Ginger Beer: Where Have You Been All My Life?

The inspiration for today’s post comes directly from the pages of Mr. Boston.  I noticed an ingredient in many recipes that was both foreign and intriguing: ginger beer.  My first thought: what is the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale?  As it turns out, the modern day difference is slight.  Traditionally, ginger beer was just that: a fermented, alcoholic beverage made from ginger, sugar, water, and lemon juice.  Today, however, both ginger beer and ginger ale are carbonated beverages that are sold as soft drinks.  That is not to say they are the same thing; ginger ale, as you are probably aware, has a more subdued ginger flavor and overall is more comparable to a lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up.   Ginger beer has such an intense ginger flavor that you the finish tastes spicy.    It is quite an experience having one plain.  There are many different brands of ginger beer, such as Barritt’s or Bundaberg.

 

Dark N’ Stormy

Ginger Beer

2 oz dark rum

Garnish with a lime wedge

The Dark N’ Stormy is an interesting drink in that the name is actually trademarked by Gosling Brothers, Ltd, makers of both Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer and Gosling’s Black Seal Rum.  Using Gosling’s products or not, the Dark N’ Stormy provides a spicy finishing kick from the ginger beer along with the smooth, molasses flavor imparted by the dark rum.  I happened to have some Plantation Grande Reserve, so the vanilla taste was pronounced.  The recipe of the drink itself is up for debate, however.   One source says:

Pour ginger beer into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass.  Float rum on top.  

And another:

Pour rum over ice.  Add ginger beer.  Add the juice from the wedge of lime.  Stir well.

 So, which is it?  If you are floating the rum as from the first recipe, I would recommend doubling the recipe and using a highball glass.  Then, drink the beverage with a straw.  I have tried both ways, and I recommend not floating the rum, but that’s just me. 

There are many variations to the Dark N’ Stormy such as the Light N’ Stormy, which uses a light rum such as 10 Cane instead of dark rum.  One other slightly horrifying version is the Small Craft Advisory in which the ginger beer is replaced with just plain old beer.  I’m assuming they mean a lager of some type.  I don’t think I’ll be posting about that drink anytime soon. 

Have you ever had a Dark N’ Stormy?  How about ginger beer?  Is there anyone adventurous out there who would be willing to try a Small Craft Advisory?  Comments are always appreciated.