When summer hits, cocktails aren’t just about flavor—they're about refreshment, aesthetic, and keeping things chilled. And while ingredients often get the spotlight, ice is the unsung hero of a great summer drink. So, it's time to level up and use ice creatively.

Infused Ice Cubes: Flavor That Melts In

Instead of using plain water for your ice, you can explore infusing your water with fruit juices, and some add-ins like fresh fruit slices, herbs, edible flowers, or other unique infusions into your cube molds. Customize your infused ice according to the drink that you’re planning to serve. This idea enhances the drinks’ flavor as the ice melts, giving a nice visual appeal, texture, and versatility.

Pro tip: Boiled or distilled water is best if you want to achieve crystal-clear cubes for your cocktails and mocktails.

Layered Ice Cubes: Multi-Flavored Effect

Pour different flavors of juice or flavored syrup into an ice tray, making sure to freeze between layers for about 30 minutes or until solid to achieve those beautifully defined, layered, colorful ice cubes. Customize your cubes according to your cocktail and mocktail recipe so they pair nicely with the drink.

Crushed Ice for Texture & Theatre

Crushed ice adds texture to any drink! It gives that crunch and slushy texture that’s perfect for tropical drinks like Mai tais, daiquiris, or brambles. There are several methods to crush ice, depending on the available equipment you have in your kitchen.

Crush your ice creatively by:

1. Use a Lewis bag or a tea towel to contain the ice and a mallet or rolling pin for smashing. A sturdy fabric makes it easier to crush ice as you can handle it well by simply putting it inside the bag or twisting both ends of the towel so the ice stays in place while smashing it. Since fabric absorbs water, your ice stays solid and prevents dilution.

2. Use your heavy-duty kitchen blender or food processor - This requires very little physical effort and guarantees an even ice texture in a small amount of time. Add a small amount of water to your ice to make it easier to pulse in the blender or food processor. Shake the equipment regularly to ensure even consistency. Don't forget to strain so your crushed ice doesn't melt!

3. Use a cocktail shaker base and a muddler - Use a small amount of ice at a time, then press using a muddler to smash the ice into pieces.

Ice Spheres & Large Cubes

Using larger spheres or cubes melts more slowly than regular-sized ice. That means the drink stays chilled without diluting it down too quickly. These types of ice are typically considered “specialty ice” for their aesthetic appeal and slow melting point. Bars and bartenders use large or custom ice molds and cutting edges to achieve the desired shape, appearance, and size.

Of course, each form and type of ice is different and used for a specific drink.

For example:

• Regular ice cubes - Old-fashioned, Negroni
  

• Crushed ice - Mai Tai, Mint Julep, Moscow Mule
  

• Large Cubes/Spheres - Drinks on the Rocks

Find more about types of ice and their uses in our article, The Science of Cocktail Ice!

Smoked Ice: A Subtle Twist

To achieve a smoky-flavored ice, you can smoke water before freezing it! Use a smoking gun or any smoker and infuse it with smoked wood chips or pellets, then freeze it into cubes. Make sure to heat the smoker enough that your wood will create the smoke for flavor infusion.

This process will make your ice foggy on the top part, making a cool-looking two-color/textured ice for your cocktails. It’s great to pair with your favorite Bourbon or Whiskey!

Don’t underrate the power of ice, as it’s more than just a way to chill your drink. From flavour-infused spheres to aesthetically sculptural shards, ice can certainly elevate both the taste and presentation of your summer drink, whether it’s a cocktail or a mocktail. Impress your guests or indulge solo!

Put on your inventive hat and let your ice do more than melt—let it make a statement.