Definition

Noun: A swizzle stick is a small, slender rod, typically made of plastic, wood, or metal, designed for stirring mixed drinks. Its primary function is to blend the ingredients of a cocktail and, in some cases, it may have a decorative end.

Usage

A swizzle stick is used to mix the components of a beverage in a glass. It is commonly found in cocktails, iced tea, or other mixed drinks. * The bartender garnished the cocktail with a lemon twist and a colorful swizzle stick. * She used the swizzle stick to stir her iced coffee before taking a sip.

Advanced Usage

• Collectible Item: Vintage or novelty swizzle sticks, often with elaborate toppers, are sometimes collected as memorabilia.
  • His collection featured swizzle sticks from famous hotels around the world.

Variants and Related Words

• Stirrer: A more general term for any stick or rod used for stirring a drink. A swizzle stick is a type of stirrer.
• Cocktail Pick: A small stick, often with a decorative end, used to spear garnishes like olives or cherries. While similar, a pick is primarily for holding food, not stirring.

Synonyms

• Stirrer
• Drink stirrer
• Cocktail stirrer

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To give it a swizzle: (Informal, chiefly British) To stir a drink.
  • Just give it a quick swizzle before you drink it.

Noun

1. a small stick used to stir mixed drinks