The Cold Facts About Ice
The Cold Facts About Ice In Cocktail Preparation
Many cocktails have to be properly chilled. Ice, of course, plays a very important role here. Whether it is shaken with the ingredients and then strained away, or simply added to the drink, the ice used need not be plain.
Ice is often considered a trivial element in most drinks. In the last few years, the bartender/ice designer has created a buzz in the world of craft cocktails, so much so that it has reached non-alcohol establishments. Ice is vital both for making and for serving cocktails, and also can make a huge difference to the success of a drink. Designer ice is everywhere and a hot trend in the industry. Ice sculpting device is part of the new modern bar tools kit. For a long time people ignored ice, but with the current cocktail renaissance amateurs and professionals are paying attention to every detail that goes into making a good cocktail. Aspiring bartenders must learn how ice affects drinks. When it comes to ice, size, shape, and density do matter. Small brittle ice will quickly dilute your drink and no one wants a slushy drink. Larger pieces of ice will melt more slowly, bringing your drink closer to the temperature of the ice without over-diluting it. A few things to take in consideration about ice cube sizes. Large ice cubes are good, but on the other hand cocktails like Juleps and Swizzles take smaller ice cubes to infuse the ideal amount of water into the mix. Premium liquor would benefit to be served with a large ice cube to minimize the amount of dilution. Also, appearance and aesthetics play a part in a cocktail creation so the size of the ice matters.
Here are the latest trends:
Commercial ice machines have come a long way. Now, these new appliances can make different sizes of ice cubes. The preferred brand for businesses is Kold-Draft.
Upscale establishments buy a block of ice and design their own shapes and sizes of ice to fit specific glassware. Interested in doing your own designer ice cubes, visit Clinebell equipment web site.
Large ice cubes tray used for premium liquor. Visit amazon.com site.
Small ice balls tray used in mixed drinks. Visit Cgets.com site.
Large sphere ice tray used for premium liquor and single malt Scotch. Visit MoMA store.com site.
Don’t be surprised when your bartender ask “What style of ice would you like with your Scotch?”.
Cheers!