Queen's Park Swizzle Cocktail Recipe

The Queen's Park Swizzle is a classic cocktail that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1920s. It was named after the Queen's Park Hotel in Port of Spain, where it was first created. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of sweet, sour, and strong flavors.

• The Queen's Park Swizzle is often considered the national cocktail of Trinidad and Tobago
• It was popularized in the United States by famous bartender Don Beach, who brought the recipe to his Hollywood bar in the 1930s
• The cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks to the craft cocktail movement

The Queen's Park Swizzle is a well-balanced cocktail with a mix of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. It has a refreshing minty taste, combined with the sweetness of the sugar and the tanginess of the lime. The rum adds a strong, bold backbone to the drink, making it a satisfying and invigorating experience.

• The Queen's Park Swizzle is sometimes referred to as the 'Mojito's Trinidadian cousin' due to its similarities in ingredients and flavors
• The cocktail is traditionally made with Demerara rum, which is a type of rum produced in Guyana
• The swizzle in the name refers to the swizzle stick, a traditional Caribbean tool used to mix the drink

1. In a tall glass, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup
2. Add the lime juice and Demerara rum
3. Fill the glass with crushed ice and swizzle the drink using a swizzle stick or a long bar spoon until well mixed and chilled
4. Top with more crushed ice and add the Angostura bitters
5. Garnish with a mint sprig and serve with a straw

• Muddle the mint gently to avoid releasing bitter flavors
• Use a long bar spoon if you don't have a swizzle stick
• Chill the glass before preparing the cocktail to keep it cold longer

Food Pairings:

The Queen's Park Swizzle is a refreshing and aromatic cocktail, perfect for sipping on a warm day. Its minty and citrusy profile complements light appetizers and seafood dishes well. Here are a few pairing suggestions:

• Seafood like ceviche, grilled shrimp, or sushi. The lime in the cocktail echoes the citrus often used in these dishes.
• Poultry such as lemon-herb chicken skewers. The cocktail's minty freshness balances the savory flavors.
• Salads with vinaigrette dressings or with tropical fruits. The acidity and sweetness of the cocktail create a harmonious contrast with these dishes.

Dessert Pairings:

• Lemon or lime-based desserts, like key lime pie or lemon sorbet. The cocktail enhances the tangy flavors of the dessert.
• Fresh fruit platters, especially with tropical fruits like pineapple or mango. The rum's complexity and the cocktail's mint enhance the natural sweetness of the fruits.

Drink Pairings:

• Non-alcoholic ginger beer offers a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the Queen's Park Swizzle.
• Sparkling water with a splash of lime, to stay in the refreshing zone but without additional alcohol.

Remember, balance in flavors is key when pairing!

• Demerara rum: Can be replaced with any dark rum
• Simple syrup: Can be replaced with agave syrup or honey
• Fresh lime juice: Can be replaced with fresh lemon juice

Ginger Queen

Swap the simple syrup for ginger syrup to give a spicy zing to our swizzle. The ginger will embrace the rum and lime in a spicy, yet still sweet, tango.

Recipe: Replace 0.75 oz simple syrup with 0.75 oz ginger syrup. Swizzle as usual, and sprinkle with a dash of ground ginger on top if you're feeling extra zesty.

Herbal Harmony

Infuse the simple syrup with herbs like thyme or basil for an earthy twist. This adds a herb garden vibe that pairs marvellously with the mint.

Recipe: Use an herb-infused simple syrup keeping the same amount. Swizzle and then garnish with a corresponding herb sprig for an aromatic allure.

Caribbean Queen

Bring in the tropical flair by adding a splash of coconut water and replacing Demerara rum with coconut rum. It's like a mini vacation in a glass.

Recipe: Add 0.5 oz coconut water and use 2 oz coconut rum. Stick to the rest of the original recipe, and don't forget to sway a little when you swizzle – it’s all about those island vibes.

Each twist adds a unique layer to the cocktail that showcases a different aspect of the original drink’s personality. Whether you’re going for spice, garden freshness, or tropical escape, you’re in for a treat!