1. BPA free sphere molds for your high end spirits such as scotch – its shape & size results in a slower melt. there’s also a nice version for round ice at the MOMA store 2. fusionbrands vertical ice tray saves space & also acts as a cooler or wine chiller (think picnics) 3. perfect 1 oz square cube tray 4. larger 2″ cubes also good for freezing food such as stock and herbs 5. made to order cotton canvas bag – fill with ice and whack away – mojitos, swizzlers, juleps, ie. drinks that need to chill fast (tip – strain and pour over fresh ice cold -> cold) 6. vintage ice-o-mat / ice number 7. bar ice chipper with wooden handle – utilize a loaf pan to create a block then let out your inner Michaelangelo 8. ice scoop tongs keep things cold between the transfer
Not just cocktails, jazz up your lemonade with lavender cubes, or add some citrus zip to your seltzer simply by floating a bit of zest in the tray. You can freeze fruit to cool drinks down, as we recently did to these blueberry skewers for a a cocktail hour birthday. But please save the novelty trays for kids parties – they come in every shape, size and character you can imagine, even worm – though this aluminum contraption looks kind of neat (but pricey) for sports themed events.
Home freezers tend to cool things down quickly, creating a less than clear cube. Cut down the cloud by using filtered or distilled warm water. It’s also a good idea to seal the ice to keep out unwanted odors and uninvited flavors. Learn more about ice from cocktails & spirits writer, Camper English, on his fun blog, alcademics.