Abstract: Disclosed is a rapid cooler for beverages and the like cylindrical containers in which the container is rotated about its major or longitudinal axis within an ice-filled receptacle. The system involves confronting coaxial members facing each other and adapted to coaxially grip the container at its opposite ends. The members are carried by horizontal, rotatable shafts, one of which is driven, as by an electric motor, so that the container and both shafts and members are rotated to partake of the rapid chilling effect of the ice in the receptacle. The other shaft is axially slidably supported and is biased toward the driven shaft so as to effect gripping of the container as well as to accommodate containers of different heights or axial lengths.