Spruce up your summer cocktails with colorful and collectible cocktail stirrers.
I have had many collections over the last 10 years. But the only one I have still have is my collection of cocktail stirrers or ‘swizzle sticks’.
Thinking back on many of my collections they all started at a tag-sale or flea market. Something would catch my eye and then bam it was my new obsession. For this collection, it started by wandering the Sixth Avenue Flea Market in New York City on a Sunday afternoon in my 20’s. I would scour the Sunday flea markets and haggle for cheap pricing, getting 5 for $10 or less.
For me it was mostly about the thrill of the hunt, clearly looking for known brands or places I knew. But also as a former graphic designer, I think I was attracted to the colorful, over-the-top designs for hotels, bars and liquor companies. Later my collection evolved to be about the most ornate and decorative swizzle sticks I could find. When taking pictures for this story, I realized I have a lot of hotels and probably more from Las Vegas than anywhere else.
“Cocktails are society’s most enduring invention” – Elsa Maxwell
Cocktail sticks have actually been around since the 30’s. But it was, Jay Sindler, who founded the cocktail accessory company Spir-it was is long considered to be the grandfather of the more ornate style of drink stirrer, the “swizzle stick”. From the late 50’s to mid 60’s if you were a top destination, attraction or restaurant, then you had your own custom swizzle stick. It truly was the heyday of America’s love affair with drinks and blended beverages.
While most of us will be entertaining on a smaller scale this summer – why not have some fun. These swizzle sticks will certainly make your cocktails more visually interesting. Not to mention they are a great conversation starter.
If you wanted to start your own collection you can begin by checking out local estate sales, tag sales, and flea markets; they will often have the best prices and it’s fun digging around.
Resources:
Both eBay and Esty will get you a great collection in a few clicks. I found great options here thestuffisoutthere and at HedgehogAndOwl and SunnyDayVintage.
