Cool down

CRUSHED ICE OR CUBES?

London bar manager Simon Dacey explains why using the right type of ice in a cocktail can make all the difference to the way you experience it.

1 WHY IS CRUSHED ICE USED IN COCKTAILS?

Ice is generally used in cocktails for two key reasons: chilling and dilution. A drink that should be cold but is served lukewarm isn’t nice, and neither is a drink that is too strong, syrupy or watery. Crushed ice quickly brings drinks to the ideal temperature and dilution, because the smaller chips means there’s more surface area, so the drink cools fast. But, when the drink is cold, the remaining