THE BERMUDA RUM SWIZZLE

DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF THIS ICONIC ISLAND COCKTAIL.

THE BERMUDA Rum Swizzle is the island’s most celebrated cocktail and a drink locals are passionate about. Although some would debate the merit of the popular Dark ’n Stormy cocktail as the island favourite, there’s one thing most people will agree on: Both drinks owe their success and popularity to the Goslings Black Seal Rum.

The classification of the drink as a “Swizzle” refers to the drink’s preparation rather than its ingredients. In the early 1900s, Bermudians would use whatever was available locally to create the cocktail, most often using a combination of Goslings Black Seal Rum and Goslings Barbados Rum with local citrus, Falernum (a rum-based syrup with lime and spices), and Angostura bitters. They would use a swizzle stick made from the allspice tree to froth the mixture.

The Bermuda Rum Swizzle is deeply ingrained in Bermudian culture and is often served at social gatherings, sporting events, and public holidays. Countless locals have worked to perfect their own versions of the drink, resulting in unique recipes served across the island in restaurants, bars, backyards, and beaches where no two swizzles are the same.

One of the most renowned Rum Swizzle makers was the late Sheila West Gosling, dubbed the “Washing Machine Queen.” In the 1960s, she became famous for her unique method of making Rum Swizzle. She made the drink in her brand-new Hoover washing machine at a party she hosted at her Shelly Bay home following a tennis match. West Gosling’s idea was a hit, and her washingmachine Rum Swizzle became a popular tradition. In the 1970s, she received an upgraded Maytag wringer washing machine as a gift from her three children. The Maytag wringer’s agitator served as a swizzle stick, mixing and frothing the ingredients. She also used the wringer to juice her citrus right into the cocktail. Today, the Goslings keep her Maytag washing machine, which still works and has become a popular tourist attraction. Visitors from all over the world have sampled the iconic Maytag machine’s Rum Swizzle.

The historic Swizzle Inn Restaurant in Bailey’s Bay, which dates to 1932, is known for serving a famous local swizzle. Their catchy slogan, “Swizzle In and Swagger Out,” has become synonymous with the establishment, which is still family-run.

9 Parishes Rum Swizzle, a ready-to-drink version of the Bermuda Rum Swizzle, is now available in three different sizes. Chris Furbert Jr. spent almost 10 years perfecting his recipe and started bottling and selling it in 2017 at various locations across the island, including the airport. Visitors often purchase it as a souvenir to take home to family and friends.

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Feast On The View

Many restaurants in Bermuda offer a view that’s as delicious as their dishes. Aqua Terra, serving creative dishes with New World flair, is set atop rugged limestone cliffs overlooking their secluded pink-sand beach and a striking ocean view.

Blû Bar & Grill overlooks the Great Sound, with floor-to-ceiling picture windows elegantly framing the view of yachts and international sailing events. At Coconuts, you can enjoy the view from the main deck overlooking the beach or immerse yourself in the surrounding beauty with a table right on the beach for a romantic meal with your toes in the pink sand. And finally, The Loren’s seaside restaurant, The Pink Beach Club, offers a laid-back, open-air setting where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner accompanied by stunning scenery.

For Your Sweet Cravings

Vacations are for indulging, and Bermuda gives you plenty of ways to treat yourself. Ice cream shops are plentiful, as they should be on a warm, sunny island. Nannini Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Parlour in Royal Naval Dockyard hits the spot with ice creams, sorbets, frozen yoghurts, sundaes, and milkshakes to choose from. Also in Dockyard, you can pick up a popsicle from Duch Pops, Bermuda’s first home-made popsicle venture that blends all-natural flavours with refreshingly sweet and oh-so-delicious results.

Bring Bermuda’s sweetness home with you in the form of perfectly firm yet light and airy sugar cookies. Confections brings the beach feel to their creations with sugar sprinkles that resemble Bermuda pink sand.

In St. George’s, Ital Beverages serves up fresh, hand-crafted juices with added health benefits from ingredients like lemongrass and hibiscus.

Perhaps the most iconic indulgence is the Bermuda rum cake. These moist, spirit-soaked Bundt cakes are prevalent on the island.

BY VANESSA MOLINA SANTAMARIA