.25 cup crushed ice

Crushed ice consists of frozen water that has been broken into small, irregular fragments, typically ranging from 0.5 to 1 cm in size. It is produced by freezing potable water and then mechanically crushing or shaving it into smaller pieces. Unlike whole ice cubes, crushed ice has significantly increased surface area, making it ideal for rapid cooling and mixing applications. The texture is granular and porous, with individual fragments that can pack densely together while maintaining pockets of air.

Crushed ice serves multiple functions in beverage preparation and food service. It is essential for blended cocktails, frozen drinks, and smoothies, where rapid melting accelerates cooling and integration with other ingredients. Crushed ice is also used in bar service for chilling glassware, as a bed for presenting shellfish and cold appetizers, and in shaved ice desserts. In the kitchen, it can be used to rapidly chill stocks, sauces, and other preparations through ice bath immersion, or incorporated into frozen desserts for textural variation.