If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your favorite cocktails into icy, refreshing treats that are perfect for hot summer days, then freeze cocktails are your new best friend. Picture it: a margarita that’s perfectly frozen into a slushie, or a piña colada that you can scoop like ice cream.
Freezing cocktails isn’t just a fun way to cool down your drinks, it’s an exciting way to enhance the flavors and textures, transforming your go-to beverages into something that feels like a party in a cup. Whether you’re looking to impress friends at your next BBQ or want a unique way to enjoy a classic drink by the pool, freeze cocktails will bring an entirely new level of fun and deliciousness to your summer sipping experience.
So, how do you go about freezing cocktails without turning them into a solid block of alcohol-infused ice?
Well, that’s where this guide comes in!
We’ll walk you through the basics of freezing cocktails, share tips and tricks to ensure your concoctions turn out just right, and help you explore which drinks are perfect for this cool treatment. From choosing the right base spirits to knowing when to add ingredients for the best texture, we’ll make sure you master the art of freeze cocktails. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or a newbie looking for a creative twist, this guide is your go-to resource to chill out and get creative with frozen drinks!
The concept of freezing cocktails may seem a bit unconventional, but it’s certainly possible, and in many cases, it can be an effective method for preserving your favorite drinks or preparing large batches in advance. Freezing cocktails, however, is not as simple as just placing a glass of your mixed beverage into the freezer. The science behind freezing cocktails lies in the way different ingredients behave under freezing conditions, and understanding this can help you make the most of this preservation technique.
Alcoholic beverages like cocktails have a lower freezing point compared to water because of their alcohol content. The alcohol in a cocktail prevents it from freezing solid, which means the texture and composition of the drink will change during the freezing process. However, the cocktail will become slushy or partially frozen, which could actually enhance the texture when it’s ready to serve.
While freezing cocktails can preserve their taste, some ingredients—like citrus juices or fresh fruits—may undergo changes in flavor and texture that can affect the final result. Therefore, it’s essential to consider both the cocktail’s composition and the intended use when deciding to freeze a drink. So, the answer is yes, you can freeze cocktails, but with some important considerations regarding the ingredients and the outcome.
To properly freeze cocktails while maintaining as much of their original flavor and texture as possible, follow these essential steps:
Choose the Right Cocktails
Not all cocktails are suitable for freezing. Cocktails with ingredients such as fresh fruit juice, dairy, or carbonated mixers may not freeze as well and could separate when thawed.
Opt for cocktails with a higher alcohol content, such as classic martinis, margaritas, or whiskey-based drinks. These cocktails will freeze better and maintain a more desirable texture when thawed.
Use Airtight Containers or Ice Cube Trays
To prevent freezer burn and preserve the quality of your cocktail, always use airtight containers, such as freezer-safe plastic or glass jars. If you are freezing individual servings, ice cube trays are an excellent option.
Pour the mixed cocktail into the trays and freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a resealable bag. This method is especially helpful when you want to make cocktail "ice cubes" that can be dropped directly into a glass of soda or a mixer.
Avoid Adding Garnishes Before Freezing
While garnishes like herbs, fruit slices, or cocktail picks add flair to your drinks, they don’t freeze well and may lose their texture or color. It’s best to add garnishes after the cocktail has been thawed and is ready to serve.
Leave Room for Expansion
Liquids expand when frozen, so make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container. This will allow the cocktail to expand as it freezes without pushing the lid off or causing a mess.
Freeze in Small Batches
It’s always better to freeze your cocktails in small batches, especially if you’re planning to make a large number of drinks. Freezing small amounts ensures that the cocktails freeze faster, preserving the original flavor and preventing too much dilution when thawed.
Thaw Slowly
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cocktail, avoid using a microwave or high-heat methods to thaw it. Let the cocktail thaw slowly in the fridge to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming too watery. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy it immediately, you can blend it into a slush for a frozen drink experience.
The shelf life of frozen cocktails can vary depending on the ingredients used and how well the cocktail was sealed before freezing. In general, frozen cocktails will maintain their best quality for about 3 to 6 months when stored properly in an airtight container. After this period, the drink may begin to lose some of its vibrancy and flavor due to the degradation of the ingredients. Freezing cocktails for too long may cause the alcohol to separate, leading to an unpleasant texture when the drink is thawed.
