When it comes to preparing cocktails, not all ice is created equal, and choosing the wrong variety can lead to a tepid, watered-down drink. Not only do the cubes you choose keep your beverages at just the right temperature, but their shape, size, and density can also help evenly blend your mix-ins and smooth out the flavor of certain alcohols, making them easier to sip. Use the following guide to learn which cubes you should choose for your mixed drinks.

3 Types of Ice to Use in Cocktails

1. Cubes

The standard in cold beverages, cubes can be used for both stirred and shaken cocktails. Their large, thick surface prevents them from melting too rapidly and diluting the drink, making them a good choice for juice-based cocktails and stronger drinks served on the rocks. Use a larger cube size for shaken cocktails, as it adds lightness and slows melt times to prevent dilution. 

2. Spheres

Because spheres melt more slowly than standard freezer cubes, they can prevent watered-down drinks while also supplying optimal cooling for lowball cocktails such as whiskey and soda, the Negroni, or an Old-Fashioned cocktail. They're also ideal for straight liquor served on the rocks, as the larger surface provides just the right amount of water to mellow out the flavor of harder alcohols like whiskey. Spheres can also be used in non-alcoholic drinks, such as iced coffee, so they stay cold without excess water.

3. Spears

Spears are ideal for creating cocktails in highball or Collins glasses where their extended length reaches the expanse of the glass, providing efficient cooling with minimal dilution. While spears are traditionally used in the Tom Collins cocktail, they can also be used for whiskey sodas or gin and tonic. Freeze fresh citrus or mint inside the cube to create an attractive and upscale cocktail.

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