Step by step
- Use clean ice without freezer odours. Keep it covered and handle it with a scoop or tongs.
- Use plenty of cubes for stirring or shaking; replace badly melted ice before mixing.
- Serve a rocks drink over fresh ice rather than the small broken pieces from the shaker.
- Use crushed ice when the recipe calls for it and expect the drink to change quickly as it sits.
Common mistake
Large ice does not prevent dilution; it changes how the drink evolves. A small amount of ice in a warm glass can melt rapidly.
Try it
Compare the same measured highball over full cubes and crushed ice, noting how it tastes immediately and after five minutes.
Use the ratio calculator for editable starting points or explore cocktail recipes.