What is an art deco drink mixer?

An art deco drink mixer is a metal or glass cocktail shaker produced during the interwar period, combining sleek modernist styling with practical bar functionality. These pieces range from plain cylindrical shakers to elaborate vessels featuring built-in recipe dials and integrated lemon squeezers.

How do rotating recipe shakers work?

Rotating recipe shakers feature an outer metal sleeve with cut-out windows that reveal cocktail ingredients printed on an inner cylinder as the user turns the body. This mechanical innovation allowed hosts to quickly check proportions for classic drinks directly on the vessel during parties.

Were these mixers made from solid silver?

Most examples are constructed from silver plate or electroplated nickel silver over a base metal rather than solid sterling silver. Sterling silver pieces do exist but are less common, typically bearing distinct hallmarks to confirm their precious metal content.

How should I clean my silver plated shaker?

Silver plated shakers require gentle cleaning with a specialist silver polish and a soft cloth to preserve the underlying plating and any engine-turned patterns. Harsh abrasives should be avoided, and cork stoppers or internal mechanisms must be kept dry during maintenance to prevent degradation.