Our Guide to the Different Types of Ice Cubes (And Their Best Uses)

If you want to make your bar or restaurant stand out in the crowd, you might want to serve creative drinks using different types of ice cubes. Using different ice cubes enables you to do more than just make cocktails look quirky – they can actually improve the flavor and longevity of a beverage. Some forms of ice, such as the increasingly popular nugget ice, can even double up as a snack.

At Pacific Ice Services, we have an extensive selection of ice machines capable of producing different types of ice cubes for a range of purposes and industries. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, we can install and maintain the perfect ice machine for your business. Below, we shed light on the most popular types of ice for bars and restaurants in Hawaii. If you need more information, we’re only a phone call away.

6 Different Types of Ice Cubes

From standard ice to sphere and crescent-shaped alternatives, here are six different types of ice cubes that you can use to make your drinks as tasty and refreshing as possible.

1. Standard Ice Cubes

Usually measuring an inch by an inch, standard ice cubes are the most common type of ice used by bartenders and in restaurants. Having a large amount of surface area makes standard ice cubes suitable for just about any cocktail, and they fit into any glass easily. They also melt slowly due to their thickness.

If you want to create the perfect cocktail, we recommend filling around two thirds of the glass before adding the ice. If the ice floats, it usually means there’s too much liquid and not enough ice.

2. Full Cubes

Full cubes are twice the length, height, and width of standard ice cubes, which means they melt even slower. As a result, it takes longer for drinks with full ice cubes to taste watered down and diluted. Their impressive looks make full cubes perfect for cocktails in lowball glasses, such as the Manhattan. However, because of their size, it’s best to shake rather than stir them.

If you’re a fan of whiskey, you might enjoy pouring your favorite blend over a full ice cube. That way, it’ll remain cool without losing any flavor.

3. Crushed Ice

Crushed ice is often used to make drinks that have a consistency similar to a slushie. When it comes to cocktails, these drinks include the Frozen Daiquiri and the Mint Julep. On top of adding an incredible texture to drinks, crushed ice dilutes spirits just enough so that they’re more palatable. If your ice machine doesn’t make crushed ice, you can make it yourself by putting standard ice cubes into a blender.

4. Nugget Ice

Nugget ice is growing in popularity thanks to its soft and chewy texture that makes it easy on the teeth and highly versatile. Due to its shape, nugget ice is perfect for more than just cooling drinks – it can also be easily molded to the shape of a sports injury to speed up recovery. It can even be used to ship oddly shaped food and produce.

Many modern ice machines now make nugget ice because its gentle on the dispenser, making jams less likely and most ice machine repair tasks straightforward.

5. Ice Spheres

Like large ice cubes, ice spheres – also known as ice balls – are mostly used in lowball glasses to cool straight spirits and classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned. Ice spheres are practical because they melt slowly, but they’re also undeniably good looking. If you want to serve beverages with a sophisticated edge, you might want to swap out large ice cubes for ice spheres.

6. Crescent-Shaped Ice

Crescent-shaped ice cubes serve a similar function to standard ice cubes – the main difference lies in their shape. In addition to its quirky looks, crescent-shaped ice fits more efficiently into many glasses than standard cubes. Be aware that due to its rounded edges, crescent-shaped ice can be tricky to crush.

Learn About the Best Ice Machines for Different Types of Ice Cubes

As you can see from above, there are plenty of different types of ice cubes, but all serve a unique purpose. Standard ice cubes might be the most common, but quirky shapes like crescent ice and ice balls can make your restaurant’s cocktails stand out. If you specialize in neat spirits, consider full ice cubes that melt slowly while allowing the drink to retain its flavor. If you want to make slushies and drinks with chewable ice, go for crushed ice or the increasingly popular and highly versatile nugget ice. For more information, advice, or a no-obligation quote on ice machine sales and rentals, contact our experts.