Pearl Ice Perfections: 4 Drinks to Get You Through the Summer Heat

We don’t know about you, but there’s nothing like a refreshing beverage to help cool you down when the Mid-South humidity hits. Especially when there’s pearl ice involved.

Last week we discussed the frozen trio of ice—there’s a reason pearl ice is part of this triad. Its chewable, slushie-like texture hosts a handful of benefits. From being able to last hours longer than normal ice, to soaking up the contents of your drink and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect addition to any beverage on a sweltering summer day.

Curious about these pearl ice machines? You can take a look at our selection here — or feel free to simply reach out if you’d like more information about these backyard hits.

Now without further ado, here are five thirst-quenching concoctions to prep this summer.

Remember late summer nights at the Sonic drive-in? You know, ordering the perfect slushie with the chewy ice that lasted for hours? Those don’t have to be memories of yesteryear anymore. This easy recipe is perfect for satisfying any craving your teenage heart longs for.

Ingredients:

2-liter bottle lemon-lime soda
1 c. fresh squeezed lime juice
1 c. sugar
One 10-oz. jar maraschino cherries, with juice
Thin lime slices
Handful of pearl ice

Instructions:

1. Chill all ingredients before mixing.
2. When cold, combine the lemon-lime soda, lime juice, sugar, and cherries with their juice and lime slices in a large pitcher and stir. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Serve with a ladle over ice, getting cherries and limes in each serving.

“Traditional, but satisfying.” — Goldfinger (1964). Join the league of international spies with this southern staple. The muddled mint mingled with your bourbon of choice offers a refreshing taste sure to satisfy your craving on any day when the air is drenched with humidity and espionage.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 fresh mint leaves
• 1 1/2 – 2 oz. simple syrup
• 2 oz. bourbon
• Splash of cold water
• Sprig of fresh mint
• Handful of pearl ice

Instructions:

1. To bottom of serving glass, add mint leaves and simple syrup. Muddle together.
2. Top with a generous handful of pearl ice, then pour in your splash of cold water and favorite bourbon.
3. Stir, garnish with the sprig of mint, and serve.

This wouldn’t wouldn’t be a proper list if we didn’t have a shoutout to one of our local distilleries in it. Create this super easy and equally refreshing “Memphis Mule” with Old Dominick vodka (or the vodka of your choice) and a little bit of ginger beer. Mules are typically served in a copper mug, but with pearl ice, nearly any will do.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. vodka
• 1/2 c. ginger beer
• Splash of lime juice
• Lime wedge
• Handful of pearl ice

Instructions:

1. Pour vodka and lime juice over pebble ice. Stir to combine.
2. Garnish with a lime wedge.