Post #355260 by Kahuna Kent on Wed, Jan 16, 2008 8:19 AM

This could be a whole topic unto itself - but there's a difference between "shaved ice" and "cracked ice"

TV's Mai Tai recipe calls for shaved ice, which is a fine, almost powdery stuff that melts pretty quickly as you shake it. Cracked ice is more like a snow cone, with smallish "chunks" of ice. I picked up an "Ice Shaver" from Pampered Chef on ebay, and it's really a difference with a Mai Tai - much smoother and the shaved ice dilutes the drink so it's less "alchohol-ey". Lots more work, though, cranking out a cup of shaved ice!

Cracked ice is called for in many Don Beachcomber recipes, where you put it in a blender with other ingredients. The ice totally liquifies (even in just 5 seconds on "high"). Blending with ingredients like Honey Cream Mix will "froth up", creating a new texture for the drink you couldn't get with shaking. I made a "Planter's Rum Punch" from Don's "Hawaii" book last night - light & frothy & tasty - definitely 2 thumbs up!