Cocktails with a higher alcohol content typically have a longer shelf life, as alcohol acts as a preservative, slowing the spoilage process. However, ingredients like citrus juice, herbs, or dairy can degrade over time and may not retain their original taste and texture after a few months in the freezer. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor the quality of the cocktail periodically.
If you notice any off flavors or changes in texture after thawing, it may be time to discard the cocktail.
While freezing is an excellent long-term solution for preserving cocktails, storing them in the fridge is an option for more immediate needs. Cocktails that have been mixed but not yet frozen can last in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days depending on the ingredients.
For cocktails containing fresh fruit juice or perishable ingredients like dairy, the shelf life will be on the shorter end of this range. Dairy-based drinks (like White Russians or eggnog cocktails) can start to sour or separate after just a day or two. Similarly, citrus-based cocktails (like margaritas or sours) may lose their fresh, vibrant taste after a couple of days in the fridge.
If you plan on storing your cocktails in the fridge, make sure they are kept in an airtight container to prevent any outside odors from affecting the flavor. It’s also advisable to avoid storing cocktails with carbonated ingredients, like soda or sparkling wine, as these can lose their fizz and taste flat.
Freezing cocktails can be a convenient way to store and preserve your drinks for later enjoyment, especially when entertaining or preparing for a special occasion. Understanding how freezing affects the various ingredients within the cocktail will help you determine which drinks freeze well and which ones should be avoided. By following the proper freezing method, such as using airtight containers and freezing in small batches, you can keep your cocktails tasting fresh and vibrant for months.
On the other hand, if you prefer a quicker solution, storing cocktails in the fridge for a few days is also an option, although the shelf life is significantly shorter than freezing. Ultimately, whether you choose to freeze or refrigerate your cocktails will depend on the ingredients, the type of drink, and how soon you intend to enjoy it.
While the freezer is a valuable tool for cocktail preservation, careful planning and the right methods can ensure that your frozen cocktails retain their flavor and quality for the longest time possible.
Freezing cocktails is generally safe, but there are a few nuances to consider when preparing them for the freezer. The key element in determining whether it is safe to freeze a cocktail is its alcohol content.
Alcohol has a lower freezing point than water, meaning most cocktails with a high alcohol content will not freeze solid in a standard home freezer. This is particularly true for spirits like vodka, rum, and gin, which can remain slushy or semi-frozen. Cocktails made with high-proof liquors are less likely to experience any significant changes in texture when frozen, but it’s important to note that alcohol can affect the freezing and thawing process.
However, cocktails with a higher water content—those made with juices, syrups, or mixers—will freeze more easily. Freezing these cocktails is still safe, but the texture and flavor could be impacted, especially if the ingredients separate upon thawing.
One consideration when freezing cocktails is that certain mixers, such as citrus juices, cream, or egg whites, can undergo changes in texture or flavor after being frozen and thawed. These ingredients may curdle or separate, so it’s essential to take this into account before freezing a cocktail that contains them.
To prevent a cocktail from becoming too watery after thawing, it’s a good idea to reduce the amount of mixers used and instead focus on more robust ingredients like the base spirit and bitters. Freezing cocktails is often used in professional settings to create large batches of pre-mixed drinks for events or parties, but it’s just as feasible for home bartenders looking to have a quick drink ready without much prep work.
The impact freezing has on the quality of a cocktail largely depends on the ingredients and how the cocktail is prepared. Alcohol itself generally freezes with minimal loss of flavor or texture, but once mixed with other components, things can change.
Flavor Changes: Freezing can cause slight flavor changes, particularly in cocktails containing fruit juices, herbs, or mixers. For example, citrus juices might lose some of their fresh, zesty qualities and could even become more bitter after freezing. Similarly, cocktails with soda or carbonated ingredients should be avoided, as the freezing process will cause the carbonation to dissipate, leaving the drink flat when thawed.
Texture and Separation: Cocktails containing dairy, cream, or egg whites are especially prone to texture issues when frozen. Creamy or frothy cocktails, such as White Russians or Ramos Gin Fizzes, may develop an unpleasant texture after freezing and thawing. The cream can separate, leaving a grainy or watery consistency that may not be appealing. Egg whites, which are used in cocktails like a Whiskey Sour or Pisco Sour, can break down and create an uneven texture as they thaw. It is possible to remedy this by shaking the cocktail vigorously after thawing, but this may not restore it fully to its original state.
