The Bermuda Rum Swizzle is one of the national drinks of Bermuda (yes, there’s more than one). It’s synonymous with Gosling’s, manufacturers of its main ingredients; Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and Gosling’s Gold Bermuda Rum.
Every bartender has their own interpretation but we’re just going to list those from the authoritative sources; Gosling’s themselves and the Swizzle Inn.
Malcolm Gosling’s Recipe
In the video below Gosling’s CEO, Malcolm Gosling, offers his interpretation of the Bermuda Rum Swizzle.
He starts by mixing the following ingredients in a large glass:
- 1.5 oz. of Gosling’s Gold Bermuda Rum
- 2 oz. of pineapple juice
- 2 oz. of orange juice
- 1 dash of grenadine
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
He mixes it by stirring, and then adds ice, and finally adds Gosling’s Black Seal Rum to float on top.
As Malcolm says, ‘it will have you dancing like a Gombey.’
Swizzle Inn Recipe
Jay Correira, proprietor of the Swizzle Inn, claims the Bermuda Rum Swizzle was invented at the pub in 1932. The owners at that time wanted a drink to distinguish the pub and came up with the cocktail.
He first mixes the ingredients in a pitcher filled with crushed ice:
- 4 oz. Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
- 4 oz. Gosling’s Gold Bermuda Rum
- 2 oz. of Triple Sec
- 2 oz. of Bermuda Falernum or sugar syrup
- 5 oz. of pineapple juice
- 5 oz. of orange juice
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 4 dashes of Angostura bitters
The mixture is then shaken until a frothy head appears.
Ready Mixed Bermuda Rum Swizzle
For those that don’t want to take the time to buy the ingredients and mix the drink, Gosling’s offer a ready-mixed version. You can find a list of retailers around the world on the official Gosling’s website.
Rum Cruises
Almost any bar on the island will mix you a Rum Swizzle, but the most obvious places to try are the Swizzle Inn and the Swizzle Inn South Shore.
For a more educational experience you can take the Gosling’s Rum Tasting Cruise offered by the Island Tour Centre/Fantasea Bermuda.
On the 90-minute cruise around the Great Sound a Gosling’s ‘rumologist’ gives an interesting talk on the history of the company, demonstrates how to prepare the Bermuda Rum Swizzle and the Dark ‘n’ Stormy, and gives out samples.
Some 23 years earlier : In his 1909 book, Beverages, Past and Present: An Historical Sketch of Their Production, Brotherhood Winery owner Edward R. Emerson asserted that Rum Swizzles originated on the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts.
I bought a bottle of Swizzle Inn Rum Swizzle on the ship before I left the cruise. Now it’s almost gone and I want more! Can it be shipped from Bermuda to USA?
Where does one purchase the Goslings ready mixed rum swizzle? I just googled it but did not find anything. Best drink ever!
Just came back to Boston after a four day stay in Bermuda and yes the Rum Swizzle AT the Swizzle Inn is by far the best I had tasted. I have tried mixing it here at home but it could never taste the same. It had to be the warmth of the Bermudians. We ate at the Swizzle Inn twice daily, had Rum Swizzles every time and YES it is very potent!!!!
Are there any other options for rum tasting in Bermuda other than the Gosling’s rum cruise?
Well, there are infinite possibilities. The obvious place for Rum Swizzle is the Swizzle Inn, but you can get it at any bar really. Gosling’s also set up a stall at Harbour Nights in Hamilton and offer rum tasting.
A delicious drink – but very potent!