Why ice becomes cloudy
Air and minerals are pushed towards the centre as water freezes. When it freezes from every direction, those impurities become trapped as a white core.
Use directional freezing
Fill a small insulated cooler with water and place it uncovered in the freezer. Cold moves mainly from top to bottom, leaving the upper section clear. Remove the block before it freezes solid.
- Temper the block for a few minutes before cutting.
- Use a serrated knife and gentle taps.
- Store cubes airtight to prevent freezer odours.
Match the ice to the drink
A large block melts slowly in an Old Fashioned, while smaller cubes create more chilling and dilution in a shaker. Good ice is an ingredient.