Moby Dick: The Dark and Stormy Cocktail:

“Call me Bon Appeteach”…

Ok, it’s more like “Call me Ishmael”… This week we take one of the most famous lines in all of literature and pair it with one of the tastiest cocktails. This week’s Bon Appeteach “Book Club” is featuring the classic novel, Moby Dick, by Herman Melville. The book follows Ishmael and his journey as he goes whaling aboard the ship the “Pequod”. Captain Ahab takes control of journey as he searches to seek revenge the infamous “White Whale”. However, today we are seeking revenge on hangovers everywhere and taking our bar skills to the open seas. Join me for this week’s featured drink, The Dark and Stormy. Find the full recipe for this refreshing drink below and read on for tips and tricks.

The Dark and Stormy Cocktail

• 2 oz. Dark Rum (classic is Goslings)
• 3 oz. Ginger Beer (use Diet Ginger beer to keep it low carb)
• 1/2 oz Lime Juice
• 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters (optional but recommended)

If You Build It…

Not all cocktails are shaken or stirred, some are actually built! I prefer to use a collins style glass for this cocktail. Add your ice, the dark rum. Next, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Some versions of The Dark and Stormy say the lime juice is optional. It is not in my opinion, so add it! Finally, top the whole thing off with the ginger beer and a few dashes of Angostura bitters. I find this gives this drink a nice aromatic essence right before you take a sip!

Food Pairing

Because we are talking about conquering the stormy seas with this week’s book inspired cocktail, I figured seafood would be the best way to go. As I continue to embrace the summer months, grilling this delicious Easy Smoked Shrimp seemed like the perfect snack to accompany The Dark and Stormy. Smoke shrimp can easily be made on the grill or in the oven (add liquid smoke if you do this to still get that nice smokey flavor). It comes together so quickly and takes little prep work. Give these Smoked Shrimp a shot this week, you won’t be disappointed!

Cheers to another great week of Bon Appeteach “Book Club”!

Bon Appeteach,

-L