Water Content and Dilution: Cocktails with a higher water content—like those made with mixers or fruit juices—are more likely to change in consistency. When freezing, the water content may separate out from the alcohol, and once thawed, the cocktail may become more diluted than intended. This can affect the balance of flavors, making the drink taste weaker or more watery.
In professional cocktail prep, bartenders often freeze individual elements, such as the ice used in a drink, to control the dilution rate and keep the cocktail chilled without watering it down. Freezing entire cocktails, though, may cause unwanted dilution as the ice melts when the drink thaws, resulting in a compromised flavor profile.
Thawing frozen cocktails is an important step in ensuring that the drink remains enjoyable once it’s been stored in the freezer. To minimize negative changes in quality, it’s best to thaw the cocktail slowly in the fridge, which helps to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.
Slow Thawing: The ideal method for thawing a cocktail is to transfer it to the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This gradual thawing allows the flavors to re-integrate and the texture to return to something close to its original state. Thawing in the fridge also reduces the risk of bacterial growth, particularly if the cocktail contains perishable ingredients like cream or eggs.
Quick Thawing: If you’re in a hurry and need the cocktail sooner, you can thaw it by running warm water over the outside of the bottle or container, but this should be done carefully. It’s important to avoid sudden, high-temperature changes, as rapid thawing could cause the ingredients to separate even more drastically. Alternatively, you can leave the cocktail on the counter at room temperature for a short period, but this method may lead to some dilution, especially if the cocktail has a high water content.
Shake or Stir After Thawing: Once the cocktail has thawed, it’s a good idea to give it a quick shake or stir to re-incorporate any separated ingredients. This is particularly important for cocktails that contain juices or cream. Shaking the drink with ice after thawing may also help restore some of the original texture and freshness, but keep in mind that the overall quality may not be exactly the same as a freshly mixed cocktail.
Do Not Refreeze: Once a cocktail has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. Refreezing may cause further separation and compromise the drink’s flavor and texture even more. It’s best to enjoy the thawed cocktail within a reasonable timeframe to avoid any significant quality loss.
Freezing cocktails can be a convenient way to prepare drinks in advance, whether for a party or just to have a quick beverage ready. While it is generally safe to freeze cocktails, the impact on quality can vary depending on the ingredients. Cocktails with high alcohol content are less likely to be affected by freezing, while those with fruit juices, cream, or egg whites may experience changes in flavor, texture, and consistency.
When thawing frozen cocktails, it’s important to take a slow, careful approach to preserve their original qualities. While freezing can be an effective tool for cocktail prep, the resulting drink may not be as flawless as a freshly mixed one. For the best results, focus on freezing cocktails with simpler ingredients and enjoy the convenience of having a pre-made drink without sacrificing too much of the overall experience.
Refreezing cocktails is a topic that may seem a bit tricky to many, but it is certainly possible under the right circumstances. When it comes to preserving beverages that are primarily composed of alcohol, the process can be different from freezing regular foods or drinks due to the properties of alcohol itself.
Alcohol, as a key ingredient in most cocktails, doesn’t freeze solid in the same way water or juice does. This makes the freezing process more complicated, but it also offers some interesting possibilities when it comes to preserving these drinks for later enjoyment.
The first thing to consider when asking if you can refreeze cocktails is the composition of the cocktail itself. Cocktails that contain high amounts of alcohol—like a classic martini, a whiskey sour, or a margarita—are much less prone to becoming completely frozen.
Instead, they become slushy when frozen, which can actually work to your advantage if you are seeking a frozen, refreshing beverage for a later date. Other cocktails that contain less alcohol or more sugary mixers, such as piña coladas or daiquiris, might freeze more solidly and could behave differently when thawed or refrozen.
While it is generally safe to refreeze a cocktail, the texture, flavor, and consistency might change upon thawing and refreezing. Some of the drink’s character might be altered—especially if it contains fruit juices or dairy-based ingredients like cream, milk, or egg whites. The water content in these ingredients can separate or crystallize upon refreezing, leading to an undesirable texture or loss of flavor.
