Dark and Stormy- summer of 2011

[mvi]

Just had two refreshing Dark and Stormies at Za over on Third Street by Kendall/MIT. Owned and operated by the same people who run EVOO. This was a strong, tasty, large and very thirst quenching drink. Now I want to try some more and compare them to these yummy treats. Check out the size of the glass- this is a very generous rum drink. Has anyone sampled some others this summer that they can recommend? Thanks.

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EVOO Restaurant
350 Third Street, Cambridge, MA 02143

[robwat36]

This drink is so easy and cheap to make at home that I never order it out. Like, a six-pack of ginger beer and a bottle of Gosling's is $30 tops. It's not like a lot of other cocktails where you have to lay out $40-50 for green chartreuse or St. Germain or something.

[mvi]

I understand that is easy to make a Dark and Stormy and I sure understand it is cheaper to make drinks at home, but we go out a lot and just loved the one at Za so I am looking for other examples of where to get one. As someone who does not usually drink anything other than white wine, it's a fun summer treat. Thanks for the good ideas.

[natethegreat96]

I'm from Bermuda, the home of Goslings. As far as I'm concerned, the best ginger beer is Barritt's, which also comes from here in Bermuda. I've actually seen it twice in Boston, once at Charles St. Liquors, and once, believe it or not, at Cleveland Circle Liquors.

LOVE Dark n' Stormys.

[mvi]

Thanks!

[hoolese]

I really like making it with Goya ginger beer, it seems spicier/more gingerier to me and, as a bonus, is super cheap.

[phatchris]

Drink makes an awesome dark n stormy,with their frothy homemade ginger beer and old monk rum.

[mvi]

Sounds like another to add to the list. I like the home made ginger beer idea. I do not know what they used at Za but it sure was tasty.

[pathfinder]

I love a good dark and Stormy. My favorite ginger beer is Regatta, very gingery. Stephanies on Newbury actually has it. All the other restaurants I have been to use Gosling gineger beer.

[mvi]

Do you know where to get the Regatta ginger beer? I do not have that one yet.

[pathfinder]

I actually emailed the company and they said they sold it at shop n stop. However, when I popped in I could not find any. If you find it, please let me know!!!

[nsenada]

Pretty sure Marty's in newton has it. Stewart's was the best, in my opinion.

[okra]

For those of us counting our pennies, you can find Gosling Ginger Beer, which is made by Polar, in the grocery store for $3.99, vs $5.99 that the liquor store will charge you.

Also, Martignetti's has the 1.75 liter Gosling onsale now for $26 or so.

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Martignetti Liquors
1650 Soldiers Field Rd, Brighton, MA

[Gabatta]

Highland Kitchen has a good but very non traditional version made with Makers Mark bourbon and house made spiced ginger beer. The ginger beer is quite spicy so be forewarned.

D&S' are something I generally make at home. The main challenge to getting one out is making sure they are using the proper ingredients, Goslings and a good ginger beer. I can't recall offhand where I have enjoyed good traditional versions.

[mvi]

I've picked up three different ginger beers in order to mix some up on the deck and feel like an expert, but am eager to try out some others around town, too. Highland Kitchen sounds like an interesting spot to begin, although I really prefer the truer version with Goslings.

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Highland Kitchen
150 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02143

[Boston_Otter]

The version Highland Kitchen serves is properly known as a Mark & Stormy. Still good, but not a proper D&S.

The WORST Dark & Stormy I've ever had was at the fabled Crow's Nest, the Gloucester bar featured in The Perfect Storm. I asked for a D&S and got a baffled look. When I described the drink, the barlady shrugged and mixed up some Canada Dry and Bacardi light rum.

[Fly]

Well, you WERE at the Crow's Nest. They make a great Bud Light.

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Crow's Nest
334 Main St, Gloucester, MA 01930

[Boston_Otter]

Exactly, Fly. I dunno, I figured "The Perfect Storm" bar would make a Dark & Stormy their house special. But any bar that keeps room keys next to the cash register isn't one where you're ordering cocktails, I guess :)

[LeoLioness]

Highland Kitchen can certainly make a proper one; they have Goslings.

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Highland Kitchen
150 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02143