Swizzle sticks

[Snowy is dead]

Hello folks,

I'm looking for some of those pronged swizzle sticks they use for jamaican swizzles. Not the usual straight stick, but I guess they look like long pitchforks or such. Does anyone have suggestions for suppliers, or am I out of luck?

Thanks in advance

Sean

[Alchemist]

What I would do is show up at work grab a cup of coffee, explain to your boss that you have to pop out for a swizzle stick and would they mind starting setting up for you? Hop the soonest plane to Martinque, go to the nearest bar, order a 'Ti Punch, and ask the bartender where to get a swizzle stick. Since you are there allready some beach time and a SCUBA dive or two can't hurt (remember the Boss is holding down the fort, and they are the most compotent people around) followed by another "Ti punch or three.

Pick up three swizzle sticks, head back to the airport and work. Once there, explain that "These babies were devishily hard to find. And could you give me a payout for," pulling a handful of recipts stained with rum and sunscreen " let's see $2,789.49 please?

Edited to add a little something.

Edited May 17, 2006 by Alchemist (log)

[Snowy is dead]

shouldn't be a problem. I'll start saving now.

Why so hard to find? Are they island bartenders family heirlooms?

[Ed Hamilton]

One a few of the Caribbean islands, the bois lele tree grows naturally and a few enterprising individuals harvest the swizzle sticks. They aren't too hard to find in the islands, but they are hard to import as they have to be hand carried.

I bring a few every time I go to the islands, but I don't go often enough.

[Snowy is dead]

When I go to the islands I will make a point to collect many fine swizzle stick specimens and ease the shortage.

So what do people use instead? Bar spoon?

[Ed Hamilton]

Bar spoons work but they don't add as much magic to the cocktail.

[goodgoy]

One a few of the Caribbean islands, the bois lele tree grows naturally and a few enterprising individuals harvest the swizzle sticks. They aren't too hard to find in the islands, but they are hard to import as they have to be hand carried.

I bring a few every time I go to the islands, but I don't go often enough.

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Hi Ed Hamilton:

Is there another name for this plant? The name bois lele does not come up on a google search or on any botanical site.

thanks and all best, stephen

[Ed Hamilton]

quaraibea_turbinata is one name for this plant.

[Snowy is dead]

I've got some friends going to bermuda soon, can you get them there?

[goodgoy]

quaraibea_turbinata is one name for this plant.

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Hey Ed...Great Photo, thanks for your response. all best, stephen

[Snowy is dead]

the answer is no, you cannot get swizzle sticks in Bermuda. At least none that my drunk friends could find.

[Morgan_Weber]

So next weekend (the weekend after Thanksgiving) a friend of mine is going to be going to Jamaica and Grand Cayman for a week.

Does anyone know where he might look to successfully procure a half dozen swizzle sticks to bring back to the states?

[thirtyoneknots]

I don't know about swizzle sticks, but have them be sure to look out for Wray & Nephew Allspice Liqueur and Appleton Estates 21 yr rum.

[Morgan_Weber]

I don't know about swizzle sticks, but have them be sure to look out for Wray & Nephew Allspice Liqueur and Appleton Estates 21 yr rum.

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So any suggestions from anyone on where to get the Wray & Nephew Allspice Liqueur in Jamaica?

[Oolong]

I don't know about swizzle sticks, but have them be sure to look out for Wray & Nephew Allspice Liqueur and Appleton Estates 21 yr rum.

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So any suggestions from anyone on where to get the Wray & Nephew Allspice Liqueur in Jamaica?

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I found my bottles of both 21yr old Appleton and Wray and Nephew Allspice liqueur right at the airport.

There are some Liquor stores in MoBay however but I have the feeling the best variety will be at the airport. If shopping in town then check them out but call first to make sure they are open.

[Morgan_Weber]

Are there any other liqueurs or spirits he should look out for? He's also going to...cough...Cozumel...

[Oolong]

One other Jamaican specialty I can think of that is not exported is Rumona, a Wray and Nephew Rum Liqueur also found at the airport. W&N Rum Cream, Peenie Wally Peanut Cream (made w overproof) are decent if into that kind of liqueur. Pick up some Dragon Stout while you're at it too although you'll have to go to a supermarket to get that. There is a decent supermarket near Rose Hall just beyond the airport if going that way (toward Ocho Rios). I couldn't find any small rum distilleries to visit but wanted to. Does anyone know of any that have public access other than Appleton?