Rocks
On the Rocks (e.g. Gin & Tonic)
âRocksâ are cubes or chunks of ice used in the making and serving of many cocktails, but not all ârocksâ are made equal. Whether itâs fancy block ice, a bag from the store, or cubes from your freezer ice-tray; you need to know how to make the most out of whatever you can get your hands on!
The word âRockâ, when applied to chunks of ice, comes from days before we had ice machines churning out perfect cubes, and pieces of ice were chipped off a large block using ice picks. This chipping created ârockâ shaped pieces of ice and so referring to a drink as being served âon-the-rocksâ was born.
A big rock or chunk of ice has less exposed surface area, and will therefore melt a little slower than smaller pieces. However, thatâs not really the whole story, whatâs most important is how much ice, or how many ârocksâ you add to a drink. Because even if you have smaller pieces of ice, but you pack the glass full, it will make the liquid very cold and actually prevent dilution. Letâs get a bit nerdy…
Follow this simple rule: ADD AS MUCH ICE AS YOU CAN
(Ok, thatâs pretty simple, and not nerdy at all…but a vital rule to apply nonetheless)
Apply this rule when youâre making a cocktail:
- This will make the liquids you are mixing VERY COLD, which means that the ice will melt more slowly.
- The ice melting slower will give you better control over the dilution you are adding to the drink. All of which means you are more likely to find the perfect moment or âsweet spotâ, when just the right amount of water has been added to your cocktail! Learn more about stirring cocktails.
Apply this rule when youâre serving a drink over ice, âOn The Rocksâ:
- When it comes to serving a drink âOn-The-Rocksâ the ice is only there to keep the drink cold, you donât want it to melt, so add as much as you can fit in your glass.
- Just remember, the ONLY time to have âjust a cube or twoâ of ice is if you WANT the ice to melt quickly into your drink…for example, if you want to add water to your neat Whisk(e)y.
The science:
- More ice = Colder liquid = Slower rate of ice melt
Conclusion:
- More ice gives you a less diluted, colder, more attractive and more delicious drink…for longer!