Here at What’s Cooking, we’ve been focusing lately on the benefits of our fantastic ice machines. This week, however, we would like to talk about how you can put them to good use. We are talking, of course, about updating your drinks menu. Why is it important to update your drinks menu? It helps keep your restaurant on the map and distinguishes it from the rest. Whether you choose to add a few signature drinks or mix up the entire menu altogether, changing your drinks menu can be very good for business. Read on for ShortOrder’s tips on how best to use ice machines and more to make the most of your beverages.

How to Update Your Drinks Menu

Get creative with your menu change.  Make some signature drinks, see what is popular at other restaurants, incorporate new beverages on the market into your menu… the possibilities are endless. If you don’t want to commit to long-term change, consider have a special drink of the week. You won’t have to invest in new ingredients permanently, but you will be able to keep your menu fresh and interesting, ensuring that newcomers are drawn in and regulars keep coming back.

Advertise Your Drinks Menu

It is not only important that you update your menu; you need to advertise it. The idea is simple: make it easy for customers to see and select a new drink. Advertise your new menu on your restaurant’s website and social media outlets, include special inserts in your full menus, or add stand-up drink menus to each table. Also add your business to websites like BeerMenus and Taplister, which allow customers to search for craft beer near their location. Advertising on these sites also allows customers to find your restaurant while on the go. Customers search most often on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturday between 1 and 9 PM, so be sure that your beer lists are up-to-date at those times.

Alcohol Menu

Consider stocking local beers, wines, and spirits on your new drinks menu. In the “What’s Hot in 2013 Alcohol Survey” by the National Restaurant Association, nearly half of the top 20 trends involved a demand for locally-produced alcohol. Onsite barrel-aged drinks was the #1 predicted trend, while micro-distilled/artisan liquor, locally-produced spirits, regional signature cocktails, locally-produced beer, craft beer, and signature cocktails all made the list as well. Additionally, going local can be a great way to support local businesses and create a niche for your own business. Put those ice machines to good use and come up with some signature cocktails. Obviously the more unique the cocktail the better, but a signature cocktail can also be as simple as putting a twist on a familiar drink and giving it a name that is specific to your restaurant.

Coffee and Tea Menu

You can also mix up your coffee and tea menu! In another survey of 2013 trends by the National Restaurant Association, specialty iced tea and organic coffee ranked among the top 5 beverage trends. Try a coffee combined with a special syrup, flavored milk, or even spiced tea. Offer it hot or use your ice machines to serve it up over ice. We recommend dice-sized cubes from your ice machines for cold coffee and tea drinks.

Ice Machines and More

For more information about ice machines that can help your business thrive, check out ShortOrder’s lines of Manitowoc ice machines and Scotsman ice machines. You can also explore more of our blog and learn about the favorite drinks of famous authors, how to choose ice machines for your business, how to save energy with your ice machines, and much more.

ShortOrder knows that ice machines are vital to your business. Foodservice operations need ice machines for any number of purposes day in and day out, most often requiring ice in large volumes all day, throughout the week. This can result in high costs, not only in terms of ice machine wear, but in energy, as well. We have already touted the benefits of Manitowoc ice machines and Scotsman ice machines, and we’d like to share some more tips with you on how to stay green and save money when it comes to operating your ice machines.

1.  Make sure that your ice machine is of the proper capacity for you restaurant. An ice machine that produces too much or too little ice for your needs can be a big waste of energy.

2.  Invest in an air-cooled ice machine. Air-cooled ice machines use less energy and less water than their water-cooled counterparts.

3.  Close your ice machine’s lid. Keeping the lid open for longer than is necessary makes the ice machine work harder to remain at the correct temperature, causing a further loss of energy. Make sure your employees know to close the ice machine’s lid promptly after every use.

4.  Clean your ice machine regularly. This includes changing out the water filter according to the manufacturer’s directions. Cleaning ice machines on a regular basis allows the machines to remain in proper working order to operate smoothly.

5.  Maintain your ice machine regularly to ensure that all components function correctly. Regular maintenance will prevent the ice machine from breaking down later, leading to not only major repair costs, but to disruption of your business.

For more tips about ice machines and other quality restaurant equipment, keep reading our blog. You can also visit us on Twitter and Facebook for ShortOrder updates, news, and more.

If you are evaluating ice machines to purchase a new one for your business, you know that are many options available. So what kind of ice machine’s right for you? The answer depends on several factors, so a little forethought in the beginning when considering ice machines can save you money and a major headache in the long run.

Your Ice Machine’s Dimensions

Perhaps the easiest thing you can ask yourself about your ice machine’s requirements is what its dimensions should be. After all, you don’t want to buy a machine, only to find that you can’t fit it through the door! Measure the doorways and the space you want to put the ice machine to make sure you will have plenty of room. Allow for five to eight inches of space on every side of the ice machine. If you are going to purchase a compressor, be sure to consider the space it will fit into also.

