“HERE’S LUCK.”

Shannon News, 19 August 1924, Page 1

“HERE’S LUCK.”

SWIZZLE-STICK COCKTAILS. THE POLISHED MIXER. An observant visitor to the British ESmpire Exhibition who pauses for a few minutes at the entrance to the West Indian pavilion will be puzzled V y the remarkable cheerfulness of his fellow-pilgrims who depart from that building. They pass in gloomily, but emerge with spiiles that cannot be obliterated by the rain. The- secret of this sudden optimism can be found in an obscure corner of the section known as the “annexe bar.” There you will find a small v polished counter presided over by a black, polished West Indian. He holds a magic formula for banishing dull care, and his clients are content to wait in queues rather than go empty away.

He is known unofficially as the “Knight of the Swizzle Stick.” He cocktails of peculiar potency and charm, compounded out of island products, and men have actually been known to speak tolerantly of the weather after absorbing has artfully shaken decoction of rum'and bitters. He puts half a teaspoonful of bitters in the bottom of a glass, adds the smooth brown spirit and a little crushed ice, and agitates it deftly in a metal cup. “Jamaica Planter’s Punch” is one of his best sellers. Here is tlhe recipe: One of sour (lime juice). Two of sweet (granulated sugar). Three of strong (old rum). Four of weak (water). He adds warninglyr “Be careful of Number Four.” Gin cocktails and other “swizzle stick” compounds are milled briskly with a-long slender piece of wood forked at one end. This is the “swizzle stick.” It is a natural product of the West Indies. A large supply, has been brought to Wembley Park—and it will be needed!