other rums I want to try with this brew. The Whole Foods here had 365, Reeds, and Outrageous. With these other beverages available without HFCS, I may never use Canada Dry again. It does not compare.

[Hank Koestner]

I mentioned a bar called 310 Park South under the bars thread, and they were nice enough to order me a case of Barritts Ginger beer.:D You can not find it on the shelf here. One of thier signature cocktails is a Dark N Stormy. I also now have Reeds extra ginger brew, and a bottle of Saranac ginger beer. So far, as I am trying different mixtures of rum and ginger, I can easily omit 365 and Canada Dry. I am taking some notes, and will update later. :p

[Scottes]

I mentioned a bar called 310 Park South under the bars thread, and they were nice enough to order me a case of Barritts Ginger beer.:D You can not find it on the shelf here.
That's interesting that you can't find it in Orlando. The US version is made in Miami... Weird.

[Tiare]

Thank you Ed for the ginger syrup recipe, i will definetily try it very soon.:p
I also like ginger and used to make ginger beer but haven`t made any for a while for some reason.

[Milicent]

After reading Ed's comments re bitters, I found myself at Death and Company's website. After looking through their home recipes, I came across a variant of Dark and Stormy I had to try. I have now done so, twice, and happily recommend it.

1.5 Gosling (I used El Dorado 5 for the second drink and was pleased)
1 simple syrup
.75 lime
2 ginger beer
shake
serve over ice

Death and Company also had a recipe for an Anejo Cocktail that is similarly good.

1.5 anejo rum
.5 Cointreau
2 ginger beer
2 dashes Angostura bitters

I had to share my glad tidings.

[Hank Koestner]

Both of these sound Reeeally good.........especially the first.

[Hank Koestner]

Someone was wonderfully kind to me this Christmas, and had her daughter bring me some small distribution Ginger Beers and Ales from the northeast.
These are:
Squamscot Pale Dry Ginger Ale from New Hampshire, sweetened with cane sugar.
Smiling Hill Farm Jamaican Style Ginger Beer from Maine- uses sugar
Zeb's Golden Ginger Ale from New Hampshire - HFCS
Capt'n Eli's Ginger beer from Maine - cane sugar

Also, I have recently tried Saranac Ginger Beer from Utica, N.Y.,
And it was the best I have had yet paired with Appleton V/X. It is sweetened with HFCS, but still made a great cocktail. I preferred it without bitters and/or lime.

[Milicent]

Just tried Vernors Ginger Soda this week and was pleasantly surprised. It has quite a bit more ginger flavor than most ginger ales and reminded me more of a ginger beer. It is an old brand that has seen increased distribution in the past few years. Vernors uses HFCS. Give it a shot if you see it out somewhere.

[The Scribe]

My preferred version is the Dark and Stormy provided by the bar at Horizons in Bermuda. (Well, my absolute favorite was on a cruise over to the Dockyards to have dinner with the prime minister and board of directors of a large Bermuda-based insurance agency. The bartender on the boat mixed the drinks awfully strong, and may have even used 151. It made the next several hours very...interesting. Four shots, even if it wasn't 151 is awfully strong for an aperitif, especially when the meal starts with a bottle of champagne, moves on to a lot of wine, etc.) Anyway, as I recall, the recipe was:

3-4 parts Gosslings Black Seal Rum
1 part ginger beer (I presume Baretts, but it was on drought, so I'm not sure.)
1/8th medium lime (half a wedge)
Build in a tall bar (high-ball/collins) glass over plenty of ice, ginger beer over the rum. Gently squeeze lime, and drop in glass. Whirl once with stirring rod (may have been a swizzle stick, I forget).

You'll note it's much stronger than a Dark n' Stormy, or than it's usually served in Newport. (Which is surprising, I would expect sailors, who tend to be one step short of drunkards, to do it like a Churchill martini, pour a large glass full of rum, and then remark "There used to be ginger beer in this house/bar once.") It's also very poorly mixed. When I commented on it, the bartender actually said that the secret of a proper dark and stormy was poor mixing, as it lends a bit of changing character to the drink with each sip. Of course, this requires reasonably good rum, otherwise the mouthfuls of straight rum are going to be unpleasant.

[Edward Hamilton]

Though the Bermudians tend to serve strong drinks a preference for 151 is uncommon since etiquette dictates that guest go home under their own power.

[Hank Koestner]

I was able to procure a case of Barritt's Ginger Beer from 310 Park south. I have tried the traditional Dark n' Stormy, along with one that uses more rum and less ginger beer. Love them both. Also, It has been served to me with a small half slice(instead of a wedge) of both lemon and lime, which I enjoyed.

I will look for Vernor's Ginger Ale, and try that also.