Although refreezing cocktails is possible, it’s important to understand the limitations that come with the process. These limitations stem primarily from the changes in texture, flavor, and overall quality after freezing and refreezing.
Separation of Ingredients: When cocktails with juice, cream, or dairy are frozen and thawed, the ingredients may separate. This can lead to a gritty or curdled texture upon refreezing, which can make the cocktail unpleasant to drink. For example, cocktails with citrus or dairy might form layers or clumps that don’t mix back together well, leaving you with a cocktail that’s watery or unevenly flavored.
Flavor Degradation: Freezing and thawing can alter the flavor profile of a cocktail. Over time, frozen beverages lose their original freshness, and the quality of some ingredients, especially fruits, herbs, and juices, diminishes. The result might be a dull or flat taste, lacking the sharpness or vibrancy of a freshly mixed drink.
Alcohol Content: Cocktails that have a low alcohol content may freeze more solidly, especially if they have high sugar or water content. While alcohol itself won’t freeze solid, the other ingredients can form a frozen block that may change the drinking experience when thawed. In some cases, refreezing such a cocktail could cause the alcohol’s flavor to become muted, making the drink less enjoyable.
Ice Crystals and Texture Changes: A cocktail with high sugar content or a creamy texture can form ice crystals during freezing, which may not fully dissolve when the drink is thawed. Refreezing this cocktail will likely make the texture even more inconsistent, with large ice chunks or a slushy, watery consistency that could negatively impact the overall drinking experience.
To safely refreeze cocktails and maintain as much of their original quality as possible, there are some steps you can follow to minimize the negative effects of freezing and thawing.
Avoid Refreezing Multiple Times: The more times a cocktail is frozen and thawed, the more likely it is to experience flavor degradation and texture changes. Try to freeze your cocktail in smaller portions so that you only thaw what you plan to drink. If the cocktail was originally frozen as a slushy, it’s best to refreeze it only once.
Use High-Alcohol Cocktails: Cocktails with a higher alcohol content are the best candidates for freezing and refreezing. Since alcohol doesn’t freeze as solidly as water, these drinks are less likely to suffer from significant texture or consistency changes. Clear spirits like vodka, gin, or rum work particularly well, as do classic cocktails like martinis or negronis.
Strain Your Cocktail: If your cocktail has fresh fruit or herbs, or if you’ve used chunky ingredients like muddled fruits, strain the mixture before freezing it. This will help avoid any separation or texture issues that could arise when refreezing.
Consider Using Freezer-Safe Containers: When freezing your cocktail, make sure to use airtight, freezer-safe containers. Glass jars, silicone ice cube trays, or freezer-safe bags are ideal for freezing cocktails. Avoid using regular plastic cups or containers that might crack or warp in the freezer.
Thaw Slowly: To minimize texture and flavor changes, thaw your cocktail slowly in the refrigerator rather than using a microwave or heat source. The gradual thawing process helps preserve the integrity of the drink’s composition, allowing it to return to its original form without too much disruption.
Serve Immediately After Thawing: If you plan to refreeze a cocktail, only thaw what you intend to serve immediately. The cocktail may not have the same crisp, fresh flavor when it’s thawed and refrozen multiple times, so it’s best to enjoy it right away to retain the most pleasant drinking experience.
The shelf life of a refrozen cocktail depends largely on its ingredients. For cocktails that are mostly composed of alcohol, such as whiskey-based drinks or gin martinis, the shelf life can last up to a few months in the freezer with relatively minimal changes in quality. However, for cocktails with more volatile ingredients like citrus juice or dairy, the shelf life is generally shorter.
If you plan to refreeze a cocktail, it is best to consume it within one month for the best flavor and texture. After a longer period, the quality of the drink can deteriorate, with potential changes in flavor, separation of ingredients, or a more watery consistency. Always be cautious of how long the cocktail has been in the freezer, and check for any visible changes in its texture or taste before deciding to drink it.
