what is a swizzle stick
A swizzle stick is a small stick used to stir drinks. The original swizzle stick was made on a rum plantation in the West Indies in the 18th century from branches of Quararibea turbinata (also known as the "swizzle stick tree"). In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, stirrers made of glass were invented to shake out the bubbles in champagne, and the carbonation of the champagne caused indigestion in some drinkers. But now, the stirring rod can be made of many materials, such as stainless steel, which is environmentally friendly and durable!
With the advent of themed venues like tiki bars, swizzle sticks have become especially ornate and are sometimes kept as souvenirs or collectibles.