World Cocktail Day is a global celebration of cocktails. It also marks the publication of the first cocktail recipe in 1806 on May 13th.

The top three most popular cocktails in the UK in 2022 were Piña Coladas, Mojitos and Martinis. 2023 trends are leaning towards the use of unique syrups and bitters, and vegetable juices, infusions & fermentations to spice up cocktails and mocktails.

The right cocktail ice can make or break the whole experience. That means having the right Ice Machine – We stock self-contained (integral bin) and modular models (separate bin) from brands DC, Maidaid and Masterfrost that provide options of all ice shapes such as:

Classic: Solid cubes of crystalline ice that cool quickly and melt slowly, fits into any size glass and is ideal for both shaking and stirring. Pair with a Negroni or an Old Fashioned.

Granular: Similar to crushed ice, softer than cubes and chewable – perfect for Mojitos.

Large cubes: Melt slowly and allow the taste of the spirit before it gets watered down. Works best in spirit-heavy drinks like Whisky.

Hollow: Cubes of crystalline ice that cools quickly and melts slowly – particularly suited to hard water areas due to the ice manufacturing process.

Pebble: Small trapezoidal ‘pebbles’ that are something between granular & cubed ice. Designed for quick cooling and slow melting. Uniquely shaped ice that enhances presentation, and blitzes down quickly into snow ice. Ideal for a Mint Julep or a Rum Swizzle.

Cheers!