Volume of Ice

Calculate the volume of ice you will need to remain operational. Keep in mind the fluctuations in the amount you will use from season to season, as well as the climate in which your business operates, especially during peak hours. You should also take into account the potential of growth for your business, so we recommend adding 10-120% to your estimate. When you evaluate ice machines, keep this number in mind, as ice machines come in a variety of options when it comes to pounds of ice produced per 24 hours.

Types of Ice

Next consider the types of ice you’ll need. You may only need a few kinds, or your need may vary with the seasons. (For example, nugget ice may be more popular during the summer than the winter.) Because of this factor, you may need to consider multiple ice machines.

Connection Requirements

Make sure you have the proper electrical and plumbing connections available where you want to place your ice machine. Ice machines need a direct connection to a supply of cold water, as well as a separate drain line for both the ice machine and its bin. Additionally, electrical and water connections need to be at least within six feet of the machine.

This week, join ShortOrder and fill up your ice machines to learn about the favorite cocktails of famous American authors. Many writers had a cocktail they were most famous for enjoying; among them were Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Edna St. Vincent Millay, John Steinbeck, and the three gentlemen below. We ask you drink responsibly, and try out these recipes in your restaurant with your own ice machines.

Gin Rickey – F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald, one of the most famous writers and expatriates of the Roaring Twenties, is responsible for the novels The Great Gatsby, This Side of Paradise, and a number of short stories. Gin was a popular spirit in the 1920s, and so Fitzgerald’s favorite drink, the Gin Rickey, is an entirely appropriate choice. A Rickey may also, however, be made with rum or scotch. It consists of gin, lime juice, and club soda, garnished with a lime wheel, and served over an ice machine’s cubed ice.

Mojito – Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway, author of such American classics as The Sun Also Rises, The Old Man and the Sea, and For Whom the Bell Tolls, thoroughly enjoyed the mojito. The drink was invented at a Cuban bar in Havana called La Bodeguita del Medio, which Hemingway frequented while he lived there in the 1940s and 1950s. The mojito is actually derived from the Rickey, and consists of fresh mint, lime juice, sugar or simple syrup, white rum, and a wedge of lime. The rim of the glass may be sugared, and the drink is served “on the rocks” with cubed ice (as from ice machines).

Margarita – Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac was a poet and a novelist of the Beat Generation, most famous for his novel On the Road, and allegedly adopted the margarita as a favorite drink during one of his trips to Mexico. Margaritas take many forms, but the classic margarita is usually made with tequila, lime juice, and a sweetener such as triple sec. Frozen margaritas are popular versions, and are made with pureed ice. Machines specifically for frozen margaritas are very popular, but smaller servings are made in blenders. To add a twist to a margarita, a number of flavors can be added, such as fruit juice (for a strawberry margarita, for example), flavored syrups, or other spirits, such as schnapps or Grand Marnier. Salt or sugar the rim, or leave it plain.

More about Ice Machines

Stay tuned for more about ice machines and their uses from ShortOrder! Meanwhile, read about the difference between shaken and stirred cocktails, our favorite Manitowoc ice machines, and more here on the ShortOrder blog.

Ice machines, while useful for every restaurant, can be particularly useful for a restaurant with special drinks on its menu. Ice machines allow a restaurant to have fresh ice available in large quantities at any time. But how to prepare your drinks using an ice machine’s ice? James Bond, the famous fictional British Secret Service agent, is known for preferring his martinis prepared “shaken, not stirred”. What is the difference between shaken and stirred? There has been much debate among cocktail connoisseurs about whether shaking or stirring is the better method, and in what case each ought to be utilized.

Shaken Drinks

A drink that is “shaken” is made using an ice machine’s fresh ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. About 5 or 6 ice cubes should be used per individual drink. Shaking a drink for about 10-15 seconds (longer is acceptable, depending on the beverage’s components) quickly chills it while aerating the drink. It is obviously works faster than stirring a drink, but can also dilute it.

Stirred Drinks

A drink that is “stirred” is made just the way it sounds—it is mixed with an ice machine’s ice in a glass. A stirred drink takes longer to chill, and in fact could take several minutes to achieve the temperature that shaking does in seconds. However, stirring allows a drink to remain less diluted, keeping its texture and appearance fairly unaltered.

Mocktails

Are you looking for a new drink to add to your menu? Consider the mocktail. A “mocktail” is a drink made by mixing two or more non-alcoholic beverages. Types of mocktails may include versions of an actual cocktail modified to eliminate the alcoholic components (called a “virgin” drink), or a drink unto itself, with no alcoholic counterpart. The mocktail is a friend to all, as it pleases all ages and can be drunk at any time of day. Ice from ice machines will help you add the finishing touches to delicious mocktails. We recommend that you try Manitowoc ice machines or Scotsman ice machines for brands that will deliver high-quality results. Below are two clever mocktails that will guarantee you get plenty of use out of your ice machines.

