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I can honestly say I never expected to be fascinated by a book about ice—but here we are!
I stumbled across Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks by Amy Brady while scrolling for my next audiobook, and I’m so glad I gave it a listen.
I’ve found that I tend to do better with nonfiction in audio format, and this was no exception. The writing is engaging, the pacing is smooth, and the narration makes the facts feel personal and thought-provoking.
The book dives into the surprisingly rich history of ice in America—from the first refrigerated railcars to the role of ice in shaping regional delicacies like sweet tea and iced custard.
Brady traces how ice has infiltrated nearly every aspect of American life: the food we eat, the drinks we sip, the sports we watch, and even the medical care we receive. And honestly, once you start to think about it, it is kind of wild how obsessed we are with having ice on demand.
Nearly half of all U.S. refrigerators are equipped with built-in ice makers. We buy bags of it at gas stations. Ice is everywhere, and yet we hardly ever think about it.
One section I found especially interesting was how ice transformed the food and drink industry. There’s an entire history behind the rise of iced beverages—particularly how sweet tea became a symbol of the South, and how cocktails “on the rocks” reshaped bar culture in cities like New Orleans.
The book explores the impact of ice on hospitality, design, and even tourism. It made me look at a simple glass of tea or a frosty cocktail with new appreciation.
Brady also does a great job connecting the past to the present. In addition to historical tidbits (such as P.T. Barnum’s indoor ice rink), she explores modern uses of ice in medicine (including cryotherapy for cancer treatment), sports, and even sustainable energy.
There’s a section about something called “flammable ice” that could potentially be a cleaner fuel source—definitely a reminder that this topic is far from frozen in time.
As we face climate change and rising temperatures, this book is also a quiet but powerful call to consider what we take for granted. What happens when ice isn’t so readily available? What traditions might melt away?
This is a book that will definitely stick with me, especially the next time I mindlessly fill a glass with ice or grab a cold drink. It’s smart, fascinating, and a great example of how examining something seemingly small can reveal a much bigger story.
If you enjoy history, climate topics, or simply want a nonfiction read that’ll surprise you, I highly recommend “Ice.” Bonus: it makes a great summer listen.
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