Bobby Flay's Ingenious Technique For A Flavor-Packed Margarita

How ice affects a margarita

Some individuals strongly oppose serving any alcoholic drink with ice for a straightforward reason: Ice can dilute the beverage. When ice is added, it gradually melts and turns into water; if you take your time drinking, you might end up with a drink that's partially watered down. To order a margarita without ice at a bar, simply say "straight up" or "neat" when you place your order—"without ice" is also acceptable if you prefer to skip the bar jargon. The margarita should have a refreshing chill but won't be as cold as it would be if served over ice. However, the downside is that the drink won't stay cold for long, especially if you're holding it, as the warmth from your hand can raise its temperature. Flay's cocktail tip can also be used for other popular drinks typically served over ice, like Moscow mules, gin and tonics, or old fashioneds.

If you prefer a colder drink, you can always opt for or request larger ice cubes, as they melt more slowly than crushed ice. Additionally, you can create unique ice cubes at home using liquids other than water, which will infuse flavor into your drink as they melt. For a margarita, consider making ice cubes from lime juice or even pineapple juice.