Why this new Fort Lauderdale speakeasy restaurant slings ‘risky’ cocktails
A bold new era in mixology
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery, a Fort Lauderdale speakeasy restaurant, has debuted with a daring cocktail menu that’s sure to pique the interest of even the most adventurous drinkers. Among its 37-cocktail lineup is the Vienna Strudel, garnished with mascarpone cheese, apple caviar, and cinnamon raisins. Or take the Tokyo Drift, a blend of Japanese shochu, mezcal, and vermouth crowned with lychee-wasabi air bubbles. Or the French Job, a blend of cognac and aperitivo finished with a Parmesan-Romano tea bag and balsamic vinaigrette.
A taste of the exotic
Swizzle’s drinking den, located on the ground floor of the 10X Riverwalk tower on West Las Olas Boulevard, is a shaker’s throw from the Andrews Avenue drawbridge. To gain entry, drinkers must ring the front doorbell five times, then be led down a hallway lined with cozy oak bookshelves into a chic, dim den appointed in burgundy velvet curtains, brass fixtures, wood paneling, golden lamps, and white marble.
A complex cocktail experience
Founder-bartender Danilo Božović’s cocktail lineup at Swizzle’s Fort Lauderdale location straddles the line between audacious and oddball. It features 180-plus world rums, tropical libations, and exotic spirits infused with 40 housemade ingredients, from simple syrups and clear ice to 30-day, garlic-glazed honey and black tea-infused India Pale Ale.
Risk and reward
Božović, who runs Swizzle alongside co-owners Jesus Perez, Jason Tune, and Marta Valdes, is unafraid to take big risks in his cocktails. “I think a lot of bartenders are intimidated by savory ingredients in cocktail glasses, but that’s exactly what I love,” he says. “Take the lychee-wasabi bubbles, for instance. The risk of it being overpowering or overbalancing it is pretty high, right? But then what is the point of being risky if there is no reward? So I say, ‘F— the risk and seek the reward.’ It’s much higher satisfaction when the drink works.”
A passion for rum
Božović’s love for rum is evident in Swizzle’s menu, which includes a modified version of his Newburgh Sour, which won him a gold medal in France’s Remy Martin Global Cocktail Competition 2018. The cocktail is a fusion of scotch and black tea-infused amaro, shaken with lemon juice, demerara syrup, raw egg whites, and dashes of old-fashioned bitters.
Swizzle’s menu also features burgers, chicken wings, and Serbian croquetas (filled with ham, cheese, and veal), plus Cuban sandwiches, steaks, and pasta. Co-owner Perez notes that they picked Fort Lauderdale for its “energy and young, hip professionals living downtown who want to enjoy a nice drink.”
Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery is a bold new addition to the Fort Lauderdale nightlife scene, offering a unique cocktail experience that’s sure to delight even the most adventurous drinkers. With its complex cocktails, exotic ingredients, and cozy atmosphere, Swizzle is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to try something new and exciting.
* Q: What is the cost of the cocktails at Swizzle?
A: Most cocktails cost $14-$21.
* Q: Can I make a reservation at Swizzle?
A: No, Swizzle is a walk-in only establishment.
* Q: Is Swizzle a good spot for a date?
A: Yes, Swizzle’s intimate atmosphere and unique cocktails make it a great spot for a date.
* Q: Does Swizzle have a happy hour?
A: Yes, Swizzle offers a daily happy hour from 6-8 p.m. featuring half-off classic cocktails.