Refreezing cocktails is indeed possible, but it comes with some notable limitations and risks. The most important factors to consider are the quality of the ingredients, the alcohol content, and the impact that freezing and thawing can have on the texture and flavor of the drink. By following specific tips for safe refreezing, such as using higher-alcohol cocktails, avoiding multiple freeze-and-thaw cycles, and straining out fresh ingredients, you can preserve your cocktails with minimal negative effects. Ultimately, while refrozen cocktails may not always retain the pristine qualities of freshly made drinks, they can still offer a convenient and enjoyable way to extend the life of your mixed beverages, particularly for cocktails intended to be served frozen or slushy. When done properly, freezing and refreezing cocktails can be a fun and practical way to keep your favorite drinks on hand for whenever you’re in the mood to indulge.
Refreezing cocktails can significantly affect their overall quality, and understanding how and why is essential for cocktail enthusiasts and home bartenders. Cocktails, especially those made with fresh ingredients, are designed to have a balanced flavor and texture when served. Freezing alters the structure of these drinks, and refreezing compounds those changes, often leading to undesirable results.
When cocktails are frozen, the water content in the ice and the ingredients begins to form large ice crystals. These ice crystals puncture the molecular structure of the drink, disrupting its original texture and flavor profile.
Upon thawing, cocktails can appear watered down, as the ice that once maintained the drink’s integrity is now mixed into the liquid, potentially diluting the taste. The second freeze can further degrade the texture, making it increasingly difficult to restore the original consistency.
The consistency of the cocktail’s mixture—whether creamy or clear—may also suffer, especially in drinks that contain dairy, syrups, or egg whites. Dairy can curdle upon refreezing, and emulsified cocktails can break, resulting in a split, unappetizing texture. The overall taste can also be impacted by the loss of aromatic compounds and the breakdown of the flavors, making a once-fresh cocktail taste stale or flat.
Moreover, certain types of cocktails, such as those with citrus juice or bitter spirits, may lose their sharpness and clarity after refreezing. The acidity from citrus fruits might degrade or mellow, and the complexities of bitters or delicate liquors can become muddled.
The visual appeal of the drink may also diminish, with separation or cloudiness detracting from its presentation. A refrozen cocktail is unlikely to have the same pristine look, vibrancy, or smoothness that a freshly prepared drink would offer.
In short, while refreezing cocktails might seem like a quick fix to preserve an unfinished drink, the result is often an unsatisfactory beverage, both in terms of taste and texture.
There are several clear signs that a cocktail should not be refrozen. First and foremost, cocktails containing dairy-based ingredients such as cream, milk, or egg whites should be avoided for refreezing.
These ingredients have delicate emulsions that can break down during freezing and thawing, leading to an unpleasant texture and flavor upon refreezing. For example, a classic White Russian may lose its creamy mouthfeel and become curdled if subjected to refreezing.
Similarly, cocktails made with delicate syrups—like fruit purees, honey, or agave—should not be refrozen. These ingredients can separate upon freezing and may not blend back together properly when thawed and refrozen. Cocktails with high sugar content may also become overly sticky or syrupy, ruining the balance of the drink’s flavor.
Another indication that a cocktail should not be refrozen is if it has a strong citrus or acidic component. Cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris, or gin sours rely heavily on the bright, tangy flavors of citrus juices.
Freezing can cause the citrus to lose its potency, and when refrozen, the drink may become less refreshing and more muted in flavor. Additionally, the higher the alcohol content, the more prone a cocktail is to dilution after refreezing, as the lower water content in stronger spirits results in a more dramatic breakdown of texture when frozen and thawed.
In general, any cocktail that has been previously chilled or served over ice should be consumed soon after preparation. While it may be tempting to save leftovers for later, cocktails that have been previously mixed, especially those with delicate components or ice, will likely not survive the process of being frozen and refrozen in good condition.
One of the most common mistakes when refreezing cocktails is the assumption that the drink will retain its original flavor and texture once thawed. A primary error is not understanding how the ingredients behave when frozen.
For instance, forgetting to remove or strain ice from the cocktail before freezing leads to unwanted dilution upon thawing. Water from melted ice will mix back into the drink, diluting the flavor and lowering the drink’s original potency.
Another mistake is neglecting to properly store the cocktail before refreezing. Using a container that doesn’t seal tightly can result in freezer burn or absorption of unwanted odors from other foods in the freezer, contaminating the cocktail’s flavor. For those trying to refreeze a pre-mixed batch of cocktails, the container should be air-tight, and the drink should be kept in the freezer for no more than a few weeks to avoid a loss of quality.
