Cocktail

How to Make Crushed Ice

by:
December 19, 2012

Inspired by conversations on the FOOD52 Hotline, we're sharing tips and tricks that make navigating all of our kitchens easier and more fun. 

Need a holiday hand? We've got you covered with two straight weeks of Holiday Survival Recipes -- the ones you can rely on to keep your guests (and you) feeling festive. 

Today: How to Make Crushed Ice

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Last time, we advocated for finesse when pouring wine without a drop stop. However, if you need to whip up a fancy cocktail with crushed ice -- for yourself, or for your guests -- sometimes a little bit of brawn is required.

Watch Amanda crush ice in a tea towel first with a sturdy spoon, and then with sheer force (and, most importantly, a smile). Then, test out your own strength so you can crush ice for the masses, and make any of these classic cocktails.

This video was shot and edited by Kyle Orosz

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See what other Food52 readers are saying.

  • Pisanella
    Pisanella
  • Michael Bradbury
    Michael Bradbury
  • EileenLee
    EileenLee
  • cdilaura
    cdilaura
  • vmorton
    vmorton
gheanna

Written by: gheanna

My two (current) favorite foods start with the letter D: doughnuts, and dumplings. If a dish has bacon in it, I will most likely eat it. If I could marry honey butter, I would.

9 Comments

Pisanella June 24, 2015
I use a rolling pin - more oomph than a weedy spoon!
 
Michael B. June 9, 2014
I just wanted to let you know that I watched a couple of your videos, and I think you're inspiring!
 
EileenLee March 15, 2013
Just get an ice crusher. Rival puts one out for home use. Simple, fast, very efficient. No messy ice. And it is cheap. The towel method makes a mess and the ice chunks are irregular. Using a blender wears out the motor. I have a Vitamix which can handle ice cubes, but I still use my Rival ice crusher.
 
cdilaura December 20, 2012
I like the crowd method. nice
 
vmorton December 19, 2012
Why not a blender?
 
Kenzi W. December 19, 2012
This way is appliance-free! And it relieves stress, too, I imagine. Win-win.
 
Amanda H. December 20, 2012
I always find that ice gets stuck in my blender.
 
hardlikearmour December 19, 2012
I love how gleeful Amanda seems when she's bashing the ice on the counter!
 
Anna H. December 19, 2012
Stay out of her way, folks!