[Ferpetesak]

My first post - my 14,869th rum and ginger.... I've become partial to GOYA brand Jamaican style ginger beer- ( hfcs :( ) with Goslings- the strong ginger taste works well with the sweetness of the Goslings. My other ginger is the Vernors diet. I've convinced myself that this is a healthy alternative and I try that with everything. I found that the Bounty worked especially well. On another note- I just returned last night from Cancun where I picked up a bottle of the Ron Zacapa Centario 23 for $39 at the airport duty free. I also got a couple liters of the Havana Club Aсejo Reserva for $11 each

Peter

[Goslings]

I currently stock 10 oz. bottles of Grace's Ginger Beer in my bar. Best easliy accessable Caribbean style ginger beer in my part of the world. Has a real bite that is a great balance with Goslings Black Seal.

[Hank Koestner]

Enjoyed Outreagous Ginger Brew tonight with Appleton V/X. I use the VX as my baseline to try other gingers with, since this rum was my original intro to this drink. This ginger brew is one of the best I have tasted so far, with the VX. Nice and spicy, the two mix well. I hope to try other rums with the many ginger beers and brews in the future.

[BStout]

I tried a pomalco 7 year with a goya ginger beer and found it to be quite nice.
The ratio was one to one.
The ginger beer is not too sweet (Reeds is too sweet for me and not gingery enough), and the ginger is very stong and spicy.
I think my favorite ginger beer right now is stewarts ginger beer, it has a very strong ginger flavour and i like its over all flavor a little more than the Goya, but its also twice the price, so its gonna be Goya for me.

-just checked teh ingredients on the Goya, it is HFCS :(

but what is giving it the flavor I like is capsicum, a type of chili pepper.
that surprised me, but Ilike it.

[Hank Koestner]

I will have to try the Goya.

[tym2relax]

I have a question for those who favor a Rum n' Ginger. I am exploring new rums and drinks so I tried rum with both ale and brew. My first impression is that the drink is too sweet. Taste of ginger and the rum is in the background.

I tried using Gosslings and Zaya. 1oz rum 2-4oz ale or brew with a wedge of lime squeezed.

So I wonder what balance you look for with this drink? I ask because I want to make sure I am not missing something. If that's the way It's supposed to taste than I'll move on to tonic. ;)

[The Scribe]

The balance of a rum and ginger varies completely based on the rum and ginger used. The only one I know for sure it Gosling's and Bermuda stone ginger beers (e.g. Barritt's). In that case you are going for 1-5 parts rum, one part ginger beer depending on taste. Any mix below 50/50 is probably not going to end up as well, and my personal preference is between 75/25 and 80/20 rum/ginger, plus about an eighth of a lime. If you have a dryer rum you can get away with a little more of a less gingery mixer, while a sweeter rum suggests a much stronger ginger brew.

You might also try whipping up a ginger syrup (one part sugar, one part water, boil the water with grated ginger before adding the sugar), and soda water as a way of giving you better control over exactly how much ginger you have in your drink. You might even try infusing vodka or rum with ginger to make a more flavorful syrup or even a pourable rum and ginger.

[tym2relax]

Thanks Scribe. Looks like I have been using too much brew. I'll start with a splash and work my way up. That ought to be the way to go.

[Dood]

One of my favorites is Zaya and Reeds Extra Ginger Beer. Sooooooo good. They're both very strong and snappy...they clash so well though, especially with a dash of bitters on the top or a squeeze of lime.

I usually got 1:1 on ginger beer to rum with that mix in an Old Fashioned glass.

[tym2relax]

One of my favorites is Zaya and Reeds Extra Ginger Beer. Sooooooo good. They're both very strong and snappy...they clash so well though, especially with a dash of bitters on the top or a squeeze of lime.

I usually got 1:1 on ginger beer to rum with that mix in an Old Fashioned glass.

Thanks Dood, I have some Reed's Extra I haven't tried yet. Now I see why the interest in more gingery brews. I tried a 1:1 last night with Reeds Premium and this was way better that the concoctions I made before. Made me want a bit more ginger...

Side note: If you go to the Goslings website then drinks and look at their D n' S recipe, or recipes from other sites. It shows a much larger proportion of brew to rum. Some call for 2oz rum 4oz brew. That's what threw me off.

Anyway, I'll try the Reeds Extra but need bitters. What do you recommend? Angostura?

[Dood]

Thanks Dood, I have some Reed's Extra I haven't tried yet. Now I see why the interest in more gingery brews. I tried a 1:1 last night with Reeds Premium and this was way better that the concoctions I made before. Made me want a bit more ginger...

Side note: If you go to the Goslings website then drinks and look at their D n' S recipe, or recipes from other sites. It shows a much larger proportion of brew to rum. Some call for 2oz rum 4oz brew. That's what threw me off.

Anyway, I'll try the Reeds Extra but need bitters. What do you recommend? Angostura?

I keep bottles of Angostura and Peychaud's bitters, as well as Stirrings (I think) Blood Orange Bitters. The bitters I use changes based on my mood, but I probably use the Angostura more often than I do the others.

