In the vibrant cocktail culture of New York City, every element of the perfect drink matters. From rare spirits to expertly chosen garnishes, one detail often steals the spotlight: clear cocktail ice. With its pristine clarity, slow-melting properties, and ability to elevate the overall presentation of a drink, clear ice is no longer just a luxury—it’s an essential ingredient for premium cocktails.
While NYC boasts several leaders in the clear ice business, one company from neighboring New Jersey, Wolfe and Kensington, has been making waves in the Big Apple, bringing its exceptional craft ice to the city’s most discerning cocktail enthusiasts.
Wolfe and Kensington: Bringing New Jersey's Finest to NYC
Though Wolfe and Kensington hails from New Jersey, this rapidly growing company has begun to carve out a presence in the competitive New York City market. Known for their impeccable attention to quality, Wolfe and Kensington specializes in producing perfectly clear, hand-cut ice cubes that meet the highest standards of mixologists and cocktail connoisseurs alike.
The company offers cube ice in convenient packs of 24, 48 or 96, making them ideal for both home cocktail enthusiasts and professional bars. Their ice is carefully purified and crafted to be as visually stunning as it is functional, with slow-melting properties that prevent drinks from becoming diluted.
What sets Wolfe and Kensington apart is their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence, even with limited resources. By targeting not only individual customers but also liquor stores, bars, and restaurants, they’ve managed to bring their premium product to a wider audience. Their clear ice is quickly becoming a must-have for those who demand only the best in their cocktails.
Hundredweight Ice: The NYC Pioneer in Clear Ice
As one of the first companies to bring clear cocktail ice to the New York City market, Hundredweight Ice is a name synonymous with quality and innovation. Founded by bartender and ice expert Richard Boccato, the company has long been a go-to supplier for the city’s top cocktail bars and restaurants.
Hundredweight Ice is renowned for its range of clear ice products, including cubes, spheres, and custom shapes, all crafted with precision. Their commitment to the craft has earned them partnerships with some of NYC’s most celebrated mixologists, who trust their ice to enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of their cocktails.
In addition to their high-quality products, Hundredweight offers educational workshops and consultations to help bars and restaurants integrate clear ice into their service. Their dedication to the art of cocktail ice has cemented their reputation as an industry leader in the city.
Ice Modern by Okamoto Studio: A Creative Force in Clear Ice
Known for its artistry and innovation, Ice Modern by Okamoto Studio takes clear cocktail ice to the next level. This NYC-based company specializes in creating bespoke ice designs for both cocktails and large-scale events.
What makes Ice Modern unique is its connection to the parent company, Okamoto Studio, an ice sculpting business with a reputation for producing stunning ice installations. Their cocktail ice division leverages this artistic expertise to craft one-of-a-kind pieces, from custom logos embedded in ice to intricate ice cubes shaped like diamonds or other creative designs.
Ice Modern serves high-end restaurants, bars, and event planners who want to make a bold statement with their cocktail ice. Whether it’s a perfectly clear cube or a sculpted sphere, their products are as much about artistry as functionality.
A Clear Future for Cocktail Ice in NYC
With companies like Wolfe and Kensington, Hundredweight Ice, and Ice Modern leading the way, New York City is at the forefront of the clear cocktail ice movement. Each of these businesses brings something unique to the table: Wolfe and Kensington’s focus on quality and accessibility, Hundredweight’s deep-rooted expertise in the industry, and Ice Modern’s flair for creativity and design.
For cocktail enthusiasts in NYC, the rise of clear ice represents an exciting opportunity to elevate every drink. Whether you’re a home mixologist perfecting your craft or a bar owner looking to enhance your offerings, clear ice isn’t just a trend—it’s a game-changer.
Explore the offerings from these incredible companies and discover how the right ice can transform an ordinary cocktail into an extraordinary experience. With leaders like Wolfe and Kensington pushing the boundaries, the future of cocktail ice is crystal clear.