In this cocktail article we will talk about the importance of ice in cocktails and how this is a fundamental ingredient to obtain quality drinks.

Remember that here at Snow Flow you will not only find a top-quality frozen cocktail machine for hire in Melbourne, you will also find a wide range of different types of equipment you can use for your party or event and make them a memorable time for your guests and for yourself.

Importance of ice

We know that ice is a fundamental part of the ingredients of any cocktail, but to use it it is not enough to put it in the mixer or put some cubes in the drink, you have to know the types of ice, which one is suitable for each drink and which one is the amount so you don’t ruin the drink.

Many bar owners and even the bartenders themselves only pay attention to the quality of the ingredients that they will include in the cocktails but they forget the primordial, the ice, because although they do not believe it, we must look for a quality ice, because although it is considered that It only serves to cool the drink, it needs to not transmit any unpleasant taste in the customer’s drink.

There are currently four different types of ice that are used differently in the preparation of cocktails.

Ice block

This type of ice was used in the cocktail bar of the last century, they are large blocks that take longer to melt and are frozen at very high temperatures. This type of ice is perfect for drinks on the rocks, since they keep the drink cold without adding much water to the alcohol.

It is recommended that the ice making is homemade to ensure the quality of the water, this type of ice can be made in a large and closed plastic container to prevent the ice from absorbing odors, in case of not being able to do it, it is recommended to look for An ice factory with a good reputation.

Ice cubes

The cubes are used to cool long and short drinks, usually used when a drink or a soda is to be served. This type of ice in small cubes is not recommended to mix drinks with shaker because it melts very fast, it is also important that when serving the drink another fresh ice is used and different from the one used to mix.

Crushed ice or Frappé

The frappé is simply powdered ice cubes, either manually or with the blender, because it is the smallest type of ice, it expands its contact surface by cooling the beverage faster, but melting in less time.

This type of ice is ideal for sweet drinks and is generally used to serve drinks but not for mixing.

Ice sphere

Sphere ice is very rare to see and achieve, its invention is recent and it was created in order to cool drinks on the rocks with a higher quality, this fact once again affirms the importance of ice in the cocktail bar.

It is necessary that if you have a bar and want to provide a better service, get a mold to make this type of ice or a factory that makes ice in this way.

Recommendations

The main objective of the ice is to keep the drink cold, but also by its temperature and volume it helps to mix the ingredients in the shaker, helps dilute juices and sugar to generate a homogeneous mixture; It even helps to form foam and creaminess when cream liquors are used in certain drinks. In addition, the cold decreases the perception of alcohol and makes the drink feel more balanced.

If you want ice to be a special brand in your drinks, you can customize its process by adding some natural dye that does not alter its flavor, or for some drinks you can add some herb that highlights the flavor of the cocktail, as in the case of mojitos in where you can add peppermint leaves to the ice.

Is it bad to put ice on the drink?

The detail is not the ice itself, but all the bacteria that accumulate in the freezer, or even those that we have in our hands when serving them.

When summer arrives we want to cool off and say goodbye to the heat in any way. One of them is to consume an ice-cold drink.

If we do not have fresh water, then in most cases we tend to put some ice cubes and a matter solved.

Dirty ice, contaminated drink

According to several investigations that have been carried out to determine if ice cubes, so popular in summer, are good for health.

They have produced chilling results: in most establishments of fast food and coffee shops “fashionable” the water used to make ice was full of bacteria (in doses similar to those found in the bathrooms of the same premises).

Are we comparing the toilet with the drink of a restaurant chain? Yes. And worst of all, toilets are cleaned more regularly than ice machines. The heads of these multinationals have suggested that the possible discovery of the bacteria is due to a human factor.

That is, those who manipulate the machines and ice cubes are the same employees … who also clean the bathroom, are in contact with money, clean the floor… But do not wash their hands.

What if I prepare my own ice?

There is also a scientific study on what happens in restaurants and coffee shops. But we could well say that we do not eat in those places and that the ice we put in the glass comes from our own freezer.

What would be the problem in this case?

Almost the same as in a food establishment. When you put the water in the ice cube bin: had you washed your hands? And when did you put the cubes in the glass? Now you will understand why we say that the situation is quite similar.

And that is not all, since if you have not cleaned the ice maker of the refrigerator or the buckets, it is likely that mold has grown which will then go to the bucket, from there to the drink and, finally, to your body.

It is important that before pouring the water into the container verify that it is clean as well as your hands. When the cubes are made, and before serving them, wash your hands to avoid transferring any germ or bacteria.

If you meet all the sanitary requirements when preparing and placing the ice cubes there is less chance of introducing harmful microorganisms to your health.

However, there is still something else worth taking into account when rethinking the consumption of drinks too cold: the irritation caused in the throat and vocal cords.

If when you get home very hot the first thing you do is drink a soda, a juice or a glass of cold water (with ice cubes or from the fridge) you can then suffer a sore throat or even dysphonia.

Remember that here at Snow Flow you will not only find a top-quality frozen cocktail machine for hire in Melbourne, you will also find a wide range of different types of equipment you can use for your party or event and make them a memorable time for your guests and for yourself.