How Americans Were Duped Into Putting Ice In Their Drinks
The History Behind America’s Obsession With Ice Cubes
Americans love ice. They put ice in everything. Iced cocktails. Iced coffee. Iced water. If an American waiter delivers a glass of soda without any ice, they are likely to be berated. Americans don’t just like ice. They need ice. Most Americans shudder at the thought of drinking anything at room temperature.
In case Americans didn’t realize, their obsession with ice is the exception and not the norm. If you travel overseas, you will quickly find that most places don’t use ice, and if they do, they use it sparingly. Americans fill entire 24oz glasses to the brim with ice before putting a modicum of soda over the top. Overseas, you are lucky to get a couple of ice cubes in a drink. Most drinks are simply served from the refrigerator or dispenser. The drinks are cool but are served without ice. Room temperature water is still the norm in many places.
So what gives? Why are Americans so enamored with ice? The answer lies in two things—the ice trade and salesmen.
