Swanky Miami Speakeasy Swizzle to Open in Fort Lauderdale

Sure, speakeasies have a generally hush-hush vibe, but this news is worth shouting to the masses.

Swanky Miami Beach speakeasy Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery is heading north to Broward to open its long-awaited second location. The speakeasy-style bar and restaurant opens at 305 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, on Thursday, January 23.

Its original location, tucked within the Stiles Hotel on Collins Avenue, has become a late-night go-to for local cocktail aficionados and tourists seeking a sophisticated drink in a cozy setting with an ever-friendly and extremely knowledgeable staff. It's so tucked away from the masses in SoBe that guests have to ring a bell five times to walk through a revolving bookcase to enter the bar.

Now that's swanky.

Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery was founded in Miami Beach by Danilo Božović, who says his Fort Lauderdale expansion is "a dream come true." In a recent chat with New Times, he adds that he "always liked the market, the vibe, and the town of Fort Lauderdale. Perhaps most importantly, I will keep the quality and standards of the Miami mothership. In many ways, we see this as a test drive for other U.S. cities in the future."

What to Expect at the New Fort Lauderdale Location

In examining the Fort Lauderdale space, first and foremost, yes, there is a bell to ring and a familiar bookcase entry. The Swizzle in Miami made headlines for being Florida's first non-standing bar, and the Fort Lauderdale spot keeps that vibe going. Walking past the intimate bar, which seats 14, guests can check out an outdoor patio, where cocktail-inspired hookahs are fired and there's seating for 40.

Back inside is the main room, which has seating for 46 and boasts an expanded food menu. Božović says some Miami fan favorites that departed the menu in recent years are making a triumphant return in Fort Lauderdale. Those morsels include a handcrafted Cuban sandwich, Serbian croquettes, milanesas, schnitzels, steaks, and pasta. In line with its Miami Beach offerings, there are wings, fries, and burger options, too.

Vibe-wise, there expect white marble, leather, and wood elements with dashes of burgundy. The bar is covered in ornate bar equipment, golden table lamps, sleek brass fixtures, plush chairs, and velvet curtains, adding much more to the ambiance.

The Cocktail Menu Features Familiar Miami Beach Favorites

But let's not forget what has truly put Swizzle on the map, and that's its drinks. Whereas some bars and restaurants diversify their menu with an expansion, Božović is opting for a consistent experience across his locations. He says, "If you haven't been in a Swizzle for two years to have your favorite drink, I want you to be able to have it."

Fan favorite libations include the "Florida Rum Experience," a flight of four shots stemming from Sunshine State-bred brands like Papa's Pilar and Fort Lauderdale's Ouroboros. Most cocktails are in the $15 to $21 range, organized by the categories of "Fancy," "Exotic and Tropical," and "Newcomers." Each cocktail is concocted and loaded with dashes of this and that. An example among many is its "Vienna Strudel," which includes an olive leaf-infused vodka with a black tea IPA cordial, Angostura bitters, citric acid, and mascarpone cheese with apple caviar, all finished with cinnamon raisins. For those seeking a bargain, Božović says there will be a happy hour daily from 6 to 8 p.m.

"Everything is super detail-oriented," adds Božović. "Going into the first location, it was the implementation of 22 years of bartending experience and wanting to create a space that felt like a pre-colonial era, hidden tavern. Being obsessed with details, this is really everything I would want in a bar experience. And now, we have a second one."

Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery. 305 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale; swizzlerumbardrinkery.com. Opening Thursday, January 23.