"Refreshing" vs "Foolish"... Gen Z's Trend of Beer with Ice Sparks Debate

Some Say, "I Can't Add Ice Because of Social Pressure"

Recently, a trend has emerged among Generation Z in the United States and the United Kingdom of adding ice to beer to enjoy a colder drink. This has sparked debate, with some praising it as "the most refreshing way to drink beer," while others criticize it as "a foolish act."

According to the New York Post on August 28 (local time), the "Cold One" trend of drinking beer with ice has become popular on social media platforms, especially TikTok. A search on social media reveals dozens of videos featuring enthusiasts enjoying various types of beer "on the rocks" by adding ice.

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One food influencer shared a video of a Mexican cocktail called "Chelada," which combines lager beer with lime juice and several ice cubes, served in a salt-rimmed glass. The influencer described it as "the most refreshing way to drink beer."

The British media outlet Daily Mail reported that LG Electronics conducted a survey of 2,000 Britons regarding their drinking habits. According to the survey, one in three respondents aged 18 to 35 said they add ice to their beer glasses. Additionally, 20% of respondents under the age of 35 cited "refreshment" as the reason for adding ice to both beer and wine.

However, beer enthusiasts are pushing back against the idea of adding ice to beer. Some users commented on the previously mentioned ice Chelada video, saying, "You don't need ice," while another suggested, "If you put your glass in the freezer, you won't need ice." Others pointed out that this practice "dilutes the beer foam," and some criticized it by saying, "The ice melts quickly, so it's just like drinking water."

Some Say, "I Can't Add Ice Because of Social Pressure"

There are also opinions that people feel self-conscious about drinking beer with ice. According to the same survey, 44% of respondents labeled those who add ice to lager beer as "uneducated." Furthermore, one in ten respondents said they refrain from adding ice to wine or beer out of concern for being judged by others.

On the other hand, there are also those who defend the practice of adding ice to beer. Some users pointed out that, due to the hot and humid climate, it is common practice to add ice to beer in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand. David Chang, a Michelin-starred chef in New York, also mentioned on his podcast that alcoholic beverages with ice are "delicious," adding, "The only reason we don't drink these kinds of drinks is 'culinary arrogance.'" He encouraged people to "try these drinks as beverages, not as cultural artifacts."