Sugar Plum Swizzle

The Sugar Plum Swizzle is a richly layered cocktail that blends dark rum, stone fruit, citrus, and spice. With sweet notes from sugar plum syrup and fruit liqueur balanced by tart lemon and a splash of bitter vermouth, it’s festive, refreshing, and visually striking. Inspired by the.sauceress.

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Tasting Notes

The Sugar Plum Swizzle delivers a mix of fruit, spice, and nuttiness. The sugar plum syrup brings a juicy, slightly tart sweetness that pairs smoothly with the richness of dark rum. Orange and lemon juice add brightness, while orgeat introduces a subtle almond layer. The blood orange vermouth offers a gentle bitter finish that deepens the drink’s profile. Aromatic bitters pull everything together with warmth and complexity. Served over crushed ice, this cocktail has a refreshing, layered quality, making it a standout for those who enjoy rich flavors without losing freshness.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a cocktail shaker for mixing, a strainer, and a jigger for accurate pours. A citrus squeezer is useful for fresh lemon juice. Crushed ice is key here it chills the drink quickly and gives the swizzle its signature look and texture. A highball or tiki glass works best, allowing space for the ice and garnishes. Use a long swizzle stick or bar spoon to stir and distribute the layers if desired. Keep a sharp knife and cutting board handy for prepping the lemon slice and mint sprig garnish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz dark rum
• 1 oz sugar plum syrup
• 1 oz orange juice
• 0.5 oz plum liqueur
• 0.25 oz orgeat
• 0.25 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz blood orange vermouth
• 3 dashes aromatic bitters
• Garnish: Lemon slice, mint, and a sugar plum

Instructions

• In a shaker, combine dark rum, sugar plum syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, plum liqueur, orgeat, and bitters.
• Add ice and shake well.
• Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
• Top with blood orange vermouth.
• Garnish with a lemon slice, fresh mint, and a sugar plum.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed citrus for the brightest flavor
• Layer the blood orange vermouth slowly for a gradient effect
• Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink cold longer
• Gently slap the mint before garnishing to release aroma
• Adjust syrup quantity based on your sweetness preference
• Crushed ice is essential—don’t substitute with cubes
• Add the sugar plum garnish just before serving to avoid sinking
• For visual appeal, use a clear glass to show the layers
• Choose a high-proof dark rum to stand up to the sweet components
• A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add holiday flair if desired

When to Serve

This Sugar Plum Swizzle suits any holidays, festive brunches, and cocktail parties. With its rich fruit profile and striking garnish, it looks impressive and tastes seasonal without feeling heavy. Serve it as a signature drink for holiday gatherings or anytime you want to offer something beyond the usual classics. It also makes a great after-dinner option thanks to its balance of sweetness, spice, and acidity. The name and flavors lean toward the cooler months, but it works anytime a fruit-forward, complex cocktail is called for.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Dark Rum

• Plantation Original Dark
• Goslings Black Seal

Fruit Liqueur

• Giffard Crème de Pêche
• Rothman & Winter Orchard Cherry

Blood Orange Vermouth

• Lo-Fi Aperitifs Blood Orange
• Contratto Vermouth Rosso

Similar Cocktails

• Guava Mai Tai
• Trinidad Sour
• Spicy Sake Mango Punch
• Coconut Cocoa Rum Bomb
• Lemon Rum Sour