Ice Ice Baby

Ice, Ice Baby

We have spent a lot of time with Sally recently, each time she has brought out a different selection of ice to use in our photoshoots. We sat her down to explain what was driving her passion for ice…

‘I love ice in my drinks, be it in a white wine or rose on a sunny day, I even have it with a Peroni – my favourite lager - and of course when I serve a RamTang’ Cello.

I didn’t realise how versatile ice could be until I started our bubbles series for social media.

I have several different sized and shaped ice moulds as well as trays, having been inspired by bartenders all over the world.

I have larger silicon versions, as well as your standard plastic moulds.’

 

Are silicon moulds good for ice?

‘Silicon moulds are fantastic for larger ice cubes, their flexibility makes extracting easier and less prone to breaking, unlike plastic moulds.

However, plastics moulds are cheap, and varied in comparison. They also don’t take as long to prepare a batch, as they are usually smaller too.  

I prefer to have a mix as they all come in handy at some point.

When making your own ice, spreading the workload is the most important thing as freezing, is the longest process. I usually spread it over 1-3 days depending on how much ice one needs or wants.

I’ve found one large single ice cube in a drink is magical, as you didn’t need another one when topping your drink. They are especially good for neat serves, tumbler-based cocktails and of course RamTang’ Cello.

Different shapes make for a great picture adding an unexpected aesthetic to any serve. The different melting rates can extend the chill rate of a drink too!’

 

Left over fruit and ice cubes?  

I had fruit that was on the turn and an idea entered my mind… I started by chopping the oranges and lemons, skin and all, into small chunks before placing them in an ice cube tray and topping them up with water.

The result was surprising and delightful. I’d found a new way to jazz up my drinks and serves.’

 

 

Why do people put fruit in their ice cubes?

‘Adding fruit to ice, adds a colourful and flavoursome aspect to any drink. It is also a great way to use up any left-over fruit that may be going off, therefore preventing waste.

Ultimately fruit in ice, elevates a simple serve, with vibrancy and colour and of course, taste! I have since used raspberries, blueberries, oranges, lemons, limes, flowers and even herbs.

Using flowers gives a lovely summer feel to any drink. It gives a nod to nature whilst tying in the season and a colour theme.

With herbs, it was a little more challenging because I needed to get the balance of flavours right. Too much of this or that can be overpowering, in this area my experiments continue.

The trick to herbs and flowers, is to layer them. Start with a little water, roughly 1/3 of the mould, add the flower. Freeze it. Check on them, decide if you want to add more before topping it up to the top. Freeze. Then you’re done.

You can extend this to three layers if you wish but it takes more time.’

‘I then noticed, when I was clearing out a cupboard, a few bottles of food colouring and I had another idea.’

 

 

How do you make coloured ice cubes?

‘You can make coloured ice using fruit, herbs and flavours but it can be expensive and time consuming. The cheapest and simplest way to get coloured ice cubes is to use food colouring, the same used in baking and cake making.’

 

Can you put food dye in ice cubes?

‘I use a ration of .5 teaspoon to .5L of water, but you can add more or less, depending on the hue you are looking for.

The results are colourful, vibrant and captivating coloured ice cubes, which really take any simple serve to the next level.

I love a theme when it comes to a party or a special occasion, and I can’t think of a more simple and easy way to add a new dimension to your drink and your drinkers’ experience than colouring ice cubes.’

‘I hope you have enjoyed my soiree into all things ice!’

Thank you, Sally! If you felt inspired yourself by all things ice, feel free to tag us in your reels, posts and videos using @ramtanguk

We love to see our followers and customers experimenting with different ways to elevate their RamTang’ serves.