How to Crush Ice

Why is crushing ice one of the most enjoyable mixology skills to master?

A)  It means perfect Mint Juleps.
B)  You get to act out your Thor fantasies, mightily swinging a giant hammer.
C)   Because it’s fun to frighten your friends with loud noises and smashing.
D)  All of the above.

The answer, of course, is D. To make crushed ice, all you need is a wooden mallet (or any blunt object you have handy), a Lewis bag (a sturdy canvas bag) and a little bit of muscle.

Tools:

  • Wooden Mallet
  • Lewis Bag

Step One

Fill your Lewis bag about halfway with cubed ice. If you have the option, Kold-Draft 1-inch-by-1-inch cubes or cubes made with King Cube ice trays work best.

Step Two

Place the ice-filled bag on a hard, steady surface. Then, beat the heck out of it with your wooden mallet. Periodically check inside the bag to see how finely-broken the ice cubes are. Perfect crushed ice is homogeneous and without any big chunks.

Step Three

Make a deliciously icy drink like a Mint Julep.