Why the Shape and Size of Your Ice Matters for Cocktails

The last time you were at a cocktail bar, you might have noticed a change. Gone are the days of generic pellet ice. In its place, a wide variety of ice shapes and sizes are gracing glasses. From whiskey on the rocks featuring frozen spheres, to the classic mojito with crushed ice, find out why each of these drinks benefit from a distinctive type of ice:

Spheres or Large Cubes

Large pieces of ice are often served in sphere shapes, but you will occasionally see the large cube, too. This big size keeps a consistent cold temperature and doesn't dilute drinks too much. It's an easy way to serve liquor over the rocks while keeping the full flavor.

Classic Cubes

Perfectly square ice cubes don't just make a nice presentation when stacked, they also are a versatile way to cool down cocktails. They work well for both stirred or shaken drinks, and since they're compact, unlike the crescent shape of your standard ice machine, they won't melt too fast.

Crushed

People will go out of their way to find good crushed ice. It's a staple for drinks like mint juleps or mojitos. These boldly flavored (and often strongly spirited) drinks benefit from the fairly quick melting ice, mellowing out the beverage as you enjoy sipping.

Cylinder

For drinks served in taller glasses, a cylinder of ice may be the ideal choice. Since it's such a large piece of ice, it melts very slowly, making it ideal for drinks where you want minimal dilution.

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