Pasta comes in all shapes and sizes, and there is a strong belief that the shape of the noodle influences the taste of the dish. After all, can you imagine mac and cheese with anything other than an elbow-shaped piece of pasta?
The same goes for ice. Even though all frozen water may seem the same, the size of the cube affects the drink that it’s in. Here’s what to use, and when.
Cubes
This is definitely the most common form of ice and the most popular to add to a cocktail. If a drink calls to be served “on the rocks”, these ice cubes are what to have in mind. The best size is 1-inch all round, as the large surface area means it won’t melt too quickly, diluting the drink.
Spheres
While alcohols like whisky actually benefit from ice melting a little, some are best not watered down at all. If you prefer a Negroni or Old Fashioned, it’s best to go for a very large cube or ice sphere as it melts more slowly due to its size.
Crushed
Slushy drinks are always fun; slushy cocktails are even more so. A mojito or mint julep needs to be cold throughout, which is why crushed ice works well. As the pieces melt, they’ll keep the drinks frosty, and the texture adds an extra element to the cocktail. Just bear in mind that dilution will occur—and fast—so make sure the flavors are strong enough to handle it.
