Whether it’s racing day or a busy Sunday lunch service, your bar is bound to be brimming with orders for refreshing cocktails. In order to achieve that reviving quality, you’ll need one core component: good quality ice.
Here’s everything you need to know about varying ice types and how the Scotsman range can help you create delicious summer cocktails.
The scoop on different ice types
The type of ice you use for your cocktails is just as important as the spirits and mixers in it. Despite being just frozen water, the quality of the water and the shape of your ice can alter your finished product massively if not chosen correctly.
For example, if your ice shape is too large, it might not mix well with the drink, leaving it too strong for your customer. On the other hand, if your ice melts too fast, it will dilute the flavour of the drink too quickly and ruined the drink.
Thankfully, the Scotsman Ice Systems range includes a great array of models that create all types of ice cubes -perfect for any cocktail included on your menu. Here are a few of our favourite summer cocktail recipes, which one is your favourite?
Larger ice cubes are crucial when making an Old Fashioned.
Use big cubes for an Old Fashioned
Believed to have been created in the late nineteenth century, the Old Fashioned has continued to uphold its refined reputation all these years. This strong cocktail has a firm focus on showing off its spirit-heavy contents in a simple yet sophisticated way.
With an attractive appearance and slow melting rate, the gourmet cube is perfect for use in an Old Fashioned. The Scotsman ice systems operate at a lower operational cost and deliver long-lasting, crystal clear ice cubes
Here’s how you can make your own Old Fashioned cocktail:
Ingredients:
- 60mL Rye or American whiskey
- 2 dashes Bitters
- 1 sugar cube
- Gourmet ice
- Orange twist for garnish
Method:
- Add 2 dashes of Bitters on sugar cube
- Crush sugar cube with a bar spoon in a short tumbler glass
- Muddle the sugar and bitters
- Add gourmet ice
- Add rye or American whiskey and gently stir to combine flavours
- Express the oil of the orange twist over the glass, then drop in.
Always make your Mint Juleps with crushed ice for maximum results.Use crushed or nugget ice for Mint Juleps
In 1938, the Mint Julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Today, the bourbon-rich cocktail is still very popular during racing days, thanks to its refreshing qualities and delicious flavours. Unlike the Old Fashioned, the Mint Julep requires smaller ice, such as nugget. This ice choice helps chill the julep cup fast and it is easier to chew.
Nugget ice is one of the popular choices to be added to carbonated drinks because it is smaller in size and easier to chew. When used in a drink like the Mint Juleps, it slowly diluted the mixer and turn it into a cool summer drink!
Here’s how you can make your own Mint Julep:
Ingredients:
- 75mL bourbon
- 15mL mint syrup
- Nugget ice
- Sparkling water
- 4 mint leaves
- Mint sprig for garnish
Method:
- Crush mint leave on the bottom of a chilled julep cup
- Stir in mint syrup
- Half fill cup with nugget ice
- Pour bourbon over the ice
- Stir briskly until the glass frosts
- Top up with Sparkling water and more ice
- Garnish with mint sprig
If you’re ready to see how the Scotsman range of ice systems can benefit your cocktail operation during the summer months, get in touch with a Moffat representative today.
