Ice is not one size fits all. As things heat up in Florida this summer, you'll be churning out more and more iced beverages. But frozen beverages, iced coffee and tea, soft drinks, and cocktails all require different ice for different reasons.
The density, texture, and size of the ice affect the flavor and the experience of your beverages. Elevate your beverage program when you ensure you're serving the right type of ice for each beverage you craft.
BLENDED DRINKS
Whether it's a frozen margarita or a smoothie, blended drinks do best with half cube ice. The size of half cube ice is optimal for breaking down in a blender and providing a smooth texture. Smoothies should live up to their name, after all. And if you're a fan of the frozen margarita, you know smooth ice is essential for keeping the drink well blended. Using ice that is too large can result in an icier texture, which leads to pockets of watery pools in parts of the drink, with over concentrated flavors in the others. Half cube ice will keep your margs well mixed and well balanced.
Pearl ice is another great choice for smoothies. Because of its small size and lighter texture, it blends quickly and easily.
ICED COFFEE AND TEA
Full cubes are a great choice for iced coffee and iced tea because they are long lasting. Long lasting cubes means they'll hold up to your coffee and tea concoctions without watering them down. Ice-O-Matic full cube ice also works well for bagging and bulk cooling.
FOUNTAIN DRINKS
Pearl ice is the obvious choice when it comes to fountain drinks. After finishing a soft drink, what's the natural next step? We don't think we're the only ones who lift the lid and chew the ice when the drink is finished (or even before it's gone). Pearl ice is great for chewing because it's soft and small. It takes on the flavor of the beverage and allows for an enjoyable, refreshing experience.
Pearl ice is also ideal for healthcare applications because of its soft texture. Patients can stay hydrated chewing or sipping on this ice with minimal effort.
COCKTAILS
Similar to iced coffee and tea applications, full cubes work equally well for craft cocktails because they melt slowly. This means your cocktails' flavors remain intact without becoming watered down. This is especially important for restaurants with outdoor seating and outdoor bars that are used heavily during Florida summers.
Gourmet ice is another great option for any upscale bar. Its crystal clear appearance adds sparkle and works well in fine dining applications.
WATER
Don't overlook your water glasses! While they may not be the star of the meal, your water glasses should appear clean, refreshing, and sparkling. Keep your customers hydrated with gourmet ice. It provides an optimal appearance to water glasses in fine dining, receptions, convention events, as well as in any restaurant or retail application.
To learn why high quality ice is essential for storage, displays and cooking, look no further.
Discover the perfect ice type for beverages in your Florida foodservice operation.
Ice in any beverage needs great taste, texture and presentation. Successful beverage programs utilize ice that all three criteria. Download the Ice-O-Matic Ice Guide & Brochure to learn how high-quality ice leads to high-quality beverages.
