Photo Credit - istock/andy__gin
Feeling disappointed by shaken or stirred drinks? The swizzle stick is the trending obscure bar tool that’s on the must-have list for all swizzle drink enthusiasts. The Le Bois Lele, also known as the swizzle stick has been behind the creation of cocktails since the 18th Century. Where does it come from? How is it used? How can you get your hands on one? Well…in the words of Master Yoda, “Much to learn have you.”
First things first, Le Bois Lele is grown, then made. The Swizzle Stick tree from Martinique, is grown throughout the Eastern Caribbean. Its unique shape makes it easy for locals to make this sleek-ecofriendly tool. I myself find it rather intriguing how a tree indigenous to the Caribbean can be utilized across the globe to make some of the greatest rum drinks of all time! Since the late 18th Century, bars in British colonies were utilizing this tool. Oh, and apart from the Sizzle Stick’s rich history, there’s a fancy scientific name for it too, Quararibea Turbinata. Impressed yet? Wait there’s more!
Wooden, made to a length of about 6 inches, with five to six spokes protruding from the ends, the swizzle stick is the ultimate blending tool. It looks somewhat archaic, but once placed between a bartender’s flat palms and rotated in a drink, it becomes a sleek manual cocktail emulsifier. It is used to agitate the ingredients in a cocktail, causing them to blend without utilizing the techniques of stirring or shaking.
Now you’re itching to have one, right? In the days of yesteryear, one would have to travel to an outdoor market in Martinique to get your hands on this unique tool. As much as I’m sure all of us would want to go on an expedition to beautiful Martinique just for bar tool shopping, our wallets would most likely not agree. Lucky for you, this tool is a lot easier to obtain today than it was about 10 years ago. With the popularity of traditional sizzle sticks growing, websites such as Cocktail Kingdom and Kegworks have started distributing this once very rare tool. These tools range in price from about $20 - $30, but they are well worth it!
Trend or no trend, this unique tool is purchase worthy, for the next time you are in the mood to SWIZZLE.
Cheers!
