Ice

Ice is the unsung hero of any great drink, serving as both a chilling agent and an essential ingredient. While it should ideally taste like absolutely nothing, the quality of the water used and the way it is frozen dictate how it behaves in your glass. The primary variable across this category is dilution. Larger, denser ice melts slowly, cooling your drink without watering it down, while smaller or crushed ice melts rapidly to provide quick chilling and necessary dilution for spirited cocktails.

When choosing ice, match the shape to your beverage. Large spheres and heavy cubes are perfect for sipping premium whiskey or neat spirits, as they preserve the spirit's integrity. Standard cubes are the versatile workhorse for highballs, gin and tonics, and shaking cocktails. For refreshing, slushy drinks like juleps or mojitos, crushed ice is the ideal choice. Look for clear ice made from purified water, which ensures no unwanted freezer odors interfere with your drink.