March Cocktail Madness Champion: Dark & Stormy Takes the Crown 🌩️🏆

And just like that… we have a winner 👀

After weeks of matchups, upsets, and some very strong opinions, the Dark & Stormy has officially been crowned the champion of this year’s March Cocktail Madness.

What started as a dark horse turned into a full-on takeover - knocking out classic after classic on its way to the top.

Spicy. Bold. Unpredictable.

And now… undefeated.

🌩️ The Cocktail That Couldn’t Be Stopped

There’s a reason the Dark & Stormy made it all the way.

It hits that perfect balance:

• refreshing, but with depth

• simple, but never boring

• bold enough to stand out in any lineup

And clearly… it’s a crowd favorite.

By now, you’ve seen it. Maybe you’ve voted for it.

But for the final… we had to take it up a notch.

🥃 Featuring: Loft & Bear Artisanal Dark Rum

For our Champion Edition, we’re featuring Loft & Bear Artisanal Dark Rum - a brand bringing both craft and culture into the spotlight.

Based in Los Angeles, Loft & Bear is a Black-owned distillery focused on small-batch spirits and intentional production. Their approach blends quality, creativity, and representation.

Their dark rum adds depth and richness to this cocktail, with a smooth profile that plays beautifully against spice and citrus.

Cheers to brands pushing the industry forward. 🥂

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🍸 Dark & Stormy Recipe (Champion Edition)

This is not your standard Dark & Stormy.

For the final, we’re adding a little more depth, a little more balance, and a finish that feels just right for a winning cocktail.

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🏆 A Worthy Winner

Three appearances. Three different takes. One champion.

The Dark & Stormy didn’t just win — it evolved along the way.

So whether you’ve been Team Stormy from the beginning or just joined in, this is your sign to mix one up and see what all the hype was about.

Follow along with HopScotch & Grape (@HopScotchandGrape) for more cocktail features, recipes, and stories behind the brands we love.

Because Diversity is the taste of life®!

Remember to enjoy responsibly.