can you defrost drumsticks in cold water?

Will definitely read it. Interesting.

thanks, just looked up what USDA recommends and if you can't defrost in fridge...the safest way...the water method is next best.

Harold McGee just wrote a really interesting article about thawing in WARM water:
http://www.curiouscook.com/site/2011/06/a-hot-water-bath-for-thawing-meats-new-york-times.html
It focused on thin cuts of beef and chicken, so I wouldn't recommend it for your drumsticks. But take a look anyway--it turns some conventional wisdom over on its head.

Yes u can defrost drum sticks in cold water. Place them in a bowl in the sink and turn on water allow water to run slowly and consistently this will thaw chicken and make sure to keep food particles from settling.

You can, but a microwave would be a better idea.