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- Every June 9
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International Dark ‘n Stormy® Day arrives every June 9, celebrating the refreshing and potent highball. Originating in Bermuda with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and ginger beer, this drink is a favorite among sailors and cocktail enthusiasts. Mix up your own, discover new variations, and raise a glass to this classic concoction.
Want to sponsor International Dark 'n Stormy® Day? Learn how
Expected International Dark 'n Stormy® Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that International Dark ‘n Stormy® Day often brings spirited deals. Look for special offers from liquor stores on Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and various ginger beer brands like Fever-Tree and Q Mixers. Bars and restaurants, especially those specializing in cocktails or with a nautical theme, may feature discounted Dark ‘n Stormy® drinks. Keep an eye out for bundled deals on ingredients at retailers like Total Wine & More or BevMo!. Online cocktail supply stores such as Cocktail Kingdom might offer discounts on barware. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 9 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Dark 'n Stormy® Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #DarkNStormyDay. Share your best cocktail photos, recipe videos, or tips for mixing the perfect drink.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #DarkNStormy. Film a quick ‘how-to’ video for making the drink or showcase a creative twist on the classic.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #DarkNStormyDay. Tweet about your favorite rum or ginger beer brands, or ask followers for their go-to cocktail tips.
International Dark 'n Stormy® Day Hero
Gosling Family
History of International Dark 'n Stormy® Day
It was a dark and stormy night… well, it’s more likely that it was a nice and peaceful day in the spring of 1806 when the eldest son of a wine and spirit merchant embarked on a journey from England to America with 10,000 pounds of merchandise. Unfortunately, after 91 days at sea, his charter ran out, so he and his crew decided to head for the nearest port: St. George’s, Bermuda. Instead of continuing on to America, he and his brother set up shop on King’s Parade Street in 1824. Over the years, the family perfected their blending technique until they created a unique black rum, originally referred to as “Old Rum” up until World War I. In the early 1900s, they began packaging their rum in repurposed champagne bottles and sealing them shut with black wax. From that moment, the rum became widely referred to as “Black Seal.”
In the 1920s, the family’s rum caught the attention of Royal Naval Officers who were brewing their own ginger beer. They added a hefty splash of the dark rum to their sparkling drink and accidentally created a delicious and iconic cocktail. According to legend, the cocktail got its recognizable name when an old fisherman claimed the drink had the “color of a cloud only a fool or dead man would sail under.” On June 9, 1980, the family trademarked the cocktail, protecting the integrity of the drink’s recipe worldwide, and ensuring that a cocktail can only be advertised as an authentic Dark ‘n Stormy if it contains the key ingredient — the Black Seal Rum.
International Dark 'n Stormy® Day timeline
En route to America, James Gosling instead makes a home on Bermuda, and a rum-making legacy is born.
Ambrose Gosling arrives to Bermuda and he and his brother set up shop on King's Parade Street in St. George's, Bermuda.
British Royal Naval Officers tried adding Goslings Black Seal Rum to their ginger beer — an old sailor claimed the drink looked just like storm clouds.
Francis “Goose” Gosling (6th generation) designs signature Black Seal logo, and the name is officially changed from “Old Rum” to Goslings Black Seal Rum.
The Gosling family trademarked the Dark 'n Stormy cocktail, mandating that the only way to list it is with the use of ginger beer and Goslings Black Seal Rum®.
With the addition of Goslings own brand of ginger beer, the Dark 'n Stormy is completely in the family.
A ready-to-drink Dark 'n Stormy in a can is released in the U.S. making this beloved cocktail even more enticing.
Goslings sponsors International Dark 'n Stormy® Day, which includes a survey and fun quiz. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Dark 'n Stormy® Day
Local bars and restaurants can celebrate International Dark ‘n Stormy® Day by featuring the classic cocktail prominently on their menus. Offer special pricing on Dark ‘n Stormy® drinks made with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum. Consider hosting a ‘build-your-own’ Dark ‘n Stormy® bar with different ginger beer options and garnishes. Liquor stores can create special displays for rum and ginger beer, offering bundled deals or recipe cards to encourage home mixing. Cocktail supply shops can highlight barware essential for highball drinks.
International Dark 'n Stormy® Day FAQs
When is International Dark 'n Stormy® Day?
International Dark ‘n Stormy® Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, June 9. It’s the perfect mid-week excuse to enjoy this refreshing Bermudian highball.
What makes a Dark 'n Stormy® authentic?
An authentic Dark ‘n Stormy® is a trademarked cocktail that must be made with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and ginger beer. The rum is floated on top of the ginger beer, creating a distinctive layered appearance.
How popular is rum globally?
Rum remains one of the world’s most popular spirits, with a global market size estimated at over $15 billion and projected to grow steadily. Its versatility in cocktails like the Dark ‘n Stormy® contributes significantly to its enduring appeal.
What is the origin of the Dark 'n Stormy®?
The Dark ‘n Stormy® originated in Bermuda in the early 20th century. British naval officers, who brewed ginger beer to combat seasickness, began adding Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, creating the now-famous cocktail.
International Dark 'n Stormy® Day Activities
Enjoy a glass (or can) of the refreshing cocktail
If you're celebrating International Dark 'n Stormy® Day, then it's only a given that you indulge in the deep and sparkling flavors of a Dark 'n Stormy. Whether you like it layered in a glass or in a quick and convenient can, the only way you can go wrong is by not drinking it at all!
Dress up as a sailor
The Dark 'n Stormy is the sailor's drink of choice, so it's only right that you take on the part of a sailor after drinking one...or two. However, please drink responsibly, just because you're dressed as a sailor doesn't mean you have the alcohol tolerance of one. Trust us, we know.
Create Dark 'n Stormy cuisine
Ginger, rum, lime, these are all wonderful flavor profiles for a myriad of culinary concoctions. Try your hand at baking Dark 'n Stormy cupcakes or blending some Dark 'n Stormy ice cream.
Take the Are You Dark Or Are You Stormy? Quiz
The Best Bars In The World To Try A Dark 'n Stormy®
Something went wrong. The riddle you requested does not exist. If this problem persists please try reconnecting to Riddle.com.Why We Love International Dark 'n Stormy® Day
We get to drink our favorite cocktail
When there's a full day dedicated to the creation of our favorite cocktail, it's only right that we take the time to indulge. It's called being festive. Whether you're a professional mixologist or just play one at home, nothing could be simpler than mixing up a Dark 'n Stormy®.
A drink with history
This cocktail comes with a story — the more we learn about it, the more we love it. How many other cocktails can say they're the sailor's drink of choice? Probably not many, because they can't talk, but you know what we mean.
It stems from a family business
There's something about a family business that lets us know that everything was created with care, attention to detail, and affection.
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