Lewis Bag

A canvas bag used to crush ice by hand with a mallet, creating the irregular crushed ice preferred for drinks like Juleps and Cobblers.

Named after its inventor, the Lewis bag produces ice with a different texture than machine-crushed ice. The hand-crushed ice is drier and features irregular shapes that pack together attractively in a glass. The canvas absorbs excess water, resulting in less dilution. This technique is essential for classic drinks that call for crushed or pebble ice presentation.

💡 Pro Tips

• Fold the bag before striking for contained crushing
• Strike with the flat side of the mallet
• Crushed ice should be used immediately

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using wet ice that creates slush
• Over-crushing into snow
• Not drying the bag between uses