The Best Types of Ice for Bars and Cocktail Lounges

May 3, 2019 Daniel Tawil

The Art of the Ice Cube: Choosing the Right Ice for Your Bar

Believe it or not, a significant amount of thought and planning goes into designing ice cubes. Companies meticulously create different types of ice cubes with a variety of shapes and textures. Each style is carefully crafted to appeal to specific bar and restaurant settings.

Whether you own a high-volume sports bar or a sophisticated cocktail lounge, the type of ice cube you choose can have a profound impact on your bottom line. It can help you save money on operational costs or elevate the presentation of your high-end drinks, enhancing the overall guest experience.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best types of ice cubes for both high-volume and high-end bar settings.

High-End Cocktail Bars: Elevating the Drinking Experience

Cocktail lounges and whiskey bars cater to discerning customers with refined palates. In these establishments, presentation is paramount. Owners strive to create a visually appealing and sophisticated drinking experience. For this reason, they often seek out ice cubes that enhance the aesthetics of their cocktails.

Square Ice Cubes: The Classic Choice

Square ice cubes are a timeless classic, offering a sleek and sophisticated appearance. They look particularly elegant in lowball glasses, perfectly complementing timeless cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Sazerac, or a scotch on the rocks.

Furthermore, square cubes stack beautifully in tall, slender highball glasses. They create a visually appealing column of ice, ensuring consistent chilling from top to bottom. This makes them ideal for refreshing cocktails like the Tom Collins or Gin and Tonic.

When dispensed in a bin, square cocktail ice cubes often develop subtle "fission cracks." These small fractures refract light in captivating patterns, adding a touch of visual intrigue to bourbons and dark rums.

Square ice cubes are typically larger than other ice shapes, which is a crucial factor for whiskey and bourbon drinkers. No serious scotch enthusiast wants their drink diluted by rapidly melting crushed ice. Larger cubes melt more slowly, effectively chilling the drink without compromising its flavor.

Snooker Ice maker offers a premium square ice cube that is an excellent choice for high-end bar owners seeking to enhance the visual appeal and overall drinking experience for their discerning clientele.

Conclusion

Whether you operate a casual neighborhood bar, a lively dance club, or a sophisticated cocktail lounge, the type of ice you use in your drinks can significantly impact your success. Choosing the right ice can enhance the guest experience, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately contribute to the profitability of your establishment. We encourage you to explore the various ice options available and select the best fit for your specific needs.