ICE, ICE BABY
ICE, ICE BABY
Summer screams for cool drinks and backyard barbeques, so how can you elevate your seasonal cocktails? It’s all about staying cool.
Ingredients
- SEE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW
Instructions
- For years leading bars have taken pride in maintaining cutting-edge cocktail programs. In the past few years, ice has become a hot topic, since everyone's looking at new ways to impress when it comes to keeping drinks cool.
- So don't sweat the rising temperatures. Just drop one of these ice cubes infused with fruits, veggies, and herbs into a tall glass of water, and watch the heat melt away. Or better yet, make your seasonal cocktails come alive with flavor by creating flavor-infused ice cubes.
- I guarantee you'll have your guests saying "wow."
- So, how do you do it? Well, you can pack leaves of fresh mint into oversized silicone ice trays and fill the trays with water, then freeze. Think about the mojitos you can make!
- I love how the icy cold hints of mint unravel into a drink with each sip as they dissolve and disperse. These infused-cubes will work with all sorts of herbs, edible flowers, and even fruit. From a tall pitcher of lemonade to a fresh glass of water with a thin slice of lemon just to freshen up the taste.
- For cocktail inspiration, I’m a vodka girl, so my new Summer Drink is a Vocanut. Vodka with coconut water ice cubes and coquito nuts as the garnish. Or what about making sriracha ice cubes for your bloody Mary’s. Oh, the possibilities are endless.
- Here are some suggestions, inspired by the trendiest bars across the US…
- Alma Cocina in Atlanta One of Downtown Atlanta's liveliest spots features a forward-thinking beverage program that explores how ice affects the flavor and texture of cocktails by pairing infused ice cubes with hand-selected tequilas. They’re matching Tequila with ice made from coconut water and fresh pineapple.
- In New York City, jalapeno slices infuse their flavor into ice cubes and Watermelon juice ice sphere kiss gin, for a refreshing summertime sparkler.
- Gowings Bar & Grill and Gilt Lounge in Sydney The infused ice cube craze has extended to the other side of the world, as evidenced by one of Australia's hippest hotels, QT Sydney. Visitors to the hotel's stylish brasserie barrel-aged bourbon are served with an orange twist and maple-infused ice cubes.
- And, don’t forget that if you need a shortcut, I like to make "Boozy Ice Pops," where you place a fruit flavored popsicle in a large wine glass and pour Prosecco or Cava or your favorite bubbly over it for an adult summer treat. The popsicle melts slowly, or you munch, and infuses into the sparkling wine. It’s pretty delicious.