Swizzle sticks are used to mix drinks and can also act as a garnishing spear. They have a wide paddle-like blade on one end and are often made of disposable plastic. Some are collectible and may be made of glass, metal, or ceramics.
A stir stick is a device used to mix mixed drinks, cocktails, or any other beverage that would benefit from thorough stirring. Many swizzle sticks are made from disposable plastic, but there may be some more permanent forms of swizzle stick included in a formal bar set.
A spinning stick can do double duty, acting as both a garnishing spear and a stirrer. A bartender may sprinkle an olive, pearl onion, or fruit slice onto a swirl stick when serving certain mixed drinks, allowing the recipient to swirl individual ingredients in the glass. One theory about a swizzle stick’s original purpose suggests that the stick was used in the West Indies to swirl ice and alcohol together. The result would be frosted glass.
There is also a theory that the swirl stick was first used to mix the ingredients of a rum-based drink called the Swizzle. While the drink called Swizzle exists, there is no evidence that it was ever stirred with a small stirrer. The best explanation goes to the fact that the swirl dates back to the 1930s, when its inventor created a way to sprinkle olives and other garnishes into his favorite mixed drinks.
Swizzle sticks often have a toothpick-like tip on one end and a wide, paddle-like blade on the other. While it may seem counterintuitive to some, the end of the scoop is intended to be the one you use to stir the drink, not the pointed end. Some wands, especially those designed for coffee, have openings in the blades to allow the drink to flow without too much resistance.
The bladed end of a spinning stick has proven to be a popular advertising opportunity for various companies, especially high-end alcoholic beverage manufacturers. These stylized sticks are even considered collectable in certain circles. Antique sticks made of glass, metal or ceramics are also very popular collector’s items, especially those with rare logos or unusual designs.
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