Abstract: A method and device for the extremely rapid but safe cooling of beverages, including carbonated beverages, in cans or bottles (collectively "containers"). One or more beverage containers are rapidly rotated along their respective longitudinal axes while being downwardly vertically sprayed with a cooling water spray, with the water being in a 0.degree. C. temperature equilibrium with ice. The volumetric rate of the water in the water spray is sufficient to form a continuous coating on the rotating container. Rotation of the containers is effected in a horizontal direction, with the containers being nested between adjacent rotating rollers and rotated with a rotational speed of between 200-500 rpm. Standard 12 oz. beverage cans can be cooled thereby from room temperature to a drinking temperature of 5.degree. C. in under one minute.