When you think about beer, it’s easy to picture a cold bottle or glass, straight out of the fridge, condensation trickling down the sides. But if you’ve traveled to Southeast Asia, you may have come across something that seems utterly strange to beer purists: ice in beer.
That’s right—locals throughout Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and beyond regularly pop a few ice cubes into their beer, and they do it without hesitation. But why? And can you really put ice in beer without ruining it?
As someone who’s spent a fair bit of time in Southeast Asia, I’ve come to embrace this regional quirk. In fact, I’d argue that it makes perfect sense, especially in these parts of the world where the climate can turn even the coldest drink lukewarm in minutes. Let’s break down this practice, its origins, and whether it’s worth trying next time you find yourself in a hot, humid beer garden.
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Why Put Ice in Beer?
For starters, let’s talk about the environment. Southeast Asia is hot. Not just mildly warm, but sweltering, sweat-dripping, sun-scorching hot. Whether you’re in Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, or Bangkok, you’re dealing with daily temperatures that can push well above 30°C (86°F), often with oppressive humidity levels to match. Cold drinks are a necessity, not a luxury.
Now, in many parts of the world, refrigeration is easy and reliable. You can pull an ice-cold beer out of the fridge, crack it open, and it’s good to go. But in much of Southeast Asia, that’s not always the case. Refrigeration isn’t as widespread, and electricity can be unreliable in rural areas or during peak demand. So what do you do when your beer is warm? You toss some ice in it.
This is where the magic happens: the ice cools the beer down instantly, giving you that refreshing hit you crave without having to wait for the fridge to do its job. Sure, the beer will get slightly watered down as the ice melts, but that’s a small price to pay for an icy cold drink on a blazing hot day.
The Cultural Factor
Ice in beer isn’t just a practical choice—it’s a cultural one. In countries like Cambodia and Vietnam, where hospitality often means sharing a meal and drinks with friends, the idea of communal drinking is huge. Beer is frequently served in big jugs or pitchers, which can warm up quickly in the heat. Adding ice helps keep the entire jug cool so everyone can enjoy a cold beer.
Locals don’t bat an eye at this practice. In fact, it’s so commonplace that it’s often assumed you’ll want ice with your beer. Walk into any street-side beer garden in Phnom Penh, and you’ll find an ice bucket on the table, ready for you to help yourself. It’s all part of the relaxed, no-frills drinking culture here, where the emphasis is on socializing rather than the perfect brew.
Does It Ruin the Taste?
For beer enthusiasts and purists, the idea of adding ice to beer might seem like sacrilege. And yes, it’s true that as the ice melts, it will dilute the beer, affecting the flavor and overall drinking experience. But let’s be real here—you’re not sipping on a craft IPA or an aged Belgian ale. Most of the time, you’re drinking light, lager-style beers like Cambodia Beer, Angkor, or Saigon Special. These beers are brewed to be refreshing, easy-drinking, and best enjoyed ice-cold.
Photo: Ian Wiggins
In fact, some might argue that adding ice can actually improve the experience of drinking these lighter beers. It mellows out any bitterness and gives the beer a crisp, refreshing quality that’s perfect for a hot afternoon.
Think about it: in a place where the temperature never seems to drop below scorching, drinking a warm beer is far worse than drinking one that’s a little diluted. And, since most street food joints or beer gardens are serving up light lagers, it’s not like you’re sacrificing complex flavors.
Should You Try It?
So, should you put ice in your beer? The answer is, why not! If you’re traveling through Southeast Asia, it’s practically a rite of passage. More importantly, it’s practical. When the alternative is drinking warm beer, a few ice cubes can be a lifesaver.
Next time you find yourself sweltering in Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City, embrace the local tradition. Order your beer, grab a few cubes from the ice bucket, and go for it. You might be surprised at how refreshing it is, and who knows—you might even become a convert to the Southeast Asian way of enjoying beer.
And that is the skinny on ice in beer! OK with shit beer, but do not throw it in to a fine craft ale!