Ice-Cold Beer: Good Or Bad?

Whether or not to drink beer with ice is a hotly contested topic. While some people enjoy the refreshing quality of ice-cold beer, others argue that it waters down the drink, altering its intended taste. In some cultures, such as in Vietnam and Cambodia, drinking beer with ice is common, especially during hot weather. However, in other parts of the world, it is considered taboo to put ice in beer. Ultimately, the decision to add ice to beer comes down to personal preference, but it is worth noting that ice can affect the flavor and alcohol content of the beverage.

Why it's acceptable to drink beer with ice in some cultures

Drinking beer with ice is a common practice in many parts of the world, and there are several reasons why it is acceptable in some cultures. Here are a few paragraphs explaining why:

In Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, drinking beer with ice is a widespread practice. One of the initial reasons for this custom was the lack of refrigeration, making it challenging to keep large quantities of beer bottles cold. Adding ice was a practical solution to this problem. Even with modern refrigeration, the tradition of drinking beer with ice has persisted and is now an acquired taste for many. It is especially popular when drinking lower-quality, mass-produced beers, as the ice can take the "edge" off the taste and make it more refreshing.

Cultural traditions and drinking habits also play a role in the acceptance of drinking beer with ice. In Vietnam, for example, it is customary to drink beer with meals, especially during barbecues or when enjoying street food. The bottles are often shared among the group and get warm quickly due to the warm climate. Adding ice helps keep the beer cool and is more practical than constantly providing new bottles. The ice also slows down the drinking process, preventing people from getting drunk too quickly.

Another reason why drinking beer with ice is acceptable in some cultures is the preference for lighter, less intense flavours. In hot climates, a cold, watered-down beer can be more refreshing and easier to drink than a strong, room-temperature beer. This is especially true for those who are not accustomed to the taste of beer or prefer a milder beverage.

Additionally, in some cultures, there is less emphasis on preserving the original taste of the beer. While craft beer enthusiasts may frown upon adding ice as it dilutes the intended flavour, many drinkers in Southeast Asia and Latin America are consuming mass-produced beers that are not known for their complex flavours. Adding ice to these beers can make them more palatable and refreshing, especially in hot weather.

Lastly, drinking beer with ice can be a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy the sensation of an ice-cold beer, even if it waters down the drink slightly. Just as one might add ice to a Coke or a cocktail, adding ice to a beer can enhance the drinking experience for those who prefer their beverages chilled. Ultimately, it comes down to individual taste and the specific circumstances.

Why drinking beer with ice is considered taboo in some cultures

Drinking beer with ice is considered taboo in some cultures for a variety of reasons. Firstly, ice is believed to water down the beer, diluting its flavour. This is especially true for beers with strong or intricate flavours, such as craft beers, where the addition of ice can ruin the intended taste.

Secondly, in some cultures, beer is considered a beverage to be savoured and appreciated for its complex flavours. Adding ice can be seen as disrespectful to the brewer's art, akin to adding ice to a fine wine.

Thirdly, cultural norms and peer pressure play a role. In some countries, such as Vietnam, adding ice to beer is very common and is considered an acquired taste. However, in other countries, such as the United States or the United Kingdom, adding ice to beer is frowned upon and may even be considered sacrilegious by some beer enthusiasts.

Finally, the temperature at which beer is served can also influence the decision to add ice. In warmer climates, such as Southeast Asia, adding ice to beer helps keep the drink cool and refreshing, especially when consumed outdoors or with spicy food. In contrast, in cooler climates, beer is often served chilled, eliminating the need for ice.

While the practice of drinking beer with ice may be considered taboo in some cultures, it is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Some people enjoy the refreshing quality that ice adds to their beer, while others prefer to savour the beer's original flavour and aroma.

The history of drinking beer with ice

Drinking beer with ice has a long history, with the practice becoming increasingly common over the past two centuries.

The first-century Roman Emperor Nero was known for his enjoyment of iced drinks flavoured with honey. Wealthy Romans would also savour glacial ice brought down from the mountains and stored in insulated cellars.

In the ancient world, ice and snow were used to make drinks cooler, with Greeks and Romans storing cool beverages like wine in cellars within their houses. Ancient Chinese, Mesopotamian, and Persian ice houses were the first to be built for this purpose. Persian ice houses, for instance, were made of mud bricks, could be up to 20 meters high, and had deep pits that held ice.