[BStout]

a great way to give the ginger some extra bump is addingg ginger powder.
i highly recommend it for most any drink.

[Hank Koestner]

I find that with the stronger ginger beers, a 50/50 mix is good. You can then adjust that to personal taste. It also has much to do with the match of the type of rum and ginger ale or beer. When I use Appleton VX and Outrageous Ginger Brew, a tall glass is good, 1/3 rum and 2/3 ginger, with a shot of bitters.
I like a 50/50 Dark N' Stormy, with a small slice of lemon and lime, just a very slight squeeze, left to float.
It is fun to experiment with this cocktail, and you will find the mix you prefer.
Dood turned me on to using Zaya, and I am experimenting with it in the stronger ginger beers. He is right on with Reed's Extra.

[tym2relax]

Finally, I had a proper rum and ginger. My wife and I were having lunch and saw that they made an authentic Dark n' Stormy. Now I see why Barritt's is recommended. Not too sweet and just the right amount of ginger. I asked about the proportion and it was 50/50.

[BStout]

so ican repeat the recipe, and perhaps the experience, what kind of rum did they use and where were you?

[Michael]

We had a Dark n' Stormy for the first time last night and I'm afraid that we've been spoiled for life.

Recently we discovered a wonderful local rum resource. It is hard to imagine how we managed to miss Forbidden Island until that time. We are on the wrong side of the bay, but that isn't much of an excuse.

Last night FI had an event entitled "It was a Dark n' Stormy Night" presented by Gosling's and featuring Martin's wonderful, lively housemade Ginger Beer and Gosling's Black Seal. It was love at first sip and now we'll have to learn to make it ourselves, as that Ginger Beer isn't always available at FI. Had we not been obligated to leave early, we would have also had a taste of the Gosling's Family Reserve on special during the same event.

[Tiare]

It was love at first sip and now we'll have to learn to make it ourselves, as that Ginger Beer isn't always available at FI

Nice to hear that you had such a nice evening..:)

I`m in the process of making that Ginger Beer so iґll let you know how it turns out when its ready.

[Hank Koestner]

Tried something interesting this afternoon. I was sipping Pusser's 15, and decided to try a splash of ginger ale(365). The rum is full bodied and robust
and it was very good with a splash of ginger. This is one of those situations where you would have to decide to use a pricey ($55) rum that is great for sipping, in a cocktail. But as we all know, sometimes premium rums can make a better cocktail.

[pcguy]

I have been really enjoying the whole "dark & stormy" thing, but today a though hit me, to my taste it seems like just a dash of grenadine would be interesting with this cocktail. I have also tried increasing the rum to 3 parts to 1 part ginger beer, and adding a dash of dark cane sugar syrup. This was quite good, but also not quite a dark & stormy :) still very good though.

[Tiare]

Came back home from Tikiroom a little while ago with a craving for yet another drink..so i took out my new "Martins brutally strong ginger beer" from the fridge to try it for the first time, it has been sitting 3 days. Mixed with some more lime juice, syrup and a splash of soda with Goslings Black Seal. Its quite strong, with a good ginger bite. Tastes good!

[Hank Koestner]

Wish I could try that ginger beer!

[Tiare]

Hank, i have no measures..so you`ll have to experiment..
You take about 1,5 pounds of fresh ginger and puree it to a paste.
Then add sugar,lime juice and boiling water to make a soup.
Cool to about 105 F and add some active dry yeast, i took a half pack.
Let sit for about three days then strain and bottle.
keep in the fridge. I`m not sure about shelf life but i think its about a week.
Check the web for ginger beer recipes, you`ll find more info.

[Michael]

Tiare,

I suspect that Martin's recipe is evolving. The one we have sounds similar, but perhaps for a bigger batch. Martin said that it was good for 1-2 weeks and then turns dry.

We're looking forward to trying it soon, as the substitutes we've been able to find have not fared nearly so well. The best ginger beer found so far, Bundaberg, is a bit sweet and doesn't match the Black Seal well. We're using the ginger beer in a 2 to 1 ratio to the rum, with a wedge of lime squeezed and left to float. Reed's Premium Ginger Brew did not fare well at all, but we suspect that the peculiar sweetening of that version gave an odd taste in this drink.

Using half Black Seal and half Sea Wynde gave a result much closer to the drink we first tried, but it lacked the lively quality (and kick) of the fresh ginger beer. We would have tried Pusser's, but didn't have any on hand.

[Tiare]

Tiare,
We're using the ginger beer in a 2 to 1 ratio to the rum, with a wedge of lime squeezed and left to float. .

I used about the same ratio but added some more syrup as my Ginger beer is a tad tart.

We would have tried Pusser's, but didn't have any on hand.

Want to try Pusser`s too but its an expensive rum and not sold here...

