Why You Should Put Ice Cubes in the Cup First

Who doesn't love a cold, refreshing drink on a hot summer day? Unfortunately, sometimes our drinks aren't as chilled as we'd like, so we reach for a handful of ice cubes and drop them in our beverage.

Putting ice cubes in our drink is something that we don't think twice about, but there could be a better way to do it. In fact, placing your ice cubes in an empty glass then pouring your drink in actually offers a few benefits, such as:

• The perfect amount of liquid, every time. Basic physics tells us that when we place ice cubes in a cup of water, the water level rises. If you are looking to maximize the space in your glass by filling it to the brim, putting your ice in first removes the guesswork of how much the water level is going to rise.
• No splashing from dropping ice cubes. The biggest problem about dropping ice in a full cup is the splashing that it is sure to create. If you have ever stained a white t-shirt because some fruit punch splashed on it when you dropped in an ice cube, putting the ice in first is a sure way to avoid repeating this mistake.
• Putting the ice in first helps your drink get cold faster. Okay, this one is pretty minuscule, but on a hot day even the smallest difference is still a difference. The higher the ice:water ratio in a cup, the more effectively the ice chills the water. When you start with ice in a cup and slowly pour in your drink, it will cool slightly faster because there is a higher ice:water ratio (until the cup is full, at which point there is no difference).

As refrigeration experts, we at Speedy Subzero know a thing or two about ice. That's why Long Island residents have depended on us to repair their ice makers, freezers, and refrigerators for more than 75 years. If your fridge is on the fritz, give us a call anytime at 866-782-9376.