Ice: the Unsung Hero of Perfect Cocktails

Enthusiast Tips for any Home Mixologist

Flavor, aroma, and temperature: ice creates that essential balance for your perfect cocktail. Crafting a beverage is much more than just dropping a few cubes into a glass and calling it a night. There are an overwhelming number of ways to raise the bar and lower the temperature of your creation, and we’re here to help you decide what level of chill is right for you.

Chill Glass, Chill Night

Chilling your glass creates an ice-free cocktail still complete with icy sips. There are several ways to provide the proper chill to your cocktail. We recommend filling your glass with ice (a 1-inch cube is standard) and water while you prepare your drink, dumping the ice out when it’s ready to serve. You also can put the glass in the freezer while you prepare your drink, taking it out when it’s time to indulge.

Shaking, Strain, and Stir

Shaking and straining create an ice-free beverage while also keeping ice a big part of the mixing process. These methods allow you to chill and slightly dilute your drink (reducing some of the initial strength) while still removing the ice prior to consumption. To enjoy this method, you will need a cocktail shaker which can be found at grocery stores, liquor shops, or most places selling kitchenware. 

To use a shaker, add all drink ingredients to complete the beverage, then fill the shaker about ¾ with ice, shaking vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds, straining into the glass of your choice.  If your drink of choice calls for being stirred, add the ingredients to a glass, and then fill about ¾ full with ice cubes. Use a bar spoon and stir for about 30 to 45 seconds, then use a strainer to pour into a glass.

It’s important to note that while shaking and stirring, your cocktail typically dilutes between 15%-25% ABV (alcohol by volume). For a strong drink after dilution, pick a liquor with a higher ABV. 

On the Rocks

How often are you asked if you want your beverage “on the rocks”? In mixology terms, this references a cocktail sitting on ice. While ice can complete many drinks, the style of ice used can make all the difference. In addition, anytime you use ice in a cocktail, make sure you use fresh cubes so it stays preserved for longer, diluting less sip after sip. 

• Standard cubes: these 1x1 cubes are a standard in the industry, won’t melt too slow or fast, and fit most glasses.
• Large cubes: perfect for heavy drinks like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, diluting slowly and allowing for wider-spread sips. 

Crushed ice: work well in drinks that need a fair amount of dilution, such as a Mint Julep, Moscow Mule, Rum Swizzle, Sherry Cobbler. 

It’s time to put your knowledge on ice to the test. Check out our quiz to craft your perfect Wheyward cocktail: grain-free, sustainable, and bold. While enjoyed by many as straight, on the rocks with a lemon twist, Wheyward Spirit has a lot to offer the home mixologist.