Good to know that it last a bit longer than just a week.:)

[Hank Koestner]

Thanks for the recipe,Tiare. If I had the time I would attempt more concoctions in my kitchen. You are quite the chef and experimenter. It is too bad you are so far away. I imagine spending an afternoon with you in your kitchen would be quite a learning experience, and much fun.


Micheal, if you can aquire Barritt's Ginger beer, you will find it pairs nicely with the Gosling's.
For the Reed's, you might try Zaya if you have it, or an Appleton rum.

[Tiare]

Now you remind me of 3 years ago when a friend from the US who i got to know on a flower message board came to visit me. She stayed 3 days here, we had very fun!
I love to make experiments with syrups and drinks and sometimes it turns out good and other times not so good..and sometimes..well..

Yesterday i made a tikidrink that tasted very good but it knocked me off..

I gave this drink the name Sweet and Deadly as its quite deceptive..

1,5 oz Lemon Hart Jamaican rum
1,5 oz Coruba 12 Old Premium Jamaica Rum
A good float of Lemon Hart 151 demerara rum
Juice from 1 half lime
A dash of bitters
A dash of Cinnamon syrup
A dash of Tahitian vanilla/dark muscovado/palmsugar syrup
Fill up with fresh pineapple juice

Fill a large double old fashioned glass with crushed ice.
(i used my two faced tiki glass)
Shake the ingredients incl the spent limeshell with large icecubes,strain in the glass.
Garnish with pineapple, sherry and leaf of pineapple.
Add a short straw.

[Hank Koestner]

Well, when you look at the amount of rum in that one, it packs quite a punch.
Those 151 floaters will sneak up on you every time!

[Tiare]

True.. :D

I also made another one too called Caribbean Punch, you find it in the rum recipes at left.

[Scottes]

The other night I ran out of my typical soda and grabbed a Goya Ginger Beer. I was thirsty as hell, so I took a good-sized belt.

Wow. My mouth literally burned, and I checked the ingredients - capsicum was apparently the culprit here. They should warn people. ;)

[BStout]

yessss, capsicum.
its in a few latin ginger beer or ginger sodas.
once you get used to it, its hard to go back.

for an equal kick without the pepper burn,

add the ice, then a healthy sprinkle of ginger powder, then pour your preferred ingredients, then another sprinkle of ginger powder.
yummmmmm- with a kick.

[primate77]

I found a ginger beer in my local outlet called Fentiman's (from England).
It is made with "sugar" and glucose syrup and does also have capsicum.

I've not seen anyone else comment on this particular brand. I found it to be kind of harsh and strong. I do also like the Vernor's it's been around forever, and usually can be found in the 2 liter bottles for something like $1.39.

[Hank Koestner]

I have come to some of my own conclusions regarding Reed's Ginger Beer.The Original has a more prominent pineapple and honey flavor, which seems to mix OK with rums like Appleton VX. The Premium brew has a stronger ginger flavor, seems to strong for VX, but not strong enough for rums like Zaya and Goslings Black Seal. But, the Extra Brew, with a strong ginger flavor, offsets the honey and the pineapple, and is a great match for the more robust rums like Zaya. Dood was the one who found this mix, and I have since tried Extra with other rums. The Extra will have a spot in my ginger mixers. The thing that makes these Brews unique in comparison to other ginger beverages is the honey and pineapple flavors. If you have the Original and Premium, I found that a dash or two of Angostura bitters went well in the mix.

I recently found Stirrings Ginger Ale. A sharp ginger flavor is noted here, with a somewhat bitter component. It did not mix well with VX, and Goslings Black Seal was much better, but maybe a little too strong. I have to work with this one a little, because I think with the right rum it will be excellent.

I found that Vernor's has a good ginger flavor, but is a little too sweet.

I am still keeping an eye out for Goya.

[primate77]

Hank, I picked up a four-pack of ginger ale at my local outlet. Rather expensive, but it was intriguing. It was about $4.80 for a 4-pack, and the bottles are rather small (200mL/6.8ounces).

The brand is Fever-Tree and it is made in the UK.
Bottle says "Fever-Tree" Premium Ginger Ale. Delicious, clean, refreshing, and natural. Blended with natural gingers to enhance the enjoyment of great spirits.

THe back of the label lists ingredients: Spring Water, Cane Sugar, Citric Acid, Natural Gingers, Natural Flavours, Natural Caramel.

It further states in a large white box on the back of the label:
"Perfectly balanced to enhance the flavour notes of the great whiskies, bourbons and rums. Equally delicious as a soft drink."

How could I NOT pick this up???!!!:D

If you can't find it near you, let me know, I'll send a bottle your way!

[tym2relax]

Hank, I picked up a four-pack of ginger ale at my local outlet. Rather expensive, but it was intriguing. It was about $4.80 for a 4-pack, and the bottles are rather small (200mL/6.8ounces).

The brand is Fever-Tree and it is made in the UK.
Bottle says "Fever-Tree" Premium Ginger Ale. Delicious, clean, refreshing, and natural. Blended with natural gingers to enhance the enjoyment of great spirits.