Fruit Punch – Shaken

This drink bears no resemblance to your average packet of cherry Kool-Aid. A Fruit Punch is made with orange juice, mango juice, pineapple juice, grenadine syrup, and fresh cream. All ingredients should be added to a cocktail shaker (already equipped with an ice machine’s ice to chill the drink), and shaken well. It is then strained into a highball glass, and served most often with a slice of pineapple and a cherry as garnishes.

Virgin Mary – Stirred

A Virgin Mary is, of course, a non-alcoholic version of a Bloody Mary. This drink is often served as a breakfast or brunch menu item, and is a great way to mix up your beverage choices at the beginning of the day. Use a mixing glass with ice from your ice machines to stir the ingredients together, then pour into a roly poly glass and garnish with a stick of celery, mint leaves, or a lemon wedge.

There are possibly 10,000 or more secrets to success in the restaurant industry. All sorts of unique ways are devised and implemented in an effort to create ambiance, serve great food and drinks and make customers happier than a kid experiencing their first trip to Disneyland. But perhaps the most basic and simple secret used by great rests is using high quality restaurant equipment that makes daily tasks easier. For example, you need ice for drinks, produce, seafood or meat displays. That’s not top-secret information. But, when it comes to those incredibly important chunks of frozen water, Scotsman Ice Machines, are an important ingredient on that path to success.

Scotsman Ice Machines don’t exactly perform quantum physics; nor will you need a security clearance to purchase one. But knowing about these ice machines is pretty important stuff. Scotsman has been on the leading edge of technology and innovation in the world of ice production since 1950. The Scotsman ice systems we carry are quite diverse and built to incredibly high standards. Although Scotsman Ice Machines are incredibly good at freezing good old H2O, the real secret is in how they will also save on resources. Prodigy® cubers exceed both California and Federal regulations for the use of energy and water. This value is evident in the Scotsman Ice Machine C0530MA-32B/B530S. Between the savings, the fantastic features, and long-term reliability, this and virtually all of our Scotsman Ice Machines are more than worthy of our Editors Choice and 5-Star rating.

So, while you’re busy working at crafting secret recipes, planning engaging marketing initiatives, and serving your customers, Scotsman Ice Machines are doing more than just making ice. They are quietly operating with the highest levels of reliability and efficiency, all so that you never have to worry about something as simple as needing ice. You can easily find the C053MA-32B/B530S and a host of other fine Scotsman Ice Machines on our website and discover one of many fine ingredients to restaurant success. 

Innovation. When we imagine the advancements in technology today, often we think of mobile phones, social networks, computers, and software. However, one company has been revolutionizing its place in the restaurant equipment industry for over a half century. Scotsman Ice Systems and their high-powered Scotsman Ice Machines have been at the forefront of ice systems since 1950 and we are proud to carry a wonderful selection of ice machines that keep drinks glacial, produce fresh and seafood chilled.

If you currently have an ice machine in your establishment, then it is likely you know how critical ice is to your foodservice operations. If you don’t have an ice machine, the alternative is having truckloads of ice shipped to your front door, and that can’t be very fun. So, if you’re current ice machine is giving you fits, or you’ve yet to buy one, then you should really take a look at our line of Scotsman Ice Machines. What’s so fancy about ice machines? Well, we are glad you asked. Many of the Scotsman Ice Machines we carry are in their Prodigy® line, which means they “use significantly less energy and water than other cube ice machines, exceeding California and Federal energy efficiency regulations.”

But, Scotsman also added some nice technology into their ice machines. Two of our favorites (and there are many) are the Scotsman Ice Machine C0322SA-1B/B222S and the Scotsman Ice Machine C0322MA-1B/B222S, which both include AutoAlert™ indicator lights that can tell you when it’s necessary to descale and sanitize. The patented WaterSense adaptive purge control, “delivers maximum reliability by reducing scale buildup for a longer time between cleanings. The majority of the Scotsman Ice Machines we carry received our 5-Star rating and Editors Choice pick because they combine all that innovation with incredible reliability and mammoth efficiency.

So, if you’re simply looking for the best, most innovative ice machines, think Short Order. Scotsman Ice Machines may never make the cover of Wired Magazine or Popular Mechanics, but they should.

Restaurant equipment typically consists of many moving parts. Which means on any given day, that’s just more items that have potential to break, and when you and your employees are on a first name basis with the local repairman, it may not be something to smile about. That is why at Short Order, we strive to carry the highest quality commercial kitchen equipment, so you can focus on doing what you do best–running your business. Scotsman Ice Machines are just one example of first-class restaurant machinery that is built to last.

