Rum Swizzles

For a refreshing cocktail on a warm summer evening, nothing beats the tropical vibes of a rum swizzle. Well-balanced with lime, bitters, rum, and a hint of sugar, the drink's components are vigorously mixed with shaved ice until nicely chilled. It's a light, fruity cocktail that's often called "Bermuda's national drink."

To prepare a swizzle, it's best to use an authentic swizzle stick, which are long stems snapped off a tree native to the Caribbean and feature multiple prongs that stick out horizontally. When spun rapidly between your hands inside the ice-cold cocktail, the swizzle stick will create a thick layer of frost on the outside of a glass—the sign of a perfect swizzle.

While it may be a national drink, there’s no right way to make it—recipes will vary based on where you're ordering one. While a swizzle typically pairs light rum with citrus juices, spices, and bitters, it can also be sweetened with falernum, or made with pineapple juice or other types of rum.

No swizzle stick? No problem. If you don't have an authentic swizzle stick, you can use a whisk or bar spoon for a similar result.

What Is a Swizzle?

The origin of the swizzle dates back to the 1860s, when ice was first introduced to Caribbean locals. A simple drink once consisting of rum, water, and a hint of lime or bitters, the swizzle was transformed with the addition of ice and use of the swizzle stick.

Swizzle stick trees, or Quararibea turbinata, are native to the Caribbean. Their branches have prongs on one end which can be placed into a drink and briskly rotated between the palms of the hand to mix a cocktail. The spinning motion churns the ice and aerates the drink. If done right, a layer of frost should start to form on the outside of the glass—a good indicator that its ready to drink.

The aromatic swizzle sticks, which would have infused drinks with a slightly bitter aftertaste, are now often replaced by metal or plastic versions, although authentic versions are still available.

Ingredients for a Rum Swizzle

To make a rum swizzle, you'll need:

• shaved ice
• light rum
• fresh lime juice
• granulated sugar
• Angostura bitters

To garnish, you'll need orange slices, mint sprigs, and strips of lime zest.

How To Make a Rum Swizzle

To make a swizzle, combine ice, rum, lime juice, sugar and bitters in a pitcher and stir vigorously until the mixture is foamy and the pitcher is frosty. Pour into glasses and garnish with orange slices, mint, and lime zest.

How To Serve Rum Swizzles

This is the ideal cocktail when hosting a small porch or deck party. Create a charcuterie board using your favorite cheese, sausage, and fresh fruits. Or serve with a platter of easy summer appetizers like Artichoke and Crabmeat Dip.

If serving a larger crowd, these big-batch cocktails can make your party planning a whole lot easier. Enjoyed at the pool, on the front porch, or at the family lake house, these summer cocktails will help everyone cool off and stay comfortable.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.