THe back of the label lists ingredients: Spring Water, Cane Sugar, Citric Acid, Natural Gingers, Natural Flavours, Natural Caramel.

It further states in a large white box on the back of the label:
"Perfectly balanced to enhance the flavour notes of the great whiskies, bourbons and rums. Equally delicious as a soft drink."

How could I NOT pick this up???!!!:D

If you can't find it near you, let me know, I'll send a bottle your way!

We can get it here at BevMo,(more expensive) but I haven't tried it. Let us know what you think of it.

[primate77]

I will do that!

[Hank Koestner]

Fever tree is on the list to try if I ever find it. Thanks!

I have decided that Reeds Original ginger beer just does not have enough ginger flavor to mix well with most rums IMHO.(the Premium and Extra do).
Tried a little English Harbor 5 with it, not a go. In the original, the pineapple and honey flavor dominates the ginger. These flavors tended to confuse the flavor of the rum.

Also, tried 365 ginger ale and Appleton VX, which is a great cocktail, with Pechauds bitters instead of Angostura. Not bad, but the Pechauds has quite an anise/licorice note to it, did not taste as good as Angostura bitters in this mix. The experimentation continues.

[primate77]

Hank - if you've tried the 365 Ginger Ale, then you definitely know the path to your local Whole Foods Market in Orlando.

They have a brand there called Blue SKy. New Mexico company, canned in California. Grab yourself a six pack of that. I've got my four pack of Fever Tree and my six pack of Blue Sky, and I've been making as close to a Dark n Stormy as I can here without Barritts Ginger Beer.

I have to say, the Blue Sky is really, really nice, and I find it to be a better Ginger Ale than the Fever Tree. (better price point, too)

The Blue Sky has a bit more bold ginger taste, and I really enjoy that. I think the Fever Tree will better compliment some of my bourbons better though, like Four Roses Single Batch 90 and would probably mix well with Buffalo Trace and perhaps Makers Mark.

[Hank Koestner]

My local Whole Foods does not have the greatest selection of ginger ales and beers, but I will keep a look out.

[Michael]

Hank,

We had trouble with the sweeteners on the Reed's from the first. The honey and pineapple flavors don't seem to go well with the rums we tried.

[Michael]

primate77,

The fever tree has an excellent flavor, but the ginger does seem a bit weak. It wouldn't hurt if the bottles were bigger as well.

We'll have to check out the Blue Sky. If memory serves, the company was/is owned by my wife's brother's ex, so it should be familiar.

[Hank Koestner]

The only one I like is the Extra, there is enough ginger flavor there. It has to be a big dark rum though, like Goslings or Zaya. The interesting thing is that the flavor is somewhat unique compared to others, they just don't seem to mix well with rum.

[Hank Koestner]

Today I mixed Coruba Rum with 365 Ginger. Excellent. This Jamaican rum was made for ginger beverages. I then added some Regans Orange # 6 bitters, excellent. Then a slice of lime, again, excellent. As I try this rum with other ginger bevs, I will post what I find.

[primate77]

Sounds good, Hank! I'm still madly in love with the Blue Sky ginger ale. I'll make several drinks with this, then flip over to either a Fever Tree or a Vernors, and they simply don't stand up! The Blue Sky is a nice, strong ginger ale!

Ed turned me on to the idea of trying Flor de Cana 5 year old with the ginger ale in place of the Black Seal, and wow - what a nice, nice drink! I still love the Goslings in the ginger ale, but the FDC 5 is a very nice and tasty chance of place!!!!

[AdmiralJ]

A little untimely with my response, but I saw this thread a long time ago and have been meaning to post. I couldn't agree more with primate77 on Blue Sky ginger ale. This soda has a great ginger and real sugar flavor, and the carbonation feels right. If anything is missing it would be the ginger burn, but I figure that is absent since this is an ale. I mix it with rum or bourbon and it always makes a good drink. I happened to try it with Flor de Cana 5 lately and I can also attest that this rum is great with ginger. Typically, I use whatever good quality mixing rums I have on hand, and am always happy.

Luckily, I can find this in my area (Maryland) at Mom's organic market (http://www.myorganicmarket.com/) for under $4 a six pack. I buy it by the case to get a discount.

My second ginger ale choice would be 365 from Whole Foods. This is even cheaper a six pack, under $3.

For ginger beer, I think my favorite so far that I have tried is Stoney (from Africa). It has an excellent ginger flavor and burn. However, I have yet to try this with rum. I have only found this available by the can at a local gourmet food shop. I do believe this has real sugar in it (no HFCS), but it has preservatives. Although I enjoy drinking them, I am not a fan of the ginger beers with juice in them for mixing with rum.

[Michael]

We recently had a chance to try Blue Sky Ginger Ale and had a completely different take. Perhaps we got a bad pack, but it seems like weak sugar water with little ginger taste. The Stirrings Ginger Ale is strongly preferred to our palates.

