Ice for Cocktails: 7 Different Types of Ice to Use in Cocktails
While many punters overlook it, ice is absolutely crucial when mixing a proper cocktail. Far from being just a cooling agent, quality ice is a fundamental ingredient that significantly impacts the overall drinking experience. To enjoy pub-quality cocktails at home, you've got to pay attention to your ice game.
Using the right type of ice ensures that all your carefully selected ingredients blend harmoniously. It's particularly handy for those looking to venture into stronger spirits but need to temper those intense flavours with proper dilution.
Which is the best ice for cocktails?
The shape and size of your ice directly influence how quickly it melts, which affects how much water dilutes your carefully crafted drink. That said, a touch of dilution can actually enhance certain spirits by opening up their flavours and improving their aromatic profile.
For our Cocktail Collective customers, ice is the only ingredient you need to add to our ready-to-serve cocktails!
There are seven main types of cocktail ice:
- Standard ice cubes
- Big ice cubes
- Ice balls
- Collins spears
- Crushed ice
- Dry ice
- Crystal clear ice
1. Standard ice cubes
Your typical ice cubes measure about 3x3 cm and are the go-to choice for bartenders because they fit nicely in virtually any cocktail glass. These cubes have a substantial surface area that prevents them from melting too rapidly, allowing you to enjoy a properly chilled beverage without compromising its original flavour profile. This ice type is perfect for cocktails that require stirring or mixing.
How much ice do you need for a cocktail?
We recommend filling at least two-thirds of your glass with ice before adding your cocktail. The rule of thumb is: if your ice is floating, you've got too much liquid and not enough ice. Finding the right balance might take a few practice runs.
Check out our Clear Plastic Ice Cube Tray for perfect standard cubes every time.
2. Big ice cubes
These hefty 5x5 cm cubes melt significantly slower than standard cubes, reducing the amount of water that dilutes your drink. They're brilliant for cocktails like the Manhattan served in a lowball glass, keeping your beverage properly chilled for longer periods. While they can add interesting texture when shaking cocktails, they're not ideal for mixing as they're too large and dissolve too slowly.
For those special bottles of premium whisky or scotch you've been saving, try serving with a large ice cube – it'll maintain the chill without watering down those complex flavours.
Our Colorful Silicone Ice Cube Trays are perfect for creating larger cubes at home.
3. Ice balls
Ice spheres are typically used for spirits or robust cocktails like the Old Fashioned, served in lowball glasses. Like large cubes, they keep your drink cool while melting at a leisurely pace. The main advantage of ice balls over big cubes is their aesthetic appeal – they often serve as an impressive visual element in the drink.
Ice balls likely melt slightly slower than ice cubes because they have a lower surface-to-volume ratio. This means that while the liquid surrounding the ball will be properly chilled, the bottom of your glass might remain at normal temperature. If you want more consistent cooling, you'll need to give your ice ball a gentle stir.
Create perfect spheres with our Silicone Sphere Ice Mold.
4. Collins spears
Collins spears are somewhat uncommon in everyday cocktail bars but are brilliant for keeping drinks exceptionally cold. These long, thick ice blocks are primarily used in cocktails served in Highball or Collins glasses, such as Gin & Tonics or Mojitos.
This specialised ice type is perfect for keeping tall drinks cold from top to bottom without diluting their flavour, as the ice melts very gradually throughout your drinking experience.
5. Crushed ice
Crushed ice enjoys massive popularity in cocktails like the Mint Julep, Frozen Daiquiri, or any beverage with a slushy consistency. It adds substantial texture to your cocktail, makes it ultra-refreshing, and provides enough dilution to soften potent spirits.
There are several methods for preparing crushed ice at home. The simplest approach is to pulse standard ice cubes in a blender, though you risk melting some due to the motor's heat. An alternative technique involves wrapping ice cubes in a tea towel and giving them a good bash with a kitchen implement like a meat mallet before adding to your homemade creation.
For perfect crushed ice, use our Premium Ice Tools collection.
6. Dry ice
Dry ice adds a spectacular element to any cocktail! Perfect for parties and special occasions, this ice creates an impressive smoky effect that's sure to wow your guests. However, exercise caution when handling, as it maintains a temperature of -78.5°C. Always use protective gear like gloves and tongs to prevent nasty burns.
Adding dry ice to your beverage won't affect its taste while keeping it exceptionally cold. This ice type sinks to the bottom of your glass and will completely dissolve by the time you finish your drink. Take care not to tilt your glass too much to avoid the solid ice touching your lips. While challenging to prepare at home, dry ice is available at many supermarkets. If you're planning an event, purchase it just hours beforehand, as it typically lasts only about 24 hours.
7. Crystal clear ice
Considered essential in top-tier cocktail establishments, crystal-clear ice – transparent as glass, regardless of its shape – elevates the visual appeal of your cocktails dramatically. Standard home-produced ice appears opaque and cloudy because it freezes from all directions, appearing almost "dirty" and detracting from your cocktail's presentation.
How to create crystal clear ice at home?
Several techniques exist, but the most reliable method includes:
- A polystyrene box with lid (easily purchased online for a few dollars) or a clean, rigid cooler bag
- An ice mould
- Low-mineral water
- Adequate freezer space
The process is straightforward:
- Fill your ice mould with low-mineral water
- Place the mould in the polystyrene box (or rigid cooler bag), secure the lid, and position it in the middle of your freezer
- Allow it to freeze for at least 48 hours
The results are guaranteed to impress!
Keep Your Cocktails Perfectly Chilled
For the full range of ice-making equipment and tools, check out our Ice Buckets and Ice Tools collections. From professional ice picks to stylish ice buckets, we have everything you need to elevate your home bartending experience.
Ready to take your cocktail game to the next level? Browse our extensive cocktail recipe collection featuring proper ice recommendations for each drink!
