Swizzle sticks were invented by Jay Sindler around 1933, just after the end of prohibition. There are a wide range of shapes and materials, the majority being plastic or wood, but others can be silver or even glass. The patent was granted to Jay Sindler in 1934 or 1935. Apparantly, Sindler was an engineer and the idea occurred simply because he was trying to get an olive out of his martini without using his fingers. After he was granted the patent he started a company, Spir-it, to sell them. Swizzle Sticks are extremely collectible due to their wide range of subject matters and materials. They often have corporate logos or sporting designs to them.

Below is an example of an extendible silver swizzle stick.