Royal Bermuda Cocktail Recipe
Royal Bermuda Nutrition Facts
Calories:215
Fat:0g
Protein:0.1g
Carbohydrates:12g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Royal Bermuda Cocktail is a classic cocktail that originated in the 1940s at the Swizzle Inn, Bermuda's oldest pub. This cocktail is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and is often enjoyed while watching the sunset over the island's beautiful beaches.
- The cocktail was created by bartender Joe Gilmore, who was inspired by the island's vibrant culture and tropical flavors.
- The Royal Bermuda Cocktail quickly gained popularity and became a staple at other bars throughout the island.
- The cocktail is often associated with relaxation, vacation, and the laid-back atmosphere of Bermuda.
How Royal Bermuda Tastes?
The Royal Bermuda Cocktail is a well-balanced, refreshing, and slightly sweet drink with a hint of tartness. The combination of rum, lime, and falernum creates a smooth and tropical flavor profile, while the bitters add a touch of complexity.
Interesting facts about Royal Bermuda
- The Royal Bermuda Cocktail is sometimes referred to as the 'Bermuda Rum Swizzle'.
- The Swizzle Inn, where the cocktail was created, is known for its motto: 'Swizzle Inn, Swagger Out'.
- The cocktail is traditionally served in a tall glass with crushed ice, making it perfect for sipping on a hot day.
Ingredients
- Dark rum: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lime juice: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Falernum: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Crushed ice: 1 cup
- Garnish: 1 sprig of mint
- 1 lime wheel:
Dark Rum
Provides the base spirit and a rich, molasses-like sweetness. The 2 oz measurement gives a perfect balance without overwhelming the drink. Without it, you'd lack depth and the 'royal' presence. Navy rum could be a bolder alternative, giving a more robust flavor.
Emma Rose
Lime Juice
Offers a fresh tanginess and acidity that brightens the drink. Too much, and it's overly sour; too little, you'd miss the sharp contrast to the rum's sweetness. If limes aren’t handy, try lemon juice, although it’s a bit zippier, it's a fair stand-in.
Alex Green
Falernum
Adds a hint of spiciness, ginger, and sometimes almond notes. It ties the rum and lime together. Leaving it out or changing proportions would significantly alter the drink's flavor profile. Ginger liqueur could be an alternative for a spicier kick.
Mary Mitkina
Angostura Bitters
Brings in complex spiciness and helps balance the sweetness. The 2 dashes are just enough to add depth without overpowering the other flavors. Without it, the cocktail might taste flat. No Angostura at home? Try orange bitters for a subtle change.
Emma Rose
Crushed Ice
Dilutes and chills the drink, making it refreshing. Not using enough can make the drink too strong, while too much can over-dilute it. Stick with crushed to get that slushy, cool texture.
Alex Green
Garnish (Mint and Lime Wheel)
These add visual appeal and a bit of aromatics to the nose, making your first sip a multi-sensory experience. Leaving them out won't ruin the drink, but you'll miss that Instagram-worthy pop and fresh scent as you sip!
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Royal Bermuda Drink
- Fill a tall glass with crushed ice.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the dark rum, lime juice, and falernum.
- Add the Angostura bitters to the shaker.
- Shake well to combine the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture over the crushed ice in the glass.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lime juice for a more vibrant flavor.
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold for longer.
Perfect Pairings
Seafood
Grilled shrimp or calamari pair wonderfully with the tangy notes of lime and spice from Angostura bitters.
Spicy Dishes
Caribbean jerk chicken complements the sweet and spicy balance of the Royal Bermuda cocktail.
Desserts
A fruit tart or key lime pie can complement the citrus notes in the cocktail and the richness of the dark rum.
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What you could change in Royal Bermuda
- Dark Rum: Can be substituted with light rum for a less intense flavor.
- Falernum: If unavailable, can be replaced with a mix of almond syrup, ginger, and lime.
- Angostura Bitters: Can be replaced with orange bitters for a slightly different flavor profile.
Explore all drinks starting with R here
And of course - twists🍹
Royal Bermuda Yacht
Change up the base by using Aged Navy rum to add a smokier, more complex taste to the drink. This twist is perfect for those who enjoy a heftier punch in their cocktail, as it sails away from the smooth shores of traditional dark rum.
Spiced Bermuda
Add a slice of ginger along with the lime juice before shaking, introducing an extra spicy zing. It's like a mini vacation to the spice markets in the comfort of your own home bar.
Tropical Bermuda
Swap out falernum for coconut liqueur to create a more tropical feel. The coconut's sweetness complements the dark rum beautifully, taking you straight to the Bermuda beaches with every sip.
In case you forgot basics how to make Royal Bermuda
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Royal Bermuda
What type of drink glass works best for the Royal Bermuda Cocktail?
A Collins or Highball glass is typically used for the Royal Bermuda Cocktail, but any tall and slender glass will do.
Do I need any specialized bar tools to make a Royal Bermuda Cocktail?
A cocktail shaker and a strainer would be the main tools needed. Optionally, you can use a jigger for precise measurements and a muddler for the mint leaves.
Does the Royal Bermuda Cocktail pair well with any food?
Its tropical flavors make it work well with seafood or light, spicy dishes.
Can the Royal Bermuda Cocktail be pre-mixed for a party?
Yes, you can scale up the recipe and mix everything but the ice ahead of time. Just be sure to mix well before serving.
What other cocktails can I make with these ingredients?
Many ingredients in the Royal Bermuda Cocktail, such as Dark Rum, Falernum, and Lime Juice, are used in various other tropical drinks like the Mai Tai, Zombie, and Rum Punch.
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