If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to the ice cubes in your cocktails. After all, ice is ice, right? Wrong! The type of ice you use in your cocktails can make a big difference in both the taste and the quality of your drinks. We’ll explore some of the different types of cocktail ice cubes and how to choose the right ones for your next party or get-together. Keep reading to discover some helpful tips on using cocktail ice cubes.
The Best Ice Shapes for Cocktails
When it comes to making ice for cocktails, not just any ice cube tray will do. Instead, you need cocktail ice cube trays. Our ice trays come in several shapes and sizes, and we understand that figuring out which option is best suited to a particular drink is not always easy. Let’s clear things up a bit.
One of the first decisions you need to make when it comes to choosing cocktail ice cubes is which shape to use. There are various sizes of cubes and spheres from which to choose. Some are plain and can be made using a regular freezer cube. (Our freezer cubes are a great solution if you’re trying to figure out how to organize your freezer too!) Others are much fancier. For example, our crystal ice tray gives each cube geometric designs while the petal ice tray creates spheres with flower-inspired petals. Our prism ice tray and ripple ice tray are unique options too.
Check Out Our Freezer Storage Containers
Regardless of the specific shape you choose, large ice cubes and spheres are ideal for cocktails that are meant to be sipped slowly, such as martinis or old-fashioneds. Their large surface area means that they melt slowly, which prevents your drink from getting watered down. However, larger cubes and spheres can be difficult to fit into some glasses.
Smaller ice is needed for drinks that are meant to be consumed quickly, such as daiquiris or margaritas. Smaller cubes are easier to make and store, too, so they work well when space is limited. On the downside, this smaller ice melts faster, so your drink will become watered down more quickly.
If you are preparing a drink that is meant to be slowly sipped and enjoyed, large cubes and spheres are your best choice. They’re also a perfect solution when you want to make drinks that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are tasty. If you’re making a quick drink to guzzle down on a hot summer day, though, using smaller cubes is fine.
How to Make Perfect Cocktail Ice Cubes at Home
Now that you know which type of cocktail ice cubes you want to use, it’s time to learn how to make them at home. While it may seem like a daunting task, we promise it’s not as difficult as it seems — especially when you use our ice cube trays! Here are a few tips:
Start with clean water.
The key to making great cocktail ice cubes is using clean water. That means filtered water or bottled water — not tap water. The impurities in tap water can cause your ice cubes to taste bad and cloud up your drinks.
Use hot water.
This might come as a surprise, but hot water is the best option for making ice cubes. Because it doesn’t contain as much dissolved air as cold water, hot water typically yields clearer ice cubes.
Don’t overfill the tray.
When filling up your tray with water, resist the urge to overdo it. You might think that more is always better but that’s not necessarily true when it comes to making cocktail ice cubes. Why? Overfilling can cause air bubbles and uneven freezing, and both are big no-nos when it comes to making great cocktails! Plus, water expands as it freezes. If you fill the tray too full, you may end up with misshapen cubes.
Be patient.
Making perfect cocktail ice cubes takes time and patience but, trust us, it’ll be worth it in the end! Allowing your cubes plenty of time to freeze will result in clearer, tastier drinks. So pop those trays in the freezer and forget about them until they’re frozen solid. You should leave them in the freezer for at least six hours prior to serving, but overnight is best.
Conclusion
By following these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to making perfect cocktail ice cubes at home in no time! And once you’ve mastered the art of making great cube cocktails, you’ll be able to turn any get-together into a truly special occasion. Cheers!