Search
Close this search box.
Subscribe

The iconic Swizzle Stick on Okaloosa Island closing at the end of September

The Swizzle Stick Martini Lounge, located inside the Best Western on Okaloosa Island, is a local favorite with a funky vibe and known for their chocolate martinis. Sadly, the Swizzle will close on October 2 as the Best Western hotel undergoes an extensive renovation.  The iconic bar has been on Okaloosa Island for nearly 24 years, and while it […]

The Swizzle Stick Martini Lounge, located inside the Best Western on Okaloosa Island, is a local favorite with a funky vibe and known for their chocolate martinis.

  • Sadly, the Swizzle will close on October 2 as the Best Western hotel undergoes an extensive renovation. 
  • The iconic bar has been on Okaloosa Island for nearly 24 years, and while it certainly serves hotel guests, it has been a place that locals call home. 

This throwback bar is known for their swanky martinis including the classic dirty martini. But they also have a lot of originals like the popular Chocolate Martini, a dessert-type drink made with Stoli vanilla, Godiva chocolate liqueur and Bailey’s. It is then shaken and topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips.

  • And then there is the signature monkey with a cherry on top.

Every martini that you get comes with a swizzle stick on top, and the bar as their very own custom swizzle sticks that they use. There is also a large collection of swizzle sticks that hang on the wall as decoration. 

During a 2018 interview with Get The Coast, bartender Danielle Cowart told me that the owner of the bar has been collecting swizzle sticks his entire life. She said that his family started collecting them and he just continued on with the tradition. And that’s where the bar gets its name from.

Back in March, we broke the news that OTO Development had acquired Best Western Fort Walton Beach and that a major renovation was planned for the waterfront property.

  • Built in 1998, Best Western Fort Walton Beach comprises six floors and 100 guestrooms, 60 of which feature balconies overlooking the Gulf. 
  • The hotel is closing on Sunday, October 2 to begin the full renovation. The project is slated for completion in time to open for the Spring 2023 season.

As for the Swizzle, Get The Coast reported that the space (along with the tiki hut) would be enhanced into a full-service restaurant with an “activated lounge experience.” No other details have been released at this time. 

However, there is still time to get down to the beloved Swizzle Stick! With live music nightly, Happy Hour daily from 4-7pm, Ladies Night on Tuesdays and Martini Night on Wednesdays, this will be your last opportunity to enjoy a local fave.

Swizzle Stick Lounge is open daily from 4 p.m. to closing.

WATCH

One Response

  1. They made a pretty terrible old fashioned to be honest. But I hear it’s a great place to meet an Lt when you’re an A1C 🙂

    Reply

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Bell

Join Our Newsletter

Join the best local newsletter read by thousands of locals each weekday morning. Best of all, it’s free!

Facebook Instagram Youtube Twitter Linkedin
© 2024, Get The Coast LLC. All Rights Reserved
Free Newsletter Signup
Search
CloseMenu

Community Comments

Steve Reicher commented on Okaloosa County to acquire SS United States for world’s largest artificial reef off Destin-Fort Walton Beach
“The Big U! The NMU supplied the unlicensed crew and when we lost this ship and its jobs and when U.S. Lines went bankrupt, we were on our way to...”
Respond
Lynn commented on FWB Cub Scouts fundraising to display an American flag at homes in NWFL
“Is program still available?”
Respond
William Stanley commented on Okaloosa School District unveils plans for new two-story K-8 school in Crestview
“Highschool is finna be more crowed now. We need another highschool not a middle or elementary school.”
Respond
Ken Frame commented on 80ft and 75ft former scuba dive boats to become artificial reefs off Destin-Fort Walton Beach coast
“This is bittersweet. I spent a wonderful week in Cay Sal Banks on the Pilot in 2006. I will have to go pay her a visit soon....”
Respond
Carol re commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”
Respond
Fred commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”
Respond
Bruce Johnson commented on FDOT renderings show proposed changes to Highway 98 across Okaloosa Island
“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”
Respond
Ray Sullivan commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”
Respond
LC commented on SS United States to begin final journey from Philadelphia to become the world’s largest artificial reef
“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”
Respond
Jerome Karnowski commented on FDOT to discuss widening Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island, new Destin Bridge at public meeting
“Traffic moves pretty well on that stretch of 98, I don't see the need to waste the money. Maybe do something to deal with the traffic in Destin, and Mary...”
Respond