Creating Ice Aroma: A Step-By-Step Guide

Aroma Ice Coffee is a popular drink at Aroma Espresso Bar, a coffee chain with locations in the US, Canada, and Israel. Although the exact recipe is unknown, former employees have revealed that the drink is made with a powder consisting of sugar, evaporated milk powder, and flavoring. To recreate the drink at home, one can try blending frozen coffee with milk and sugar. This results in a drink with a similar consistency to a Frappuccino but with a more natural taste. To avoid a watery drink, coffee can be frozen in ice cube trays and then blended.

Use filtered water for clearer ice

When making ice, using filtered water is essential for achieving clearer ice cubes. Here's why:

Unfiltered water often contains various minerals, such as calcium and magnesium compounds, which can lead to cloudiness in your ice. By using filtered water, you can significantly reduce the presence of these minerals, resulting in clearer and more aesthetically pleasing ice.

The process of filtering water also helps remove impurities and biological contaminants that can impact the taste of your ice and, consequently, the beverages it is added to. Chlorine, for example, can give ice a swimming pool-like taste, while excess iron can attract bacteria. Filtering the water ensures that these contaminants are minimised, enhancing the overall taste of your drinks.

Additionally, using filtered water can benefit the longevity and efficiency of your ice machine. Unfiltered water can lead to mineral deposits, known as "scaling," building up inside the machine over time. This buildup can impact the performance of your ice maker, causing it to produce less ice or work harder to maintain the same output. Regular descaling can help mitigate this issue, but it is more effective to reduce the mineral content of the water before it enters the machine.

To further optimise the clarity of your ice, consider combining the use of filtered water with other techniques, such as boiling the water before freezing. Boiling helps remove dissolved air from the water, which can also contribute to cloudiness. By addressing both the mineral content and dissolved air, you can achieve the clearest ice possible.

In summary, using filtered water is a crucial step in making clearer ice. It not only improves the appearance of your ice but also enhances taste and helps maintain the longevity of your ice machine. By investing in a suitable filtration system, you can elevate the overall quality of your ice and the drinks it accompanies.

Freeze coffee into ice cubes

Making coffee ice cubes is a great way to ensure your iced coffee stays strong and flavourful without getting watered down as the ice melts. It's also a perfect way to use up leftover coffee.

How to Make Coffee Ice Cubes

First, take your ice cube tray out of the freezer and give it a good clean with dish soap. Many people don't wash their ice cube trays between uses, but it's important to get into the habit of cleaning them before making coffee ice cubes.

Next, brew your coffee. You can use leftover coffee from your pot, or brew a fresh batch. If you're making a standard batch of coffee, 16 ounces should be enough to fill most ice cube trays. For a standard-sized ice cube tray, you'll need about 2 cups of liquid to fill every cavity. If you're using instant coffee, add 2 tablespoons of coffee to a mug or heatproof glass, then add 100ml of hot water to dissolve the granules. Top up with 200ml of cold water or enough to make 2 cups of coffee.

Before pouring the coffee into the ice cube trays, allow it to cool to room temperature. You can also get creative and add some extra flavours to your coffee ice cubes. For a fun twist, try infusing your coffee with cinnamon by adding a few cinnamon sticks or a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the brewed coffee and allowing it to steep in the fridge for 4-6 hours. You could also experiment with vanilla extract, vanilla bean, or cocoa powder. Just be sure to allow enough time for the flavours to infuse, and remove any cinnamon sticks before pouring the coffee into the trays.

Once your coffee is ready, carefully pour it into the ice cube trays and place them in the freezer. The coffee ice cubes will be ready to use in 3 to 5 hours, or you can leave them to freeze overnight.

Storing Coffee Ice Cubes

To store your coffee ice cubes, you can either keep them in the ice cube tray or transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will last in the freezer for about two weeks to two months, depending on the source. Storing them in a sealed Ziploc bag will help them last longer and prevent other tastes and aromas from seeping into the coffee ice cubes.

Blend frozen coffee cubes with milk and sugar

Ingredients

• Coffee
• Milk
• Sugar or other sweetener
• Ice cube tray

Method

First, brew your coffee. You can use any type of coffee you like, from light to dark roast, and from weak to strong brew. Let the coffee cool completely to room temperature, or refrigerate it until it is chilled. If you want to pre-sweeten your coffee cubes, make sure to add your sugar or syrup while the coffee is still hot so that it can dissolve.

Next, fill your ice cube tray with the cooled coffee. Cover the tray and place it on a flat surface in your freezer. Leave the coffee to freeze for at least four hours, or preferably overnight.

Once your coffee cubes are frozen, you can blend them with milk and sugar to create a delicious frozen coffee drink. Add 6-8 coffee cubes to your blender, along with 3/4 cup of milk (oat milk is a great option, but any kind will work), 1/4 cup of cold coffee, and 1 tablespoon of liquid sweetener such as maple syrup or simple syrup. If you like, you can also add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground spices like cardamom or cinnamon for extra flavour.

Blend all the ingredients on high until a slushy consistency forms. Add more coffee or milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Pour your frozen coffee into a glass and enjoy!

