Why You Should Never Order Drinks With Ice

On a hot summer day or night, there's nothing more refreshing than sipping a chilled drink filled with ice. However, bartenders and restaurant staff may advise you to rethink that ice-filled order. The reason might not be what you expect, but it's important to know why many experts recommend avoiding ice in your drinks.

The Hidden Dangers of Ice in Your Drink

While many bars and restaurants maintain clean, high-quality ice, the reality is that not all establishments are as diligent. Ice can be contaminated with bacteria, mold, and even germs from human contact. These contaminants can come from improper cleaning, mishandling, or even unwashed hands.

Bacteria and Mold

Ice machines, if not properly cleaned, can become breeding grounds for mold, especially if they’ve been turned off or left unused for a while. Additionally, bacteria can be introduced during the freezing process or through contaminated water or food that comes into contact with the ice.

Hand Contamination

One of the most common, yet less visible, sources of ice contamination comes from the people who handle it. Bartenders or staff who are sick, don’t wash their hands before using the ice scoop, or touch the ice with bare hands can unknowingly introduce harmful bacteria, such as Norovirus, which can spread quickly and make you sick. The scariest part is that this contamination is often invisible—you can't taste, smell, or see the harmful bacteria in your drink.

How Can Bars and Restaurants Minimize the Risk?

To prevent ice contamination, bars, restaurants, and other food service establishments need to treat ice with the same level of care as food. Regular maintenance of ice machines is essential. By law, these establishments must clean their ice machines between two and four times a year, or as specified by the manufacturer. If they’re not following these regulations, that’s a red flag for potential contamination.

In addition to machine maintenance, staff should be thoroughly trained to handle ice properly. This includes washing hands before using the ice machine, using designated scoops, and never touching the ice with bare hands. These small steps can significantly reduce the risk of contamination.

At-Risk Groups and Illness

While most healthy adults can usually fight off the bacteria that might be found in contaminated ice, there are higher risks for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. These groups may have more difficulty fighting off harmful bacteria and viruses, which is why extra caution is necessary.

Making the Safer Choice at Bars and Restaurants

Next time you’re out at a bar or restaurant, take a moment to assess the overall cleanliness of the venue and check the food hygiene ratings. If you’re not sure about the quality of the ice or the general hygiene of the place, it might be safer to skip drinks with ice. Opting for wine, beer, or cider might be a safer choice.