Often referred to as Bermuda’s National Drink, the Rum Swizzle is more than just a cocktail; it is a storied piece of island history. While the Dark ‘n Stormy may have the corporate backing of Goslings, the Swizzle is the soul of the island’s social life; a potent, punch-like concoction designed for long afternoons and celebratory gatherings. Unlike many tiki drinks that rely on heavy syrups, the Bermuda Swizzle is a balance of aromatic bitters, bright citrus, and the deep, molasses-heavy profile of black rum. Our Sherry Swizzle rendition of this island favorite replaces rum with Lustau Oloroso Don Nuño, which lowers the ABV while still maintaining the identity of the traditional Swizzle cocktail.
COCKTAIL: Sherry Swizzle
Full Ingredients list
- 2oz (60ml) Lustau Oloroso Don Nuño
- .75oz (22.5ml) Cointreau
- 1oz (30ml) Orange Juice
- 1oz (30ml) Pineapple Juice
- .5oz (15ml) Lemon Juice
- .5oz (15ml) Grenadine Syrup
- 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
- Garnish: Strawberries & Mint Sprig
Recipe author: Steven Dragun
WHAT ARE THE ORIGINS OF THE SWIZZLE COCKTAIL?
The term “swizzle” dates back to the mid-18th century, likely originating in the West Indies (St. Kitts or Barbados). However, the cocktail as we know it today was perfected at the Swizzle Inn in Bailey’s Bay, Bermuda. Opening its doors in 1932 in a 17th-century roadhouse, the Swizzle Inn is the oldest pub on the island. Their motto, “Swizzle Inn, Swagger Out,” pays homage to the drink’s deceptive smoothness and high alcohol content. In Bermuda, the Swizzle is a communal experience. It is rarely ordered by the single glass; instead, it is ordered by the pitcher. It is the staple beverage of “Cup Match” (the island’s annual cricket holiday) and is found at every backyard BBQ and boat party.
The drink gets its name from the Swizzle Stick, which was originally a branch from the Quararibea turbinata (the “Swizzle Stick Tree”), and has small radiating “fingers” at the end. To mix the drink, the stick is placed into a glass or pitcher filled with cracked ice and the ingredients. The shaft of the stick is spun rapidly between the palms of the hands. This creates a vigorous frothing action that aerates the juices and chills the liquid so intensely that a layer of frost forms on the outside of the glass or pitcher. If you find yourself in Bermuda, head to the Swizzle Inn and sign the walls. It’s a rite of passage for travelers, though the potency of the drink ensures many people don’t remember doing it the next morning.
WHY OLOROSO IS BEST IN A SHERRY SWIZZLE COCKTAIL?
Substituting oloroso sherry for black rum is a classic bartender’s secret that transforms the Bermuda Rum Swizzle from a sugary fruit punch into a sophisticated, bone-dry, and aromatic cocktail. While it may seem counterintuitive to swap a Caribbean spirit for a Spanish wine, the two share a surprising amount of molecular DNA due to their aging processes. Black rum is defined by heavy molasses, toasted oak, and dark fruit. Oloroso sherry undergoes a similar oxidative aging process (aging in contact with air without the protective “flor” yeast). This creates overlapping tasting notes of walnuts and hazelnuts, toffee and leather, and dried fruits. Because oloroso is aged for so long and loses water through the barrel, it becomes concentrated and rich in glycerol, which gives the liquid a round, silky texture.
Learn more about “flor” yeast here
When swizzled with ice, this glycerol helps the drink maintain a thick, frothy body that matches the heavy weight of a traditional black rum. Traditional Rum Swizzles are notoriously potent. Using oloroso (typically 20% ABV) as a substitute for black rum (typically 40% ABV) allows you to enjoy the same complex, dark flavors with about half the alcohol content. It turns a “head-spinner” into a sophisticated afternoon sipper.
WHAT GLASS IS BEST TO SERVE A SWIZZLE COCKTAIL IN?
Traditionally, a Swizzle cocktail should be served in a Collins glass or highball glass. A Collins glass is a glass tumbler which typically contains 10-14oz (300-410ml). It is commonly used to serve sparkling cocktails, especially long drinks like the Tom Collins, as well as fruit juice, water or any cold drinks. These are always served with a straw because the glass becomes too cold to hold comfortably with bare hands, and the crushed ice acts as a natural filter.
Discover other sparkling cocktails like our Fizz version
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO MAKE A SHERRY SWIZZLE COCKTAIL WITH LUSTAU OLOROSO SHERRY?
Below is a breakdown of the estimated costs and alcohol by volume (ABV) for each ingredient, along with the total cost per serving:
HOW TO PREPARE A SHERRY SWIZZLE WITH OLOROSO AT HOME
1. Add all ingredients to a Collins glass
2. Add crushed ice and swizzle until the outside of the glass is frosted
3.Garnish with strawberries and mint sprig
FAQ
1) Why use Lustau Oloroso Don Nuño in a Swizzle?
Lustau Oloroso Don Nuño is a great substitute for black rum in a Swizzle due to their similar flavor profiles. Additionally, oloroso has a good amount of glycerol which gives the cocktail roughly the same viscosity as a rum-based Swizzle.
Learn more about oloroso style here:
Is this cocktail low in alcohol compared to classic spirits?
The Sherry Swizzle has roughly half the amount of alcohol a traditional swizzle has. At 8.7% versus 14.5% ABV, the Sherry Swizzle ensures you can have a couple of cocktails without too many repercussions.
Why is it called the swizzle cocktail?
The drink gets its name from the Swizzle Stick, which was originally a branch from the Quararibea turbinata (Swizzle Stick Tree). The swizzle stick is an essential tool for any Swizzle cocktail, as it is a perfect instrument to mix the ingredients with crushed ice.
Should a Sherry Swizzle be served with crushed ice? Why?
Yes, a Sherry Swizzle should be served over crushed ice. In order to make any Swizzle cocktail, one must use a swizzle stick in order to mix the ingredients together. Without crushed ice, this would be hard to do as the swizzle stick must be spun rapidly in order to mix the cocktail while reaching the desired temperature.