Although few of us hesitate to make recommendations to others, such divergence makes it obvious that the sense of taste is highly variable and more individualized than we might like to imagine.

[AdmiralJ]

Interesting. I'll gladly take that recommendation and make a point to try Stirrings. There are some others I want to try as well.

I'm still on the lookout for the ultimate ginger beer/ale. I have in mind one that has a good ginger burn, great ginger taste, no juice, no HFCS, no preservatives, great carbonation, good price, easy availability. Blue Sky was the closest I've come to meeting these, but I admit it's not perfect.

[Rum Runner Imports]

no no no...not ginger ale...though that is what you'll tend to get in a bar...but for a more island based experience try a tru(er) ginger beer.

like old tyme... http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.2ndfunction.com/photoblog/images/20060127032110_ginger-beer.jpg&imgrefurl=http://timetoeatmon.blogspot.com/2007/10/jamaican-ginger-beer.html&h=480&w=360&sz=90&hl=en&start=5&um=1&usg=__4_QqvkduPzmJqzRTDsIB5p43Rvc=&tbnid=WjbskqtSaa11WM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=97&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djamaican%2Bginger%2Bbeer%26um%3D1%26h l%3Den

don't know about your area but this is available in two of our major grocery store chains and has a real kick to it...try not to inhale as you bring the glass to your lips the ginger will hit your lungs and you'll cough everytime...haha

Try this with some Matusalem...

freakin great...

[Michael]

No offense, but the thread is ten pages long and we've been discussing ginger beer, ginger ale, etc. all along.

I've never seen Old Tyme Ginger Beer in our neck of the woods, but could you please tell me what sweetener it uses? We use Bundaberg which has cane sugar, but it is a bit sweet. Jamaican DG has a preferred stronger ginger taste, but uses HFCS which compromises the taste and texture.

[Hank Koestner]

As you can se by going back through the therad, I have commented much on this topic. I have found that the following are my favorites:

365 Ginger Ale
Stirring's Ginger Ale
Saranac Ginger Beer
Barritt's Ginger beer
Outrageous Ginger Ale

I have a list of over 20 or more I have tried, with numerous rum combinations, and I am always on the lookout for more! party2.gif

[Rum Runner Imports]

No offense, but the thread is ten pages long and we've been discussing ginger beer, ginger ale, etc. all along.

I've never seen Old Tyme Ginger Beer in our neck of the woods, but could you please tell me what sweetener it uses? We use Bundaberg which has cane sugar, but it is a bit sweet. Jamaican DG has a preferred stronger ginger taste, but uses HFCS which compromises the taste and texture.

none taken...i was just trying to get across that you shouldn't waste your time (and your rum) with ales...too washed out and sweet!

I don't have any bottles around to look at right now...but here's the website...you can enquire.... Its so good, I don't care what they use; though they say they base it on an original recipe...

http://www.good-o.com/oldtyme.htm

these guys are a huge bottler in the US...maybe you've heard of some of their other products: Orange Crush? Monster Energy? Welch's? Arizona Tea...

happy hunting...

[Hank Koestner]

Have to find the Old Tyme. But today, lo and behold at Whole Foods, was Blue Sky. The journey and experimentation continue......... party2.gif

[forrest]

i know this has been primarily focused on Rum an Ginger Beer/ ale, but. . . .

i am drinking a 'Rum Mac'

Rum (Ron Botron Oro)
Stones Ginger wine
i add some bitters (http://ministryofrum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16413#post16413), and a citrus wedge would rock also.

[Hank Koestner]

The Blue Sky is a touch sweet, and could use a little more ginger punch.
It does mix very well, and I find it needs to be about 50/50 with Appleton V/X, and it balances out the sweetness without losing to much ginger. If you go 1/3 rum to 2/3 Blue Sky, more ginger, more sweet.
One thing I like about 365 Ginger Ale from Whole Foods, is that it is the driest ginger ale I have ever tasted, next to Stirrings.

[TheRumelier]

I used to know a man from the UK who owned a boat called Rum 'n Ginger. He loved rum and ginger ale and his wife, or maybe it was his mistress was named Ginger.


I remember seeing a beautiful sailboat called Rum 'n Ginger in Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua several years ago. I think I still have a photo of it somewhere. I took the photo as rum and ginger is my favourite mixed drink/cocktail. Unfortunately we don't have a large selection here in the TCI so we have to take what we can get, usually Canada Dry. Sometimes there isn't any available, if storms are around (like today).

[Michael]

The Blue Sky is a touch sweet, and could use a little more ginger punch.
...
One thing I like about 365 Ginger Ale from Whole Foods, is that it is the driest ginger ale I have ever tasted, next to Stirrings.

Thanks Hank for the 365 Ginger Ale recommendation. We'll try to find it in our area.