In a world of fast-paced services and demanding customers, the last thing you need is any machinery to stop working, even an ice machine. Rather than trying to MacGyver your ice machine with a Swiss Army knife, duct tape and a ballpoint pen, our line of Scotsman Ice Machines have a long history of excellence and reliability. However, as durable as the equipment is, Scotsman also designs ice machines with ice production and energy saving in mind. For example, the Scotsman Ice Machine C053MA-32B/B530 S, part of the Prodigy® line, produces dice sized cubes at a rate of over 500 pounds in a twenty-four hour period. Additionally, “Prodigy® cubers use significantly less energy and water than other cube ice machines, exceeding California and Federal energy efficiency regulations.”

With a combination of superb design, dependability and production ability, our entire line of Scotsman Ice Machines receive our Editors Choice and 5-Star rating. This isn’t just a blanket ranking either. Each Scotsman ice machine, from those that produce flake-style ice to cubes and nuggets are carefully evaluated to ensure they meet the highest standards for your business. Whether you’re looking for ice machines, refrigeration, cooking equipment or more, look no further than Short Order. Instead of becoming best friends with your local repairman or trying to fix restaurant equipment yourself with duct tape, you’ll know you made the right purchase.

Last week, Short Order extolled the virtues of the fabulous flake ice Scotsman Ice Machine C0322MA-1B. Today, we feature another extraordinary piece of restaurant equipment in the Scotsman ice machine category, a nugget icemaker, the Scotsman Ice Machine MDT6N90A-1H. This is an extremely reliable counter top ice machine even the emperor penguin would love to order for his Antarctic home.

This TouchFree® air and water cooled ice maker and dispenser comes with a shiny European design with rounded corners, produces up to 720 pounds of nugget ice in 24 hours and stores up to 90 pounds in the bin. That’s enough ice to nearly create a mini Antarctic iceberg, but you’ll probably be adding this ice to beverages, a salad bar or for restaurant cold display.

With 25 percent less fan noise, the MDT6N90A-1H machine is also very quiet, and documentation suggests it can be installed even in the “quietest hallways.” The TouchFree feature allows the user to dispense the ice with just one hand, keeping both machine and ice clean and sanitary. With dimensions of 35.19″W x 45.75″H x 29.25″D, this ice machine is big enough to power your cold, icy needs but small enough to remain unobtrusively out of the way.

Our editors give this machine a 5-Star rating because of its great efficiency, low-operating costs and long-term reliability. And of course, all Scotsman ice machines come with an impressive warranty.

If you’re looking for something a bit on the smaller side and one that dispenses flaked ice, rather than nugget ice, look no further than another of the remarkable TouchFree® ice makers, the Scotsman Ice Machine MDT3F12A-1H. With dimensions of 14″W x 34.25″H x 23.67″D, this compact and beautiful machine will fit almost any nook and cranny. This counter top ice machine also gets a 5-Star rating from Short Order and a friendly little wings-up from our penguin here too.

We here at Short Order are proud to offer Scotsman ice machines along with other top-notch restaurant equipment.

You know how much we love our ice machines at Short Order. Well, we have another reason for extolling the virtues of our Scotsman Ice Machines. Besides the fact that they are resilient, of super quality and efficient, we just discovered a new occasion to cheer.

On April 12th, Scotsman Ice Systems was recognized for energy efficiency by ENERGY STAR® in a ceremony in Washington, D.C. The 2011 ENERGY STAR Award for Excellence in energy-efficient products, homes and buildings is sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency.

How cool is that? Almost as cool as the ice!

“Energy efficiency is not only good for the environment, but it also improves the bottom line for our users,” said Mark McClanahan, president, Scotsman Ice Systems. “With a Prodigy ENERGY STAR-qualified ice machine, Scotsman customers can realize as much as a 20 percent energy saving on average, or approximately $710 annually.”

Scotsman offers more than 50 ENERGY STAR-rated ice machines.  We’re proud to offer a great selection of them from our top-notch inventory of restaurant equipment, such as our Scotsman Ice Machine C0322MA-1B.

Scotsman nugget and flake ice machines use up to 50 percent less water and 15 percent less energy than cube machines due to a more efficient ice-making process.  That can add up to a spectacular savings for both your restaurant and the environment at large.

An additional 25 Scotsman Ice Machines are also rated for the maximum “Consortium of Energy Efficiency” (CEE) Tier 3-rated performance criteria, which exceeds the current ENERGY STAR standard. Wow, more than half are better than best. In fact, Scotsman has more CEE Tier 3-certified machines than any other ice machine manufacturer.

So what’s so special about receiving the ENERGY STAR award? The EPA introduced ENERGY STAR in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants associated with energy use.

At Short Order, we’re proud to carry Scotsman Ice Machines.