Apple Maple Dark and Stormy

The Apple Maple Dark and Stormy is a flavorful fall version of the classic cocktail, bringing together rich, sweet, and spicy notes in every sip. Dark rum creates a bold base with smooth depth, while maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that feels comforting and warm. Apple juice or cider brightens the drink with crisp, fruity flavor that balances the richness. Spicy ginger beer on top gives it fizz and a kick of heat, making the cocktail lively and refreshing. Garnished with a fresh apple slice, this drink is an inviting choice for cozy autumn nights or seasonal gatherings.

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Tasting Notes

The Apple Maple Dark and Stormy offers a rich, autumn-inspired take on a classic cocktail. Dark rum provides depth with notes of molasses, caramel, and spice, while maple syrup adds earthy sweetness that enhances the richness of the base spirit. Apple juice brings orchard freshness, lending crisp fruit character that lightens the drink. Ginger beer finishes with its signature bite of spice and effervescence, creating balance and refreshment. Garnished with a thin apple slice, the cocktail is both flavorful and visually appealing. Each sip delivers warmth, spice, and subtle sweetness, making it ideal for cooler weather gatherings.

Equipment and Glassware

This Apple Maple Dark and Stormy is simple to make and requires minimal equipment. A jigger helps ensure accurate measurements, maintaining balance between the rum, maple syrup, and apple juice. A bar spoon is necessary for stirring the ingredients together until evenly mixed. Since the drink is built directly in the serving glass, no shaker or strainer is required. For presentation, a rocks glass is the best choice, offering a sturdy and stylish vessel that highlights the garnish and crushed ice. With just a few tools, you can create a cocktail that feels seasonal, polished, and easy to prepare for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce dark rum
• 0.5 ounce maple syrup
• 1.5 ounces apple juice
• 2 ounces ginger beer
• Apple slice for garnish

Instructions

• In a rocks glass, combine the dark rum, maple syrup, apple juice, and ginger beer.
• Stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are fully blended.
• Fill the glass with crushed ice to chill the drink.
• Garnish with a thin slice of apple for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your Apple Maple Dark and Stormy!

Pro Tips

• Use freshly pressed apple juice for the brightest flavor.
• Select a bold dark rum to stand out against the maple and ginger.
• Chill ingredients beforehand to keep the cocktail crisp.
• Stir gently after adding ginger beer to preserve fizz.
• Crushed ice gives a refreshing texture, but large cubes work well too.
• Adjust maple syrup to taste depending on sweetness preference.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick alongside the apple slice for added spice.
• Try a splash of lemon juice if you prefer more acidity.

When to Serve

The Apple Maple Dark and Stormy is ideal for fall and early winter gatherings, when apple and spice flavors feel seasonally appropriate. It works well as a casual evening cocktail, offering a balance of refreshment and warming notes. Serve it at holiday parties, Thanksgiving dinners, or outdoor get-togethers where its bold yet approachable character will stand out. With its crisp apple, rich maple, and spicy ginger beer finish, this cocktail suits both daytime and evening occasions. Whether enjoyed in front of a fire or at a festive gathering, it’s a flavorful twist on a classic favorite.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Dark Rum: Goslings Black Seal, Myers’s, Diplomatico Mantuano
• Ginger Beer: Fever-Tree, Bundaberg, Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer

Similar Cocktails

• Spiced Apple Rum Punch
• Pink Mountain Apple Rum Cocktail
• Caramel Hot Toddy
• Maple-Bourbon Smash
• Pumpkin Spice Hot Buttered Rum