Discovering the Charm of Lake-Harvested Cocktail Ice

You won't believe the story behind lake-harvested cocktail ice! It's a delightful throwback to the past that's making a comeback.

The Cool Comeback of Cocktail Ice

If you think of cocktail ice, your mind might immediately jump to those ubiquitous, clear cubes that chill your drink but barely register in your memory. Yet, there’s a captivating story brewing in Norway, where Thomas Orderud is reviving the age-old practice of harvesting ice from lakes. Imagine crisp winter air and serene frozen landscapes; this isn’t just any ice, it’s a nostalgic nod to an era when every cocktail had a story.

In the early 1800s, iced drinks became all the rage in America thanks to year-round ice availability. Blocks were harvested from lakes and shipped to eager bartenders far and wide. Fast forward to today, and Orderud is trying to reignite that magic by harvesting pristine lake ice from Hemnes Lake near Oslo. But will modern cocktail culture embrace this vintage twist?

Crafting Ice Like Art

Orderud’s operation is nothing short of impressive. Picture an ice farm—yes, that’s right! His barn is stacked with gargantuan one-ton blocks of crystal-clear ice, each carefully harvested by hand. He explains that harvesting typically takes place over two days in February when conditions are just right. Unfortunately, this year’s thin ice has him concerned about whether they’ll have enough product to meet growing demand.

On a typical harvest day, his dedicated team clears snow and cuts through thick layers of ice with chainsaws. It’s labor-intensive but carries a charm that machine-made ice simply can’t replicate. In fact, most companies today use machines for precision-cutting, but at DesignIce, they’re embracing tradition with a robotic arm capable of creating intricate sculptures or perfectly shaped cubes for cocktails.

A Modern Twist on an Old Tradition

The question lingers: Is lake-harvested ice better for our environment compared to machine-made options? Orderud has taken steps to investigate this by commissioning a study comparing the environmental impact of his artisanal methods against industrial production techniques. The findings were eye-opening! Transporting his lake ice up to 4,284 miles could break even with the energy required for Clinebell machines producing standard blocks.

This means there’s potential for sustainable practices within the cocktail scene—especially as consumers increasingly seek products with stories and eco-friendly credentials. As Orderud puts it, “It’s essential for businesses to realize that quality matters.”

Nature’s Quality Control

When it comes to safety, Orderud doesn’t cut corners. Before harvesting the ice, he conducts visual inspections for contamination and sends samples for lab testing to ensure they meet food-grade standards. In this day and age where health concerns loom large over everything we consume, knowing that his product is rigorously tested adds an extra layer of trust.

Interestingly enough, glacier and iceberg ice—often touted as pure—present their own challenges regarding contamination risks due to their age and environment. Orderud acknowledges these issues while emphasizing the clarity and purity of his lake-sourced product.

The Future Awaits: Will You Join?

So here we are at a crossroads between nostalgia and modernity within the world of cocktails! With inquiries coming from bars beyond Oslo—and an eye towards expanding into markets like Spain and the UK—Orderud stands ready for what’s next.

Could this be your chance to elevate your cocktail experience? Perhaps it’s time to explore some locally sourced lake-harvested cocktail ice at your favorite bar or mix it into your home concoctions? As more people become aware of sustainable practices within our food systems, products like these will surely rise in popularity.

FAQ About Lake-Harvested Cocktail Ice

• How is lake-harvested cocktail ice different from regular ice?
  Lake-harvested cocktail ice is sourced directly from pristine lakes ensuring its purity and unique quality compared to machine-made options which can often lack character.
• Is it safe to use in drinks?
  Yes! Each batch undergoes rigorous testing for contaminants before being sold.
• Where can I find this type of ice?
  Currently available in select bars across Norway; inquiries are growing internationally!

By bridging nature with artisanal craft—each cube tells a story waiting for you to discover.

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash