A rum swizzle is a cocktail that’s as fun to say as it is to drink! From the Swizzle Inn in Bermuda to the swizzle stick trees of the Caribbean, there’s a surprising amount to learn about this refreshing rum cocktail.
We’ve searched high and low to find the best rum swizzle recipes you can try to shake up your menu of go-to rum cocktails!
History of the Rum Swizzle Cocktail
Rum swizzles are cocktails uniquely named based on how it’s prepared, hence the “swizzle.” An authentic swizzle stick is a stick from a tree native to the Caribbean. These sticks have horizontal prongs at the base, making them perfect for stirring a drink. The sticks also have a flavor of spices to them that adds a little extra swizzle flavor to any drink.
It’s thought the cocktail originated in the Caribbean since that’s where the sticks grow. In some areas, a lot of drinks are swizzled, from cocktails to hot chocolate!
This cocktail is often called Bermuda’s national drink, with many recipe variations spread around the world today. The original version of this cocktail was served at the Swizzle Inn in Bermuda in the 1930s.
Rum swizzles were also one of the drinks served at the world’s first cocktail party in London, which dates back to 1924.
5 Great Ways to Enjoy a Rum Swizzle
1. Bermuda Rum Swizzle
The Bermuda rum swizzle is the traditional recipe served at the Swizzle Inn. Preparing a Bermuda rum swizzle at home is easy, using two rums and a few other ingredients.
Begin by adding crushed ice to a cocktail glass. Then, get a cocktail shaker to mix your ingredients. Dark rum, gold rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, peach brandy, grenadine, and angostura bitters are added to the cocktail shaker.
Cover with a lid, then shake it vigorously until you see the drink start to get frothy. This usually takes around 15 seconds. It isn’t a good rum swizzle if your drink isn’t frothy.
Finally, strain into the cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange slice or pineapple wedge. The flavors of orange and pineapple juices will stand out the most, while the rum and bitters add a nice depth to the flavor profile.
2. Rum Swizzle
This rum swizzle recipe uses more traditional mixing methods to achieve a frothy cocktail. It also includes falernum, a syrup liqueur popular in Caribbean cocktails. The taste is slightly more tropical and tart than a Bermuda rum swizzle.
To prepare this cocktail, fill an old-fashioned glass halfway with ice. Add dark rum, light rum, Bermuda falernum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and fresh lemon juice. Next, place a bar spoon in the drink with the handle held between your palms. Quickly move your hands back and forth to swizzle the spoon, creating a frothy cocktail.
Finish the drink by adding more ice, angostura bitters, and an orange slice or pineapple wedge to garnish.
3. Queens Park Swizzle
A queen’s park swizzle has less fruit juice, more liquor, and fresh mint for a refreshing drink on the stronger side. The queen’s park swizzle dates back even further than a Bermuda swizzle!
To prepare a queen’s park swizzle, you start by muddling mint leaves with gold rum in a cocktail glass. Add freshly squeezed lime juice, angostura bitters, brown sugar syrup, and crushed ice. Swizzle using a bar spoon until frothy.
Finish by adding more crushed ice and top with fresh mint leaves. This is a rum cocktail fit for a queen!
4. Green Swizzle
This green swizzle recipe looks more clear than it does green, but you’ll understand the name when you hear the ingredient list. The flavor of a green swizzle cocktail is slightly sweet with just the right about of tartness and a minty finish.
Prepare a green swizzle by adding light rum, over-proofed rum, falernum, absinthe, creme de menthe, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail glass with crushed ice. Swizzle with a bar spoon until the drink starts to froth.
Fill the glass with crushed ice the rest of the way, and you’re ready to drink! Take your presentation up a notch by garnishing with fresh mint leaves and a lime wedge.
5. Mango Rum Swizzle
A mango rum swizzle may not be traditional, but it is delicious! Mango juice is the perfect ingredient to make you feel like you’re sipping a cocktail on an island, no matter where you are. To prepare a mango rum swizzle, you’ll need simple sugar syrup, mango juice, mint leaves, fresh lime juice, white rum, and angostura or Peychaud’s bitters.
Begin by adding lime juice, mint, and simple syrup to an old-fashioned glass. Muddle until the mint leaves are well combined. Add crushed ice to fill the glass halfway. Add the mango juice and rum, then mix with a bar spoon using the swizzled method.
Once frothy, top with more ice and serve! This recipe can easily be made for a crowd by preparing all the ingredients in a pitcher and then pouring them into glasses.
FAQs
Where is rum swizzle from?
Rum swizzle cocktails originated in Bermuda in the Caribbean.
Who invented the rum swizzle?
There isn’t one individual who can be credited for inventing the rum swizzle cocktail, but Swizzle Inn helped popularize it.
What is Falernum liqueur?
Falernum liqueur is liqueur syrup with flavors of ginger, almond, and lime.
Get Out Your Swizzle Sticks and Enjoy These Cocktails and Others Today
Give each of these yummy rum swizzle recipes a try to find your favorite! You might just be surprised when you make a rum swizzle cocktail fit to be served at the Swizzle Inn in your very own home! Find more cocktail inspiration and top-rated recipes at Cocktails Cafe.
Rum Swizzle Recipes
- Bermuda Rum Swizzle
- Rum Swizzle
- Queens Park Swizzle
- Green Swizzle
- Mango Rum Swizzle
