How to Frost a Beer Mug
On a blistering summer day, there's no more welcome sight than a cold beer in a frosty mug. It's easy to frost a beer mug at home, so follow these steps to keep a supply of frosty mugs on hand. Your thirst will thank you. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Start with a clean mug-or a pilsner glass, pint or schooner, depending on the type of beer you enjoy. If it's fresh from the dishwasher, let the mug cool before frosting.
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Dip or rinse the mug or glass in cool, clean water. Don't dry it off. The residual dampness will give the frosting process a head start.
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Place the beer mug in the freezer. Choose the coldest section, and allow room for air to circulate around the mug. Leave the mug in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour, until an even layer of frost builds up on the surface.
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Frost a beer mug quickly by filling it with a mixture of water and ice cubes. Stir the icy water rapidly until the condensation on the mug freezes into a thin layer of frost. You can also plunge a mug into a bucket of shaved ice for about 15 minutes for a quick frost.
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Consider investing in a professional bar glass froster, like those made by Beverage-Air or FrostWorx, if you frequently require a large number of frosted mugs, or if you don't want to waste time and freezer space. A professional froster takes mugs and other glasses to sub-zero temperatures in a matter of seconds, providing an even layer of frost anytime you want it.
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Tips & Warnings
The best frosted mugs are made of metal, as water clings better to this surface than to glass. That's why many beer mugs and steins are made of pewter or silver.
Always start with a clean, deodorized freezer-or keep a separate mini-freezer just for frosting glasses. Water vapor picks up odors, and you don't want to transfer the essence of frozen chopped onions, or whatever's in that anonymous plastic container, to your frosted mug.
Don't serve beer in a frosted mug or glass to a beer purist. Expert beer drinkers don't like the way the frost dilutes the taste.
Avoid serving dark, heavy beers like stouts in frosted mugs, because these beers need to be slightly warmer to release their full flavor. By the same token, many British beer drinkers prefer all beers served at cellar or room temperature, so don't waste a frosted mug on them.
