Ice

Most people treat ice as an afterthought, but it’s arguably the most important ingredient in your cocktail. Large cubes melt slowly in an Old Fashioned, keeping it cold without drowning the whiskey. Crushed ice is what makes a Mint Julep work, chilling fast and creating that signature frost on the cup. Clear ice looks impressive and melts even slower — you can make it at home by freezing a small cooler of water directionally. Whatever you do, skip the cloudy freezer-burned stuff from the back of your freezer.

Last modified on September 24, 2026