Ice: loved by American, resented by Europeans
By Sophie Salem, Staff Writer
Water. An everyday necessity, composed of hydrogen and oxygen, to quench your thirst. Water is needed by each cell in your body to function properly, and without it, all living things would slowly deteriorate. It is clear that water is crucial for survival, but it is also something that we as humans enjoy daily. There are various different ways to elevate this liquid, such as adding lemon, cucumbers, tea bags and even strawberries. But the most common and outstanding way to drink water in the US is with ice. Most European countries, however, don't drink ice water as enthusiastically as Americans do, which prompts the question: which is actually better, water with or without ice?
Americans are huge fans of ice and make a point to include it in their everyday routines. Other countries might even say that Americans have gone a little overboard with their ice addiction, crunching on it alone as an after school snack. This ice tradition dates back to the nineteenth century where it was common for families in the states to have an ice box in their home. Soon enough putting ice in your drink became a tradition and fashion trend. The Brits tried to take to this trend as well but it didn’t last very long. In the US, ice stayed in fashion, and many Americans like Thea Lawson (’22) have a major love for ice water.
“Water with ice is 100% better. It gives you that refreshing feeling down your throat. Literally, I can’t have water without ice. It’s undebatable,” Lawson said.
There’s nothing better than that cold, exhilarating rush after gulping a glass of water, especially on a hot Santa Monica day. Room temperature water is just plain boring and doesn’t get the job done. It barely suffices in hydrating one’s parched lips.
It’s hard to understand, but Europeans think the total opposite from Americans. Generally, Europeans don’t like their drinks at room temperature either. They would prefer them chilled, without clumps of ice of course. The fact that Europeans dislike ice proves that it is a more cultural habit. For example, in places like Britain where it doesn’t get hot for most of the year, ice just isn’t a way of life and never has been. Germans firmly believe that ice is bad for your stomach and digestion. Additionally, large refrigerators and freezers aren’t as common outside of the US, except in larger or newer homes. The old houses in Europe don’t have room for them, hence the culture and habit. Ella Nash (’22) currently lives in London, England and has lived there her entire life. Unlike American teenagers, she is not used to drinking ice water without a special request and finds it unusual that ice is never questioned in America.
“Here in England, unless you ask, it’s straight up tap water at room temperature,” Nash said.
Ice is seen very differently around the world, but it is clear that Americans truly love their ice. Europeans aren’t the biggest ice fans, but it all has to do with old traditions and just plain habit. Where we come from and how we grow up surprisingly has a massive impact on the little things we do in becoming who we are. Without these small traditions, there would be no diversity around the world, making it what it is today. But, all things considered, ice is definitely the way to go! No one should be allowed to drink boring, room temperature water when we have ice!