Tips

• If you want to add milk to your coffee cubes, regular and vegan milk will both work. For best results, use a creamier variety of milk.
• If you're finding it difficult to remove the coffee cubes from your ice cube tray, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes or run hot water over the bottom of the tray.
• To prevent your blended drink from becoming diluted, use coffee cubes instead of regular ice cubes.

Use ice to dilute strong spirits

When it comes to spirits and cocktails, ice is an essential ingredient that can significantly enhance your drinking experience. Here are some tips on how to use ice to dilute strong spirits effectively:

Experiment with Tasting the Spirit First

Before adding ice, it's advisable to explore the flavour profile of the spirit by sipping it neat or with a splash of water. This allows you to identify the spirit's unique characteristics without the ice muting its flavour or reducing the temperature. For high-ABV cask-strength whiskies, for instance, the alcohol burn can be overwhelming. Adding a few drops of water can help dilute and 'open up' the spirit, making it smoother and revealing hidden flavours and aromas.

Choose the Right Ice Type and Size

The size and style of ice you use will depend on the type of cocktail you're preparing. For short cocktails like a Manhattan, which are stirred or shaken but not served with ice, use large ice cubes. These melt slowly, preventing the drink from diluting too quickly while maintaining its crisp freshness. On the other hand, smaller ice cubes are ideal for shaken drinks as they help aerate the cocktail, creating a smooth and frothy texture. Crushed ice is perfect for long cocktails like Mojitos or Juleps, as it quickly cools the drink and complements its refreshing nature.

Create Good-Quality Ice

High-quality ice is crucial for crafting exceptional cocktails. Aim for uniform ice cubes with as few air bubbles or defects as possible. Air bubbles can negatively impact the flavour, texture, and appearance of your cocktail. To create clear ice, use filtered or distilled water, or boil the water before freezing to slow down the freezing process.

Store Your Ice Properly

Proper ice storage is essential to maintain its quality. If possible, dedicate a drawer in your freezer specifically for ice to minimise spillages and maximise the size and quality of your ice cubes. Use an airtight container to prevent the ice from absorbing odours, and avoid overfilling the tray to prevent cracking and air bubble formation.

Consider Pre-Batching as an Alternative to Ice

In some cases, pre-batching and storing cocktails in the freezer can be more effective than using fresh ice. Stirred drinks with a high alcohol content, for example, often taste better when chilled in the freezer than when made with ice. This technique is particularly useful for cocktails like gimlets, as they develop a velvety consistency that's challenging to achieve with ice.

By following these tips, you can master the art of using ice to dilute strong spirits, creating well-balanced and flavourful cocktails that your guests will surely enjoy.

Use ice trays or moulds for different-shaped ice

Using ice trays or moulds is an excellent way to get creative with your ice and elevate your drinks. There are many different ice tray shapes and sizes available, from the traditional plastic trays to more modern silicone and stainless steel options. Here are some tips and ideas for using ice trays or moulds to create different-shaped ice:

Silicone Ice Trays:

Silicone ice trays are a popular choice due to their flexibility and durability. They are easy to use and release ice cubes without cracking or breaking. You can find silicone trays in various shapes, such as the traditional cube, sphere, heart, flower, and even fun shapes like stars, paw prints, and skulls. These trays are perfect for making ice that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. However, silicone trays may absorb freezer odours over time, so it is important to clean them regularly.

Stainless Steel Ice Trays:

For a more durable option, stainless steel ice trays are a great choice. They are strong and resistant to cracking. The Onyx Stainless Steel 18-Slot Ice Cube Tray, for example, has a removable divider and a handle that makes it easy to extract the ice. Stainless steel trays are also ideal for freezing broths, herb cubes, or fruit juices without absorbing freezer odours.

Plastic Ice Trays:

Plastic ice trays are the most traditional option and are usually very affordable. While they may not be as durable as silicone or stainless steel, they can still get the job done. Look for easy-release plastic trays that pop out ice cubes without twisting or banging. Some plastic trays also come with lids, which help prevent spills and odours from seeping into the ice.

Large Ice Cubes and Spheres:

For drinks that you want to keep chilled for a longer period, consider using large ice cubes or spheres. These melt more slowly than traditional ice cubes, making them perfect for cocktails or spirits like whiskey. The Adoric Silicone Ice Cube Trays and Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds are great options for creating large ice shapes.

Small Ice Cubes:

On the other hand, if you need ice that freezes quickly and is ideal for concentrated drinks like iced coffee or cold brew, opt for small ice cubes. The Arrow Home Products Arrow 60 Cube Ice Tray creates tiny "pebble" ice cubes that are perfect for this purpose. These small cubes melt quickly, so they're ideal for drinks that you want to chill rapidly.

Creative Shapes:

Ice trays also come in various creative shapes, such as flowers, spears, and even mustaches! These unique shapes can add a fun and unexpected element to your drinks. The Tovolo ice moulds, for example, offer a variety of shapes like roses and mustaches that are sure to impress your guests.

No matter which type of ice tray or mould you choose, always consider your drinking needs and the types of drinks you plan to make. With so many options available, you can easily find trays that fit your preferences and add a unique touch to your beverages.

Frequently asked questions