Had I phrased my assessment of the Blue Sky product with a bit more delicacy, it would have resembled your first sentence. :)

[cjkemp]

I've made my own ginger beer ... which has been sitting in my garage for the last week. I'll open it tonight and try it with some rum. I'll let you know if it tastes good. This is as close as I can get so far to making my own rum, which is my long-term goal.

I'm too poor to buy a still.

Hey, here's an idea, who wants to donate to the Help Chris Buy A Still To Make Rum Legally in New Zealand Fund?

[RobertBurr]

I'll invest $5US in your enterprise for a special price on all future product.

[cjkemp]

That's not such a bad offer. Maybe I should set up a Paypal option on my blog and everyone can donate $5 or $10 in exchange for a special price on my boutique rum :)

[forrest]

$5 or $10 in exchange for a special price on my boutique rum :)

Sounds good to me. . . but i hate paypal-- i can mail a check.

[rumdog007]

forrest, is Paypay in league with Bacardi? laughing.gif

[RobertBurr]

everyone can donate $5 or $10 in exchange for a special price on my boutique rum :)

count me in, but shipping spirits from New Zealand is going to cost one arm and half a leg...

[EssentialSpirits]

There is a huge difference in drinks sweetened with hfcs and real sugar cane sugar. But if you're looking for sugar cane coca cola around passover start your search early or you will probably be disappointed as the supply is limited to a few stores in limited geographic areas of the US.

No so... Costco is now selling Mexican Coke... which is made with cane sugar as opposed to HFCS.

[kgboeh]

I find that Sailor Jerry goes great with ginger ale. It's quickly becoming a favorite drink of mine. Does anyone know of any similarly-styled drinks that may be less well known?

[RummyPDX]

I found the Blue Sky ginger ale to be far far to sweet. Almost sickenly so. Im a be fan of Outrageous and I will be looking for Stirrings.

But its seems Ive had the best luck this way.

I make a "ginger infused" simple syrup and add that to club soda, then perhaps a touch of "plain" simple syrup and mix that with whichever rum Im drinking that night. You'll have to play around with the proportions to make the "ginger soda" to best suit your taste.

[Carbon]

If you're really into ginger, the Ginger People ginger beer seems like a pretty good product. It's quite pricey, but if you like that real pressed ginger taste, it's worth trying. I know Scott Steeves has sampled this stuff.
http://www.gingerpeople.com/order_ginger_beer.html

I also made a Darn 'n' Stormy-esque drink using Cock 'n Bull ginger beer. This first time I mixed it with Cruzan Estate Diamond 5 year and lime. The ginger beer was great and so was the cocktail. The second time, however, I got a bottle of Cock 'n Bull I was quite disappointed. Maybe this bottle wasn't as good as the last one, or maybe it was just because I drank the whole thing by itself, but I was disappointed given how it tasted the time before.

I've also tried Thomas Kemper ginger ale before on its own, but I still haven't tried using it in a cocktail.

I also ordered a Dark 'n' Stormy at a bar with Pampero Aniversario taking the place of Gosling's. Is that sacrilege? :p It was also quite good as they made their own ginger beer in house.

The most common ginger beer in markets around here seems to be Reed's. I read somewhere that using Jamaican ginger ales can be less than ideal for this application though (something about being too spicy? I have no idea). I have tried a bottle of their raspberry ginger ale, though, and I think that this stuff could be a very interesting component in a cocktail of some sort.
http://www.reedsgingerbrew.com/brews.php

[RummyPDX]

If you're really into ginger, the Ginger People ginger beer seems like a pretty good product. It's quite pricey, but if you like that real pressed ginger taste, it's worth trying. I know Scott Steeves has sampled this stuff.
http://www.gingerpeople.com/order_ginger_beer.html

I also made a Darn 'n' Stormy-esque drink using Cock 'n Bull ginger beer. This first time I mixed it with Cruzan Estate Diamond 5 year and lime. The ginger beer was great and so was the cocktail. The second time, however, I got a bottle of Cock 'n Bull I was quite disappointed. Maybe this bottle wasn't as good as the last one, or maybe it was just because I drank the whole thing by itself, but I was disappointed given how it tasted the time before.

I've also tried Thomas Kemper ginger ale before on its own, but I still haven't tried using it in a cocktail.

I also ordered a Dark 'n' Stormy at a bar with Pampero Aniversario taking the place of Gosling's. Is that sacrilege? :p It was also quite good as they made their own ginger beer in house.

The most common ginger beer in markets around here seems to be Reed's. I read somewhere that using Jamaican ginger ales can be less than ideal for this application though (something about being too spicy? I have no idea). I have tried a bottle of their raspberry ginger ale, though, and I think that this stuff could be a very interesting component in a cocktail of some sort.
http://www.reedsgingerbrew.com/brews.php

Yeah, Im not a fan of Reeds, the ginger people is pretty good, and I hate all things Thomas Kemper. I just find it so much easier to mix it up myself as I can adjust the taste depending on my mood.

