Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Share My Kitchen
Ah, crushed ice. What would summer be without it? Cool drinks, smoothies, and punches would all be ruined. How do you crush ice without a crusher? If you don’t have a crusher, you could always just add some ice to the blender or food processor and beat it until it crushes. But, what if you don’t have a blender? Will you just go out and buy one so you can crush the ice? That’s not necessary. You can still get that fresh-from-the-freezer taste no matter what tools you have in your home bar.
You need crushed ice to make a mint julep, mojito, or Moscow mule. Perfectly crushed ice is also beneficial for iced teas, iced lattes, and lemonades, as well as fresh fruit punch. This article will show you how to make crushed ice with two tools that you probably already have and two that would take your home bar to the next level.
Four Ways to Crush Ice Without a Crusher
1. Sealable Bag and Rolling Pin
This method can be used to make ice cubes if you don’t own ice cubes. Place water in a freezer-safe zip-top or silicone bag. Seal it, and place it in the freezer. Then, after freezing, roll the rolling pin on it back and forth until you reach the desired consistency.
2. Tea Towel and Large Spoon
Place a handful of ice, or enough to make one cocktail, in the middle of a tea towel. To ensure that the ice remains in place, wrap the towel around it. Use a large spoon to hit the ice multiple times until you get the desired size. You can repeat the process as many times as necessary.
3. Lewis Bag and Mallet
A Lewis bag (sturdy canvas bag) that can be filled with ice and pounded with a mallet, is a favorite of bartenders. It replaces a blender and gives you more control over your cocktail ice. The cloth also absorbs water when you crush it, which prevents drink dilution.
4. Cocktail Shaker and Muddler
You can combine these two bartending tools to crush ice. Add small amounts of ice to the shaker. Then, use the muddler to smash the cubes. You can then empty the shaker again. Although this might seem like a great time to mix other ingredients, the stronger force required to break down the ice is not ideal for delicate herbs and berries. Therefore, it’s best to focus on breaking down the ice first.
