Emily B asked:
Every time I try to make a frozen mixed drink, I follow the instructions about how much ice to add and how long to blend it, but they always come out runnier than when I get them in a restaurant or bar. Any advice or ideas as to what I might be doing wrong?
Every time I try to make a frozen mixed drink, I follow the instructions about how much ice to add and how long to blend it, but they always come out runnier than when I get them in a restaurant or bar. Any advice or ideas as to what I might be doing wrong?
#1 by noonee333 - January 24th, 2009 at 22:38
I **** when that happens. Try cutting back on the ice.
#2 by zecyor - January 26th, 2009 at 20:10
The number one reason why this happens is because in bar settings, the ice used in mixed drink applications are much smaller making for “more ice” in the mix. The guys that make the mixers do the same thing. They’ll tell you to add 4 cups of ice but since the ice you are using doesn’t pack as well, it’s actually less causing more syrup to be present in your drink. When you make your next margarita, try adding more ice if you discover it’s too sloppy and don’t forget the salt! Oh! And some people enjoy their margarita with a spoon or a straw so what’s sloppy for you may be perfect for someone else. For your case, you definitely want more ice vs. the amount of liquid. Don’t let the blender melt your drink also. Getting a high quality blender is definitely worth it. Don’t be afraid to improvise.
#3 by robert.howell - January 29th, 2009 at 07:56
Frozen drinks work a little better with small ice cubes and more rather than less will make the drink thicker. You want to run the blender as short a time a possible as well. You can practice with the ice cubes and juice to find the right amount to use. If the attempt is to thin add some more ice and blend for a short period of time.
#4 by LOLA - January 29th, 2009 at 18:34
In addition to using smaller ice cubes or less ice cubes… try using whipped cream and/or ice cream in your recipe. (depending on what drink you are making) Whipped cream taste really great in daiquiri’s!
#5 by S Robert - February 1st, 2009 at 08:22
In addition to smaller ice cubes, you should also chill the other ingredients, this will help stem the melting of the ice.
#6 by Renate - February 3rd, 2009 at 15:49
Use less ice. If you are making frozen fruit drinks then freeze the fruit before you throw it in the blender: strawberries, pineapple, etc. You can also freeze the liquor, it will not freeze but it will get slushy. You can put the mixing pitcher of the blender in the freezer too.
I notice on television they are always putting too much ice in the blenders when they mix drinks but then they have to drink it on TV and still stay working.
#7 by davidscottwoodruff - February 5th, 2009 at 19:58
Put your blender in the freezer for 20 min. The ice will not melt as quickly. This can also be done with most of your liquors.
#8 by Heaven C - February 9th, 2009 at 05:24
continue adding ice until you are finished blending so start with little and work your way to more or you can crush the ice then pour the alcohol (from the freezer) over the crushed ice keep the alcohol in the freezer