Kombucha Dark and Stormy
I’m thrilled to share my Kombucha Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipe with you! As we prepare to ring in the new year, there’s something special about sipping on a drink that not only tastes fantastic but also aligns with wellness goals. Over the years, my relationship with alcohol has changed significantly. In my 20s, I was a regular on the nightlife scene. During the pandemic, I found myself reaching for a nightly drink to unwind from the stress of lockdown and uncertainty.
As a nutritionist, I knew that alcohol wasn’t the best remedy for stress, and it started to catch up with me. My sleep suffered—I’d fall asleep only to wake up hours later feeling restless and sweaty. This was a wake-up call to be more intentional about my relationship with alcohol. Now, when I do have a drink, I want it to be meaningful and refreshing. That’s how my Kombucha Dark and Stormy was born—an indulgence with benefits, crafted to keep things light and gut-friendly!
Kombucha Dark and Stormy Recipe
Gluten-free & Vegan
Prep Time: 1 minute | Serves: 1
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum (optional for a mocktail version)
- 5 oz ginger kombucha
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Pour in the dark rum (if using), followed by the kombucha and lime juice.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Tips for Choosing Quality Kombucha:
- Check the Refrigeration: High-quality kombucha should always be refrigerated to preserve its probiotics.
- Watch the Sugar Content: Look for kombucha with minimal sugar; a lower sugar content helps avoid that sugary “crash” and keeps it closer to ginger beer’s spiciness.
- Avoid Added Carbon Dioxide: Authentic kombucha will naturally develop carbonation through fermentation. Added CO₂ often indicates a shortcut.
- Look for Real Ginger: Instead of “natural flavour,” check the ingredients for actual ginger root. This gives kombucha that genuine ginger kick that makes this drink shine.
Why Choose Kombucha?
Kombucha is a fantastic alternative to traditional mixers. Unlike sugary mixers that can cause a blood sugar spike followed by an inevitable crash, kombucha provides a naturally tart and slightly sweet flavour with far less sugar. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to reduce their sugar intake while still enjoying a delicious drink. Choosing a lower-sugar alternative like kombucha can be especially beneficial during festive occasions when sugary drinks are often plentiful. It allows you to enjoy a lively, refreshing cocktail experience without the worry of sugar overload or an energy slump later in the evening.
But kombucha isn’t just a lower-sugar swap. It’s packed with probiotics—beneficial bacteria that help support a healthy gut microbiome. Our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Incorporating more probiotic-rich foods and drinks, like kombucha, into your diet can help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for overall health and well-being. These probiotics can support digestion, ease bloating, and even enhance mental well-being, making kombucha a truly functional choice in your cocktail mixer lineup.
Kombucha’s naturally fizzy, tangy flavour is another reason it works so well in this Kombucha Dark and Stormy. Its effervescence adds a pleasant texture to the drink, while the bold ginger notes mirror the spiciness of traditional ginger beer without artificial flavours or extra carbonation. Kombucha is naturally carbonated through fermentation, so you’re getting a genuinely fermented, gut-friendly drink rather than a carbonated soda with added bubbles. The end result is a healthier, vibrant cocktail that’s lighter on your system yet full of flavour.
Try this Kombucha Dark and Stormy as a Mocktail!
For those looking to avoid alcohol, the Kombucha Dark and Stormy makes an excellent mocktail. Simply leaving out the rum gives you a refreshing, zero-proof option that’s still packed with complex flavours and a satisfying bite. The ginger kombucha and fresh lime juice are the stars here, creating a drink that’s far from boring or overly sweet. Mocktails like this one are ideal for those who want to enjoy the ritual of a cocktail without the effects of alcohol, or for anyone who wants to make healthier choices while still celebrating special occasions.
Mocktails are growing in popularity as more people recognize the benefits of mindful drinking. Choosing a zero-proof drink lets you stay fully present, avoid dehydration, and skip the potential next-day sluggishness. With a Kombucha Dark and Stormy mocktail, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—a festive drink that’s kind to your body and genuinely enjoyable.
Want to make your own Kombucha? Try my homemade kombucha recipe here!
Lunch & Learn: Healthy Eating on a Budget
As we close out the holiday season, many of us are thinking about budgeting for January—I get it, the holidays can be so expensive! But taking care of your budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavour or nutrition. In my Healthy Eating on a Budget Lunch & Learn, I’ll show you practical tips and tricks to make healthy eating accessible, affordable, and, of course, delicious! From cost-saving shopping strategies and which foods to buy in bulk to easy, nutrient-dense recipes with everyday ingredients, this class is packed with ideas to keep your wallet and well-being happy. Perfect for teams looking to kickstart the new year with healthy, budget-friendly habits!
To learn more about my January Corporate Wellness events, reach out to me at info@jesselanewellness.com . You can also visit my Corporate Wellness page to learn more!
More Cocktails & Mocktails to Celebrate the Season
Healthy Paloma Cocktail
If you’re looking to add a burst of tropical flavour to your holiday celebrations, this Healthy Paloma Cocktail is a perfect choice! Made with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and a splash of sparkling water, this drink is a refreshing twist on the classic. It’s light, vibrant, and packed with vitamin C to keep your immune system strong during the holiday season. Perfect as a festive mocktail or with a splash of tequila for a mindful cocktail option. This Paloma brings a bright, tropical vibe to any winter gathering!
Fall Apple Cider Cocktail
Bring some cozy vibes to your holiday celebrations with this refreshing Fall Apple Cider Cocktail! With the natural sweetness of apples and warming spices, it’s a perfect drink for toasting to the holidays. Enjoy it as a festive mocktail or add a dash of bourbon for a delicious cocktail that’ll warm you from the inside out!
Gingerbread Orange Hot Toddy Cocktail
Add some festive cheer to your holiday season with this cozy Gingerbread Orange Hot Toddy! This warm cocktail combines the comforting spices of gingerbread with a burst of fresh orange. Made with a dash of honey and warming spices like cinnamon and ginger, it’s a soothing choice for chilly evenings. This drink is a deliciously spiced way to toast the season!
Healthy Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
Indulge in the holiday spirit with this Healthy Candy Cane Hot Chocolate! This festive treat combines rich, velvety cocoa with a refreshing hint of peppermint for that classic candy cane twist. Made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a great way to enjoy a cozy cup of hot chocolate by the fire. It’s perfect for a winter night in or as a family-friendly holiday drink.