Southern Glazer’s Bridget Albert talks to Camper English about his book, The Ice Book: Cool Cubes, Clear Spheres, and Other Chill Cocktail Crafts
With a passion for precision and flair for frozen artistry, Camper English invites readers to explore the cool and captivating side of the cocktail culture through his innovative and refreshing approach to ice.
How did the idea of a book on ice come about?
Almost 15 years ago I figured out a way to make clear ice at home using an insulated container, and since then expanded on the technique along with lots of other people. In recent years, the basic method got wider attention due to YouTube and TikTok and such, and it was finally time for a book.
What do you hope your readers gain from the book?
The book has all practical tips for making clear ice, carving it up into shapes like spheres and diamonds, freezing things inside it, and decorating the ice. It's a totally practical book rather than one on the history of ice in cocktails, and the photos in it by Allison Webber are absolutely fantastic.
Are there emerging ice carving techniques that you find particularly exciting?
I do love the Ice Designer and similar plates that press patterns on the outside of ice. They look amazing and it's a bit ridiculous, which is something I appreciate.
What lesser-known facts about ice did you uncover in your research?
I had to figure out ways to get ice not to stick together - I had so much to store for the photoshoot! But even since the book came out, I've been experimenting with various cutting tools like chisels and utility knives. I'm still not very good at carving ice diamonds, but I'm getting better. Fun fact: the ones in the book were cut by photographer Allison, who is a former bartender!
About Camper English
Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer and speaker who has covered the craft cocktail renaissance for over 15 years, contributing to more than 50 publications around the world including Popular Science, Saveur, Details, Whisky Advocate, and Drinks International. With a focus on the nerdy side of mixology, he has studied everything from the history of carbonation to the science of clear ice cubes. He has been awarded International Cognac Writer of the Year by the Bureau National Interprofessional du Cognac and Best Cocktail Writer at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. His website is Alcademics.com.
Follow Camper on social here:
Twitter: @alcademics
Instagram: @alcademics
Twitter: @cocktailsafe
Purchase The Ice Book
Listen to Camper’s episode here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/served-up/id1533768278?i=1000531507220
https://open.spotify.com/episode/30joGUSZymWqV7vc3rxFFR?si=Alnuc4QeSQOCyFv39lGdmw
