Can You Use Melted Ice Cubes in Drinks?

When it comes to using melted ice cubes in drinks, the answer can vary depending on where the ice comes from and what it has come into contact with. This article will explore the types of ice suitable for mixing into drinks, with a special focus on icebergs and glacier meltwater.

Understanding Icebergs and Glacier Meltwater

Icebergs are massive floating bodies of freshwater that form from the calving of glaciers. These glacial bodies are created when snowfall accumulates over time, eventually turning into glacial ice. Despite its purity, melted glacial ice is not necessarily purer than regular tap water. What matters is the water's purity before it became glacial ice and any impurities it may have come into contact with during its formation and movement.

Using Icebergs in Drinks

Technically, you can use icebergs in drinks, but practical considerations make this a rare occurrence. Icebergs are primarily composed of freshwater, and they are often used in a process called glacial meltwater collection. This process involves melting iceberg ice to collect freshwater that can be used for drinking, medicinal, and various other purposes.

There are challenges associated with using iceberg ice for drinking water. For instance, parts of an iceberg might have come into contact with saltwater, which would render the ice unsuitable for drinking. However, if the ice is sourced correctly and tested for purity, it can be safe to use. Some people even prefer the taste of glacial meltwater, describing it as “the best water on the planet”.

Melted Ice Cubes from Freshwater Icebergs

Melted ice cubes from freshwater icebergs can be safe for drinking, provided they have not been contaminated by saltwater. This is because only freshwater freezes into icebergs. Saltwater, on the other hand, forms a slush or frozen slurry that cannot support the weight of a human, as observed in the Bering Sea during my time at Alaskan cutters.

Glacial meltwater from freshwater icebergs is often prized for its purity and taste. Collecting it requires caution, as the icebergs can roll and create dangerous conditions. Professional icebreakers often handle such tasks, ensuring that the ice is safe to collect and use.

Practical Considerations

While using melted ice cubes from freshwater icebergs is theoretically possible, it is not a common or practical solution. More efficient and safer methods of obtaining pure drinking water exist, such as reverse osmosis or distillation. However, the niche market of glacial meltwater and iceberg water collection continues to explore its potential due to the unique and sometimes controversial marketing claims of purity and taste.

Conclusion

To answer the question directly: yes, you can use melted ice cubes from freshwater icebergs in drinks, provided they are sourced and handled properly. The key is to ensure the water has not come into contact with contaminated areas such as saltwater. With the right precautions, glacial meltwater can be a fascinating and tasty addition to your drinks.

Image Credits: Image from Breaking the Ice - Canadian Packaging
Note: There is more profit potential in selling vodka than in directly selling glacial meltwater, but the practice continues to fascinate people and provides a unique drinking experience.