There’s something magical about the Queen’s Park Swizzle. It’s bright, minty, and just the right mix of sweet and tart—like a Caribbean breeze in a glass. This classic cocktail has been around since the 1920s, and for good reason. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting friends on a warm night or just winding down after a long day, this one hits the spot.
Queen's Park Swizzle
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Highball glass (or a Collins glass as a backup)
Ingredients
– 6–8 fresh mint leaves
– 15 ml (0.5 oz) simple syrup
– 60 ml (2 oz) white rum (or aged/spiced rum for variation)
– 30 ml (1 oz) fresh lime juice
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Crushed ice (enough to fill the glass)
– Mint sprig and lime wheel, for garnish
Method
- Gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup in the bottom of a highball glass. Just press lightly—you want to release the mint’s oils without tearing the leaves.
- Add the rum and fresh lime juice to the glass.
- Fill the glass about three-quarters full with crushed ice.
- Use a swizzle stick or a long bar spoon to mix everything together. Swizzle by placing the stick between your palms and rolling it back and forth while moving it up and down. This chills the drink and mixes the flavors evenly.
- Top off with more crushed ice until it forms a dome above the rim. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters over the top—they’ll float down and create a beautiful layered effect.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel. Give the mint a gentle slap between your hands to wake up the aroma before adding it.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lime juice—it makes all the difference in brightness and flavor.
– If you don’t have a swizzle stick, a long-handled spoon works just fine.
– For the perfect crushed ice, wrap ice cubes in a clean kitchen towel and give them a few solid whacks with a rolling pin or mallet. Or pulse briefly in a blender.
– Don’t over-muddle the mint—too much pressure makes it bitter.
– Want to dial down the sweetness? Use a bit less syrup or try a drizzle of honey instead.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
This cocktail is best made fresh. If you’re prepping for a crowd, you can juice the limes and make your simple syrup ahead of time—both will keep in the fridge for up to a week. Don’t muddle the mint or add ice until just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This drink pairs beautifully with:
– Grilled chicken or shrimp: The sweet char balances the minty freshness.
– Spicy snacks: Think jerk wings or jalapeño poppers. The cocktail’s coolness cuts the heat perfectly.
– Tropical fruit salad: Mango, pineapple, and watermelon echo the drink’s bright notes.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio—it’s light, refreshing, and always a conversation starter.
Variations to Try
Royal Park Swizzle
– Add a splash (15 ml) of peach schnapps for a fruity twist.
– Follow the usual method and swizzle as usual.
Winter Park Swizzle
– Replace lime juice with cranberry juice.
– Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary for a festive flair.
Spiced Park Swizzle
– Add a cinnamon stick and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
– Let the spices infuse as you swizzle.
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Muddle mint with 15 ml (0.5 oz) honey syrup and 30 ml (1 oz) lime juice.
– Add crushed ice and top with soda water.
– Swizzle and garnish with mint and lime.
Common Questions
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh is always better, but if you’re in a pinch, go for a high-quality bottled version without added sugars or preservatives.
What kind of rum works best?
White rum is traditional, but aged or spiced rum adds a deeper, warmer flavor. Try both and see which you prefer.
How do I make my drink look layered?
Swizzle gently, then add the bitters on top last. They’ll trickle down slowly, creating that signature look.
How do I keep crushed ice from melting too fast?
Chill your glass beforehand, and pack the ice tightly. The more you fill the glass, the slower it melts.
What’s the best mint to use?
Spearmint is ideal. Look for bright green leaves without dark spots. Avoid wilted or yellowing bunches.
Final Thoughts
The Queen’s Park Swizzle is more than just a pretty drink—it’s refreshing, balanced, and surprisingly easy to make once you get the hang of swizzling. Whether you stick to the classic or play around with variations, it’s a cocktail that never goes out of style. Serve it up next time you want something light, flavorful, and a little fancy without being fussy. Cheers!
