The Ice Hack To Make Your Summer Pitcher Drinks Far Less Diluted
An ice-cold pitcher of a refreshing drink is a great way to cool off when the hot summer sun beats down on you, but watery drinks due to melted ice cubes seem like an inevitable fate. It doesn't have to be that way. Get ready to say goodbye to those watered-down drinks and hello to a summer full of flavor with this tried-and-true ice hack.
The solution to your dilution dilemma is to ditch those tiny ice cubes and opt for one large ice block instead. That's right — using the right type of ice matters. The bigger the ice block, the slower it melts. This means your drinks stay cold (and delicious) for much longer. But why does this method work?
The science is in the shape. A large ice cube has less surface area compared to its volume than a smaller cube, meaning it will melt more slowly, offering a slower release of water into your drink. This is because the surface area of the ice is where the heat exchange occurs, causing the ice to melt into the liquid.
Aside from keeping your drinks from diluting, using a large ice block also has other benefits. For one, it looks impressive in your pitcher. Plus, it's a fun DIY project to make at home if you have little ones looking to join in on the drink-making experience. Talk about a simple way to elevate your summer entertaining game.
How ice blocks chill drinks longer
Lucky for us, larger ice cubes are incredibly easy to make. If you don't have a silicone mold handy, find a small freezer-safe plastic container, fill it with water, and freeze it overnight. The result is a gorgeous, crystal-clear block of ice that will keep your drinks perfectly chilled without diluting their flavors.
If you can, make large ice spheres instead of cubes. Katie Stryjewski, author of "Cocktails, Mocktails, and Garnishes from the Garden," explained to Food & Wine that spheres have an even smaller surface area than ice blocks, which means they'll melt even slower.
How large should you go? It depends on the size of your pitcher and the level of dilution you're looking for. Stick to the science and remember that you're working with the "surface area to volume ratio," which means that as an ice cube's size decreases, its surface area increases, causing it to melt faster. Spheres have the smallest surface area, followed by cylindrical-shaped ice and cubes.
Get creative with summer pitcher drinks
As you can see, this game-changing ice block ensures that your drink remains chilled without sacrificing flavor. If you want to enhance your drink-making skills, learn how to get those fancy clear cocktail cubes and increase the size to effectively chill your drinks. Or get creative to add an extra oomph to your summer cocktails or pitchers of lemonade.
Flip the script and let your ice play a role in the overall flavor profile of your drink. Freeze fruit juice or herbs in your ice cube tray for an added flavor boost. Mint leaves, berries, and cucumber slices can make excellent flavored cubes. These fancy cubes don't just look pretty as they float in your glass — they add a fun little surprise as they melt, slowly infusing your drink with unexpected flavors.
It's a playful way to elevate your pitcher drinks, and your guests will surely be impressed with your creativity. So go ahead and experiment with different flavors and textures. Your summer drinks just got a whole lot cooler (literally).