The original Swizzle sticks came from a perennial evergreen tree commonly found on the islands of the Caribbean called the Quararibea turbinata. The small, delicate cut branches sprout short prongs that were used to agitate a mixed drink by quickly rubbing the branch between your hands, using a back-and-forth motion. 

Later, when ice became available and was added to the beverage, the movement of the swizzle could not only mix the drink but also create a frothy, chilled drink. This is similar to the effect later achieved by using an ice filled cocktail shaker. 

This original swizzle procedure was part of the process for creating early Rum Swizzles, island cocktails featuring dark and light rums mixed with fresh fruit juices, natural flavorings and often a dash of bitters. 

These refreshing drink concoctions were the template for the Tropical rum drinks later invented and first popularized by Don the Beachcomber and later, Trader Vic.

The use of swizzle sticks eventually found its way from the British colonies to Great Britain. Legend has it that Queen Victoria herself used the swizzles to deflate the troublesome bubbles found in her beloved champagne.  The bubbles, you see, could create, Heaven forbid, vulgar belching.