A further common mistake is refreezing cocktails that contain carbonation. Carbonated drinks such as sparkling wines, champagne-based cocktails, or soda-laden drinks will lose their effervescence when frozen and thawed.
The carbonation can dissipate in the freezing process, leaving the cocktail flat and unappealing. Refreezing drinks that contain soda water or tonic will particularly suffer from this issue.
Additionally, improper thawing techniques are a significant blunder. Thawing cocktails too quickly—such as by microwaving or using hot water—will lead to an uneven defrosting, and the cocktail may become separated, curdled, or broken in texture. The best practice is to allow the cocktail to thaw in the refrigerator, gently restoring its structure.
Lastly, some people may try to refreeze a cocktail simply because it wasn’t finished in one sitting. But once the cocktail has been exposed to air, oxidization and the breakdown of volatile compounds begin. Allowing the drink to sit for too long before freezing or refreezing can result in diminished flavors and a stale taste that no freezing method can remedy.
Refreezing cocktails is a tricky process with several potential pitfalls that can compromise a drink’s flavor, texture, and visual appeal. While freezing may be an option for certain cocktails, especially those with strong alcohol bases and minimal delicate ingredients, refreezing introduces a number of challenges that are often hard to overcome.
The main takeaway is that cocktails are best enjoyed fresh and served as intended. The complexity and balance of the drink, which bartenders painstakingly craft, are often lost during the freezing and thawing process. Understanding which cocktails are suitable for freezing, how to handle them properly, and when it’s best to avoid refreezing altogether will ensure that your cocktails remain of the highest quality, both in taste and presentation.
Freeze cocktails are alcoholic beverages that are blended and then frozen to create a slushy or frozen texture. These cocktails typically combine liquor, fruit juices, syrups, or other mixers and are served in a refreshing, chilled form perfect for warm weather or outdoor gatherings.
To make a freeze cocktail, blend your chosen alcohol with ice and mixers such as fruit juice, soda, or syrup. Once the mixture is smooth, transfer it to the freezer and let it freeze for a few hours. Before serving, scrape or stir the frozen concoction to achieve a slushy consistency.
While many types of alcohol can be used for freeze cocktails, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey are among the most popular choices. Lighter spirits like rum and vodka tend to freeze better when mixed with other ingredients, whereas heavier spirits may require adjustments in the recipe to achieve the desired texture.
Popular freeze cocktail flavors include tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, and strawberry, along with citrus fruits like lime and lemon. Classic cocktails like frozen margaritas, daiquiris, and piña coladas are also commonly enjoyed in frozen form.
While a high-powered blender is ideal for making smooth freeze cocktails, it’s not absolutely necessary. A regular blender or even a food processor can do the job. Additionally, a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays for freezing the mixture is needed to achieve the right consistency.
Yes, freeze cocktails can be made in advance. Simply prepare the drink, freeze it in a container, and store it until you’re ready to serve. If it becomes too solid, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir or scrape to restore the slushy texture.
Yes, freeze cocktails are great for large parties or gatherings. You can make a large batch in advance, store it in a freezer-safe container, and serve it throughout the event. They are easy to serve and keep guests cool and refreshed, especially during warm weather.
Non-alcoholic freeze cocktails, also known as mocktails, can be made by blending fruit juices, sodas, or flavored syrups with ice. Popular combinations include strawberry lemonade, tropical fruit punch, or a blended mojito without alcohol. These are perfect for guests who prefer not to consume alcohol.
To achieve the best texture for freeze cocktails, use a high-speed blender to crush ice and mix ingredients well. Adjust the ratio of liquid to ice to get the right consistency. A common tip is to blend the drink until smooth, then freeze for a few hours, scraping occasionally to keep the slushiness consistent.
One common issue when making freeze cocktails is the drink becoming too icy or hard to scrape. This can happen if there is too much ice or not enough liquid.
If the texture becomes too thick, simply let the cocktail thaw slightly and stir it to regain its slushy consistency. Also, be mindful of the alcohol-to-ice ratio to ensure the drink freezes properly.