ice
Ice contains no calories, fat, carbohydrates, or protein, as it is pure water in solid form. It contributes to hydration when consumed as part of beverages but has no independent nutritional value.
About
Ice is the solid crystalline form of water (H₂O), formed when water freezes at or below 0°C (32°F). In culinary contexts, ice refers to frozen water produced through mechanical refrigeration, natural freezing, or specialized techniques. The structure and clarity of ice can vary significantly depending on the freezing method: slowly frozen ice yields larger, more transparent crystals, while rapidly frozen ice produces smaller crystals and a more opaque appearance. Culinary ice may be produced in various forms, from standard cubes to crushed or shaved preparations, and its quality affects both the temperature control and aesthetic presentation of beverages and dishes.
Ice serves as a fundamental tool in temperature management and beverage preparation across global cuisines. Its purity, freezing rate, and crystal structure influence how it chills drinks and affects dilution rates as it melts.
Culinary Uses
Ice is indispensable in beverage preparation, serving to chill drinks rapidly while controlling dilution through melting rates. In cocktails, the type and size of ice affects both temperature retention and the drink's final water content—clear, large cubes melt slowly and suit spirit-forward drinks, while crushed ice melts faster and works well in tropical or sour cocktails. Beyond beverages, ice is used in garde manger operations for chilling platters of raw seafood, maintaining food safety during buffet service, and as a cooking medium in some preparations. Shaved or finely crushed ice is used in snow cones, granitas, and Asian desserts like kakigori. In commercial kitchens, ice is also utilized for rapid chilling of stocks, sauces, and other preparations through ice baths.
Recipes Using ice (137)
A Day at the Beach
A rum drink
Agua Fresca de Pepino
Blended cucumber and lime drink Agua Fresca de Pepino (Blended Cucumber and Lime Drink) from the Public Health Cookboook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 4
Almond Fruit Shake
A nice smoothie.
Ambrosia
A rum drink.
Arroz con Pina
Arroz con Pina from the Recidemia collection
Atkins Coffee Frappe
This thick, frozen treat can almost be eaten with a spoon.
Authentic Amaretto Sour
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Fuqua Estate in Richardson, Texas in 1994.
Avocado Daiquiri
Contributed by [http://www.thebartendingschool.net/ The Bartending School]
Avorita
Avorita from the Recidemia collection
Bacardi Blossom
Bacardi Blossom from the Recidemia collection
Bahama Slush Puppy
Bahamian Pina Colada
A little twist on the well-known Pina Colada.
Banana Colada
Contributed by [http://www.thebartendingschool.net/ The Bartending School]
Banana Daiquiri
Banana Daiquiri said to be from South Africa.
Banana Punch
Banana Punch is a fruity tropical drink.
Banana Smoothie
Milk, Evaporated by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 3
Banana Stawbarry Milkshake
Banana Stawbarry Milkshake from the Recidemia collection
Bandera Mexicana
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Anderson Estate in Wylie, Texas in 1991.
Barbados Punch
Wiki.com/Barbados_Punch Barbados Punch from Recipes Wiki—original source of recipe, licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License Serves: 1
Basil Martini
.
Basin Street Blues
A Bourbon drink.
Beaurita
Beaurita from the Recidemia collection
Bellini Cocktails
Bellini Cocktails from the Recidemia collection
Bermuda Triangle
A rum drink.
Biyadoo Special
Great similarity to the Villivaru Special of the neighbor island Villivaru.
Blonde Bombshell
Contributed by [http://www.thebartendingschool.net/ The Bartending School]
Blueberry Freeze
Contributed by [http://www.thebartendingschool.net/ The Bartending School]
Blue Hawaiian
A rum drink
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is a pretty summer drink.
Boston Trolley
A rum drink
Brandied Peaches 'n' Cream
Brandied Peaches 'n' Cream from the Recidemia collection
California Avocado Daiquiri
California Avocado Daiquiri from the Recidemia collection
California Avocado Shake
A rich and creamy California avocado shake
Caribbean Cooler
This won an award for Robert Parsons of the Benson Hotel, Portland, in an Automobile Club of Oregon Zero Proof Mixoff contest.
Caribbean Lover
A rum drink
Casa Blanca
A rum drink
Cat's Banana Colada
Cat's Banana Colada from the Recidemia collection
Cherry Banana Shake
Makes 3 cups or 3 servings
Chinese Cocktail
A rum drink
Christmas Cocktail
Christmas Cocktail from the Recidemia collection
Cocktel de Camarones
Shrimp cocktail From: Kate Washington, Cooking Light, June 2007 Yield 6 servings
Coconut Bubble tea
.
Cokahlualicious
Contributed by [http://www.thebartendingschool.net/ The Bartending School]
Continental
A rum drink
Cool Carlito
A rum drink.
Cosmopolitan
" Legend has it the Cosmopolitan was originally served to South Beach, Florida party-goers.
Cranberry Mist
Cranberry Mist from the Recidemia collection
Daiquiri
Daiquiri is an evolving and vast drink created in Cuba.
Dark Vodka Fall
Dark Vodka Fall from the Recidemia collection
Dingo Salad
A rum drink.