Ice picks
Ice picks are bar tools that are used to prepare ice for further use e.g. for making cocktails. The simple bar or household versions consist of a single spike and handle. However, there are also variants with several tines or larger ice axes for processing large blocks of ice. Some ice picks also have a flat surface at the end that allows them to be used in combination with a hammer like a chisel. The size of the spikes varies between different products, allowing bartenders to customize their selection to suit their preferences and needs.
Bar ice picks are used to break up pieces of ice, cut larger blocks of ice into cubes or sticks, or to separate ice cubes that have stuck together as well as clumped crushed ice. The use of ice picks is often indispensable, especially with double-frosted ice cubes. With larger ice blocks, several holes are first drilled in order to cause the block to break into smaller pieces which can then be customized using the ice pick. Bar ice axes with several prongs have a larger area of effect and are used to sculpture ice into shape. Hence, ice picks can also be used to make your own ice cubes, balls or diamonds. The focus is on the production of particularly clear ice. Without special countermeasures, water usually freezes from the outside inwards, which can lead to air pockets and imperfections inside the ice, when using ice cube molds, for example. Sculpting by hand with the help of ice picks, knives, etc. from clear blocks of ice frozen in one direction avoids this problem. Making ice balls requires a bit more skill but is a nice touch when serving drinks in a rocks glass, for example.
