Kaieteur Swizzle

ABV 21.6% /  2.2 alcoholic units

Primary Ingredient: Rum

A Brief History of Kaieteur Swizzle

The Kaieteur Swizzle is a vibrant rum cocktail inspired by the majestic Kaieteur Falls in Guyana. It offers a complex balance of citrus brightness, warming spices, and subtle sweetness, complemented by the refreshing mint garnish. The cocktail is named for its connection to rum's historical roots in the Caribbean and South America, particularly Guyana, renowned for its rich, molasses-based rums.

Taste and Flavour Profile

The Kaieteur Swizzle delivers a multi-layered taste experience with a refreshing and balanced profile:

• Citrus Brightness: Fresh lime juice provides a zesty, tangy base.

• Spiced Depth: Falernum (a spiced liqueur) and Angostura bitters add warming notes of clove, ginger, and cinnamon.

• Sweetness: Maple syrup adds a smooth, caramel-like sweetness that complements the spices and offsets the acidity of the lime.

• Rum Complexity: The rich molasses and aged wood notes of Guyanese rum bring warmth and depth, tying the drink together.

Overall, the cocktail tastes refreshing yet complex, ideal for warm weather. Its profile is a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, spiced, and herbaceous elements.

Food Pairings

The Kaieteur Swizzle pairs well with spicy Caribbean or Latin American dishes, such as jerk chicken, empanadas, or plantain chips. Its bright and cooling profile also complements seafood dishes like ceviche or grilled shrimp.

Bar Equipment:

• Jigger
• Bar spoon
• Collins/highball glass

Ingredients

• 50ml Blended aged rum
• 15ml Velvet Falernum
• 20ml Freshly squeezed lime juice
• 15ml Maple syrup (grade A)
• 2 x dashes of Angostura bitters
• Garnish: Mint sprig
• Crushed ice

Method

• Add all ingredients into the glass and fill the glass 3/4 full with crushed ice
• Swizzle* with the bar spoon and top with more crushed ice
• Garnish mint sprig

*The term "swizzle" in cocktail-making refers to both a technique and a category of drinks. It involves stirring a cocktail in a tall glass filled with crushed ice using a specific tool, traditionally called a swizzle stick or lélé stick, to create a well-chilled and properly diluted drink with a frosty exterior. The method originates from the Caribbean and is commonly associated with rum-based tropical cocktails.

What are the best rums for a Kaieteur Swizzle?

The best rums for a Kaieteur Swizzle should complement the drink's complex, tropical flavour profile. This means selecting rums that offer depth, spice, and richness. Given the drink's inspiration and recipe, a blended or aged rum, particularly from Guyana or the Caribbean, is ideal.

• El Dorado 8-Year or 12-Year (Guyana) - Known for its rich molasses flavour, caramel, and tropical fruit notes, El Dorado provides the depth and smoothness this cocktail needs. It aligns perfectly with the drink’s Guyanese heritage.

• Hamilton 86 Demerara Rum - A bold choice with smoky, earthy tones and hints of toffee. Its robust profile enhances the spices in falernum and Angostura bitters.

• Plantation Original Dark - A versatile blend of rums from Jamaica and Barbados, this rum adds balanced notes of banana, vanilla, and spice, complementing the drink's sweet and citrusy elements.

• Mount Gay Eclipse (Barbados) - A lighter, aromatic rum with vanilla and toasty oak flavours. Ideal if you prefer a slightly more delicate base.

• Appleton Estate Reserve Blend (Jamaica) - Offers a fruity, nutty profile with hints of orange peel and spice, which work harmoniously with the lime and maple syrup in the recipe.

Each of these rums contributes a unique dimension, but a Guyanese rum like El Dorado is the most traditional and authentic choice for the Kaieteur Swizzle due to its cultural and flavour connection.