In the 19th century, ice was no longer a luxury reserved for the rich. In 1806, the Boston "ice king" Frederic Tudor started the East Coast ice trade, which eventually employed around 90,000 people. A similar industry also emerged in Norway around the same time, supplying ice to London that was harvested from Norwegian lakes and stored in enormous caverns.

In the 1850s, Chilean brewers began using ice from icebergs to refrigerate their beer, marking a shift towards the use of glacial ice for beer refrigeration. Ships would tow icebergs from as far as the South Pole.

In the late 19th century, advances in mechanical refrigeration made cold lager beers accessible to the masses and facilitated the creation of new types of beers. By the 20th century, American homes started to get their ice from icemen, and some households acquired refrigerators with built-in freezers.

Today, the practice of drinking beer with ice varies across the world. While it is common in Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, it is generally frowned upon in Europe, Britain, and North America. However, there are exceptions, such as the introduction of Micheladas—a cocktail made with Mexican beer, ice, lime juice, hot sauce, and salt—which gained popularity among beer lovers and cocktail enthusiasts.

How to serve beer with ice

Serving beer with ice is a common practice in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam and Cambodia. While it may be considered taboo in some parts of the world, there are several circumstances in which adding ice to your beer can be not only acceptable but also advantageous.

When to Serve Beer with Ice

The primary reason to serve beer with ice is to combat warm temperatures. In hot climates, ice helps keep the drink cool and refreshing. This is especially relevant when drinking outdoors or in places with limited refrigeration, such as street food stalls or restaurants with inadequate cooling systems.

Another reason to add ice is to dilute the beer's flavour, which can be desirable if the beer is of lower quality or has a strong taste that some may find unpleasant. Adding ice can make the beer easier to drink and reduce its bitterness, especially when consumed in quick succession, as is common in some drinking cultures.

When serving beer with ice, it is best to use a large glass filled with ice to the brim. Regularly top up the beer as the ice melts to maintain the desired temperature and consistency.

However, it is important to note that adding ice will dilute the beer, affecting its flavour and alcohol content. Therefore, serving beer with ice is generally not recommended for high-quality craft beers or when the primary purpose is to savour the beer's flavour.

Additionally, the type of beer and personal preference should be considered. Some beers, such as IPAs, are better suited for drinking with ice than others. Ultimately, the decision to serve beer with ice depends on the specific circumstances and individual tastes.

How to make a Michelada

A Michelada is a popular Mexican beer cocktail, often served at brunch and touted as a hangover cure. It is similar to a Bloody Mary cocktail, but with beer instead of vodka. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a Michelada:

Ingredients:

• Mexican beer (light lager such as Corona, Sol, Tecate, Pacifico, Modelo Especial, or Negra Modelo)
• Tomato juice or Clamato juice (a tomato juice cocktail made with tomato juice, spices, and clam juice)
• Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Soy sauce or Maggi sauce
• Hot sauce (such as Tabasco, Tapatio, Cholula, or Louisiana-style hot sauce)
• Salt
• Tajin seasoning or chili powder (optional)

Method:

• Rim the glass: Rub the rim of a beer glass with a lime wedge and dip it in salt, or a mixture of salt and Tajin seasoning or chili powder.
• Fill the glass: Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes.
• Add seasonings: In a separate bowl, mix tomato or Clamato juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or Maggi sauce, and hot sauce. Pour this mixture into the glass.
• Top with beer: Pour your chosen Mexican beer into the glass. Stir the drink and adjust the seasonings to taste.
• Garnish (optional): You can garnish the drink with a lime wedge, or more elaborately, like a Bloody Mary, with foods like shrimp or spicy chili peppers.

Tips:

• You can make a non-alcoholic version by using a dark non-alcoholic beer.
• If you prefer your drink spicier, add extra hot sauce or a spicier variety of hot sauce.
• If you like your drink with extra depth of flavour, add a dash of Maggi seasoning.
• If you want to make a Mango Michelada, muddle some fresh mango or pour in some mango juice, and add a bit of chamoy sauce.

Frequently asked questions