Swordfish Cocktail Recipe

Swordfish Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

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

History

The Swordfish cocktail is a modern creation, inspired by the powerful and elegant movements of the swordfish in the ocean. This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced and refreshing drink with a touch of sophistication. It is often enjoyed by those who love the sea, adventure, and the finer things in life.

  • Origin: Created by a renowned mixologist in a prestigious bar
  • Inspiration: The grace and power of the swordfish
  • Ideal for: Sea lovers, adventurers, and those who appreciate a refined drink

How Swordfish Tastes?

The Swordfish cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. The drink is light and refreshing, with a subtle hint of fruitiness and a smooth, velvety finish.

Interesting facts about Swordfish

  • The Swordfish cocktail is named after the majestic marine creature known for its speed and agility
  • The drink's refreshing taste and elegant presentation make it a popular choice for upscale events and celebrations
  • The Swordfish cocktail is often served in a unique, fish-shaped glass to enhance its visual appeal

Ingredients

Rum

Rum is the heart of the drink, providing warmth and complexity with its sweet, sugar cane flavor profiles. 2oz hits just the sweet spot; less and you might wonder where the Caribbean spirit flew away, and more can turn a sip into a stumble.

Emma Rose

Passion Fruit Syrup

Adding 0.5oz of Passion fruit syrup brings a tropical sweetness and tang that makes this cocktail stand out. It's the sunny disposition of this drink—a little less, and it may be too subtle, a bit more, and you'll be out-hula-ing yourself. As an alternative, mango syrup could add a similar sweetness but with a rounder, less tart profile.

Mary Mitkina

Lime Juice

Half an ounce of lime juice provides a zip of refreshing acidity, balancing out the sweetness. Without it, you might find the cocktail cloyingly sweet, but an overdose could make you pucker up more than you'd like. Try lemon juice if you want a slightly different edge.

Alex Green

Orange Liqueur

The orange liqueur acts as a middleman, marrying the rum and passion fruit with its citrus sweetness. 0.5oz is enough to say 'I do' without overshadowing the others. Leave it out, and the union isn't as harmonious, but you could flirt with a splash of triple sec as a stand-in.

Emma Rose

Angostura Bitters

Like salt in a dish, two dashes of Angostura bitters round everything out with a herby depth. Miss them out, and the drink lacks its full dimensionality, like a sea without the salt. No bitters on hand? A dash of aromatic cocktail spice could fill in, but tread lightly.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

A cup of ice is more than just chilling; it's part of the mix, diluting the concoction to perfect drinkability. Less ice, and you might as well be in the tropics with your glass sweating. More, and you've got a cold-hearted drink that's too shy on flavor.

Alex Green

Garnish

The orange twist adds an aromatic zing, while the cherry is the sweet cherry on top. They're like the exclamation point at the end of a sentence - not strictly necessary but oh so satisfying. Without them, it's just not the same conversation.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Swordfish Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add the rum, passion fruit syrup, lime juice, orange liqueur, and Angostura bitters
  3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled fish-shaped glass
  5. Garnish with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly mix the ingredients and chill the drink
  • Use fresh lime juice for a more refreshing taste
  • The garnish is not just for decoration, it adds a subtle flavor to the drink

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

  • Grilled shrimp: The sweet flavors of the rum and the tanginess of the lime juice complement the smokiness of grilled shrimp.

  • Sushi: The fruit flavors in the Swordfish cocktail may enhance the fresh taste of various sushi rolls, particularly those with tropical fruit toppings.

Spicy Dishes

  • Jamaican jerk chicken: The sweetness and acidity of the cocktail can help balance and cool down the heat of the spicy jerk seasoning.

  • Thai curry: The citrus elements can cut through the creaminess of coconut milk-based curries, providing a refreshing contrast.

Desserts

  • Key lime pie: The lime juice in the cocktail and the dessert aligns nicely, and the rum will pair well with the pie's sweetness.

  • Fruit tarts: The tartness of fresh fruits and the sweetness of the syrup in the cocktail make for a delightful combination.

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What you could change in Swordfish

  • Rum: Can be substituted with vodka for a lighter taste
  • Passion fruit syrup: Can be replaced with any other fruit syrup of your choice
  • Orange liqueur: Triple sec can be used as a substitute

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Swordfish Spiced

  • Switch the standard rum for a spiced rum to introduce a bit of heat and depth.

  • Recipe: Same as the original but with spiced rum, shake it up, let the spices do the salsa with the other ingredients, and serve as usual.

  • The cocktail will have added notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and perhaps even nutmeg, making it a more wintery or festive alternative.

Swordfish Sunrise

  • Add a splash of grenadine for a sunrise effect.

  • Recipe: Mix everything as before, then gently pour grenadine to create a beautiful gradient.

  • The cocktail becomes sweeter with a visual flair that mimics a sunrise at sea, creating a stunning presentation and sweeter taste.

Swordfish Cooler

  • Top the cocktail with some soda water for a refreshing twist.

  • Recipe: After shaking the ingredients, pour into a glass and then top with soda water.

  • The drink becomes more refreshing and lighter, perfect for a hot summer day when you're pretending the ocean breeze is just around the corner.

In case you forgot basics how to make Swordfish

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 shake

Place 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 strain

Garnishing 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).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Swordfish

What type of rum is best for the Swordfish cocktail?

While the Swordfish cocktail can be made with any type of rum, a white or light rum is typically used to not overpower the fruity flavors of the cocktail.

What other garnishes can be used in the Swordfish cocktail?

Other than the traditional orange twist and maraschino cherry, you could use a fresh slice of passion fruit or a sprig of mint.

Why is the cocktail named 'Swordfish'?

The 'Swordfish' cocktail is an homage to the speed, agility, and beauty of the swordfish. Its graceful movements in the ocean inspired the creators of this modern cocktail.

What other types of glasses can be used to serve the Swordfish cocktail?

While the unique fish-shaped glass contributes to the aesthetic of this cocktail, it can also be served in other types of glasses like a martini glass or a hurricane glass.

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