Ready to shatter the icy norms of beverage crafting? Every ice cube holds the power to turn your drink from mundane to magnificent. Here we promise to redefine the art of chilling. We’ll take your garden-to-glass creations to new heights.
First things first, let’s debunk the myth that all ice is created equal.
Most minds probably don’t go immediately to the Titanic when we talk about ice. Mine did, but purely for investigative reasons. I wondered if the passengers (before realizing the dire situation they were in) used some of the iceberg in their drinks.
Logical speculation has it that the focus of those on board was on survival – not on using shaved iceberg in their Punch à la Romainé. That’s why I’ve been thinking about the role of ice in our drinks. Have you ever wondered why your cocktail tastes watered down after just a few sips?
The size and shape of your ice can significantly impact the taste of your drink. For instance, Crushed ice has a smaller surface area making it melt faster. Your carefully crafted cocktail is cooling and diluting before you’ve even raised your glass.
Ice Choices That Make or Break Your Drink
Opting for large cubes or spheres keeps drinks colder longer without sacrificing flavor. You heard it here first; Size Matters.
That being said, Crushed or pebble ice is perfect for:
- Tiki Cocktails: Think Mai Tais, Piña Coladas, and Zombies. The Crushed ice adds texture and dilution, balancing bold flavors.
- Mint Juleps: The classic Derby drink demands a mound of crushed ice. It chills the bourbon (but not the soul) allowing the mint to release its aromatic oils.
Let’s Be Clear
Clear ice is the epitome of sophistication in cocktail culture. Say goodbye to cloudy cocktails and hello to crystal-clear perfection. The secret? Directional freezing. By freezing water in layers, impurities are pushed to the surface. This leaves you with ice so clear you could almost mistake it for glass. It’s like magic; but with science.
Top tip: Try filtered water/purified water and boil it to remove air.
Clear ice is often carved into large cubes (such as 2×2-inch or 2×2-inch spheres). These slow-melting maidens grace highball glasses and are fit for:
- Negronis: The slow dilution, maintains the integrity of the bitter-sweet balance of the gin, Campari, and vermouth.
- Old Fashioneds: A single large cube or sphere of clear ice allows the whiskey to be the star. It chills the drink without watering down the complex flavors of the bourbon or rye.
Shave time
Shaved ice takes us straight to the beach. It has a way of seducing the senses as it floes against your lips. It’s essential for:
- Daiquiris and Margaritas: These tropical delights thrive on finely shaved ice. The texture enhances their fruity goodness.
- Adult snow cones? Absolutely! Shave the ice, add your favorite liqueur, and enjoy a grown-up treat
Sleek orbs of ice, often produced by specialized ice molds, are excellent for a variety of drinks. They melt slowly, ensuring your drink stays chilled and not watered down.
- Whiskey and Bourbon: The slow-melting nature of large ones makes them ideal for sipping whiskey and bourbon. You get to appreciate the flavors and aromas over time. This one is my personal favorite.
- To be fair, they can even make water look sexy. With these sophisticated lumps, nonalcoholic beverages, like iced tea or mocktails, can be elevated.
The Coolest Place to Chil’
While not glamorous, standard refrigerator ice has its place.
You may think our suggestions are waaay too much effort when a sloppy chunk of frozen water would suffice. But for those who value their craft, this blog is for you. Envision Lady Gaga in a Gucci gown but without her dazzling diamonds. Or Bond in a four-piece tuxedo without the cufflinks. Insults aside, the humble fridge cubes work for:
- Highballs (G&T, whisky sodas)
- Mules
- Sours
In simpler terms, humble household cubes are suitable for cocktails that don’t depend on particular ice qualities. When time is short and you need a rapid chill, regular ice cubes do the job.
How do you see ice? Solid water molecules or aquatic adornments?
Stack ‘Em Up, Hold it Right There
Consider investing in stackable ice cube trays. These trays are made for stacking, and stacking is what they do.
Designed to save room in your freezer, you can organize trays on top of each other and optimize space.
Look for trays with a flat bottom and raised edges along the sides. These raised edges often feature interlocking grooves that allow stable stacking. Some have indentations or protrusions on the bottom that align with corresponding holes on other trays. I owned some for several years and never realized they were stackable. The key to keeping my freezer neat and organized was hiding in plain sight. Who knew?
The Shape of Things to Come
Tinkling. Clinking. Cracking. As you read that I bet you heard ice cubes falling into a glass. A melody, a rhapsody, a symphony, a play – ice cubes are harmonious complements. They are a sensory prelude to quenching your thirst. They evoke a sense of anticipation. They announce the arrival of a cold, crisp experience on its way to your lips.
Experiment with different shapes and sizes to find the perfect ice for your homemade tipple. Be as creative as you have with the cocktails you’ve made from your garden. From slow-melting baby icebergs to perfectly proportioned diamonds, the possibilities are endless.
You are enlightened souls! You know that the right ice can take your drink from ordinary to extraordinary in the blink of an eye. The devil is in the detail. Clink