[RummyPDX]

I found something interesting while bouncing around the internet while sipping a snifter of Diplomatico this evening.

http://www.cocktailchronicles.com/2006/08/17/ginger-beer/

Its basically a more gourmand-minded version of what I was doing. Im definitely going to give this a try and if it comes out more tasty, as Im sure it will, this will be my new "recipe"

[Hank Koestner]

I was able to try Fever Tree Ginger Ale tonight. A friend brought it back from Maine for me. It says on the label that this ginger ale is specially blended to mix with cocktails. It is sweetened with cane sugarand has an unusual recipe, which includes natural caramel. It is produced and bottled the the UK.
It has a nice balance, on the dry side, and mixes perfectly with Appleton V/X, which is always my first test rum with ginger. It comes in small 6.8 ounce bottles, which i like. An excellent ginger ale if you can find it.

[Dood]

I don't find that any one ginger beer is THE best ginger beer. It all depends on which rum you're using in your drink. Reeds Extra Ginger Brew is far too spicy for a lot of rums. The ginger overwhelms the rum completely. But take something like Zaya (Guatemalan) or Meyers which has a strong, dominating flavor and the Reeds can be a perfect compliment to the rum.

Bundaberg is a ginger beer I really enjoy with most rums. I'm trying to find the right recipe for homemade ginger beer. I haven't tried Paul Clarke's recipe yet, Jeff Morgenthaler's is really good, although I still want to tweak it some.

As I understand it, Martin Cate up at Forbidden Island may make the best ginger beer in the Western Hemisphere...or so his fans tell me. ;)

[Hank Koestner]

Tried a new ginger brew today called Maine Root. It is produced and bottled in Maine from all natural ingredients, sweetened with cane. I really loved this one. It has a great balance of ginger and spicy flavors, and gives you a little heat like a Jamaican ginger beer. It went very well with Appleton V/X, at a 50/50 mix, especially. I believe this one will mix well with many rums, and should go well with full bodied rums. I think the mix ratio can be adjusted to fit just about any rum. I found it at Whole Foods.party2.gif

[Carbon]

I had the Reed's with some Mount Gay XO (no lime) and it made a delicious drink. Completely different from a traditional Dark 'N' Stormy, but very tasty. It has to be the ginger balanced with some of the pineapple juice that they use to sweeten it. I felt bad at first for mixing the XO, but once I realized how it tasted, everything was forgiven. Try this out.

I went to the store to buy Barritt's ginger beer, but when I saw that it was sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, I passed it up for a 4-pack of Bundaberg (neither of which I have tried). I also had my first ever sip of El Dorado 5 which is a great rum for only $16 or so. The Bundaberg and El Dorado made a good drink together, but was not as strong as I was used to. The 5 and Bundaberg had more subtle flavors that don't hit you in the face; it was a more mild drink with some sweetness and subtle nuances. I think a squeeze of lime would have made it much better, but unfortunately I did not have any on hand.

[rumdog007]

Message to Hank, and any other ginger hounds: Try a splash of Canton Ginger Liqueur in your drinks and cocktails. It's a feisty ginger additive that can liven and tranform many a drink! It mixes really well with rum. :D

[Paul C]

The gift that keeps on giving - the Rum n Ginger thread.

Just enjoying a couple of Dark n Stormies tonight - 2 shots of Goslings Black Seal - I shot of Reeds Premium Ginger Brew and a splash of Nellie and Joe's Key West Lime Juice.

Delicious.

pbc

[captkeith]

Mmmmmm. Love them Dark 'n Stormies. Sitting sipping one makes me feel like I'm summer sailing on a large schooner, hull down and smoking along. We use ginger beer from the Great Jamaican Ginger Beer Company, which has a nice kick, a couple of ounces of Goslings, a slice or two of fresh ginger and squeeze of fresh lime. Right some good.

[Redman]

I had the Reed's with some Mount Gay XO (no lime) and it made a delicious drink. Completely different from a traditional Dark 'N' Stormy, but very tasty. It has to be the ginger balanced with some of the pineapple juice that they use to sweeten it. I felt bad at first for mixing the XO, but once I realized how it tasted, everything was forgiven. Try this out.

I went to the store to buy Barritt's ginger beer, but when I saw that it was sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, I passed it up for a 4-pack of Bundaberg (neither of which I have tried). I also had my first ever sip of El Dorado 5 which is a great rum for only $16 or so. The Bundaberg and El Dorado made a good drink together, but was not as strong as I was used to. The 5 and Bundaberg had more subtle flavors that don't hit you in the face; it was a more mild drink with some sweetness and subtle nuances. I think a squeeze of lime would have made it much better, but unfortunately I did not have any on hand.


I have been mixing the MGXO w/ goya giner beer, excellent stuff! I think I found a drink I can't say no too!