Save Your Blender with the Right Ice

Happy Summer! Today's the first day of what I think is the best season of the year and I thought we'd kick it off by talking about some of the favorite drinks of the season, the frozen cocktails. Yes, it's time to cool down, blend it up and find some sun.

One of the biggest mistakes home bartenders make when blending cocktails is to pull the ice cubes straight out of the tray and toss them in the blender whole. These larger chunks of ice will wear down your blender's blades fast because they are hard and add unneeded stress to the motor. Also, if you use cubes you will need to blend longer to get a consistent, smooth drink.

The best thing you can do to save your equipment (and drinks) is to used crushed ice. If cubes are your only source, place a bunch of them in a cloth or Lewis bag and whack the tar out of it with a rolling pin, muddler or other blunt object (this is also a great way to relieve stress) until you have smaller chunks similar to what you see at the bar or fountain soda machine. If you have the option on your refrigerator for crushed ice, use that, or another option is to purchase bagged ice from the convenience store.

Making the right ice choice will prolong the life of your blender and produce better, smoother Margaritas, Pina Coladas and Strawberry Daiquiris. Remember: Ice is the most important ingredient for bartenders and all ice is not created equally.

Over the weekend I'll be examining ice in it's entirety and give you more blending tips, but for now Happy Summer Blending! Cheers!