Todd Stevenson, founder and CEO at Abstract Ice, notes that these crafted shaped ice pieces allow bars and restaurants to lean into themes, including developing a soccer-themed drink.

“It really … elevates the experience,” he explains. “It makes it taste better. It makes the experience better. It brings people together. It gets talked about, right? So, this crystal clear, beautiful ice and our ability to provide it and, you know, interesting shapes and very crisply cut cubes, for example, that just makes that experience more enjoyable for consumers, and that’s what we’re about.”

Citing research Abstract Ice has done, Stevenson said it found that consumers were 23% more likely to opt for spirit-based drinks versus beer or wine when shaped ice is available.

According to Abstract Ice’s FAQ page, the ice is made using a patented technology engineered in-house that freezes ice quickly and efficiently. The ice models are available to restaurants and bars across the U.S. through more than 120 distribution centers, its website says.

Stevenson explains that with traditional molds, it can be a lot of work for bar and restaurant staff and the ice can be cloudy. Whereas Abstract Ice is delivered to establishments, ready to be implemented into the latest cocktail creation.

Stevenson says his first experience with shaped ice came years ago when he was working in Japan and a bartender pulled out a chunk of ice and handpicked it down to a perfect sphere.

“I was mesmerized by how beautiful it was, right? And then the  whiskey poured on top of it, it just made the experience special,” he says.

Although Abstract Ice might be making waves for its soccer ball-shaped ice, there are many other ways the company can elevate drinking experiences.

“We do cubes, perfectly sharp cornered cubes, crystal clear, that are packaged in a way, kind of like they’re packaged like porcelain because they’re packaged in a way which keeps them very, very, preserved, they don't chip on the edges and whatnot,” Stevenson says. “Very important for this little luxury that goes into the drink, right? We have spheres, we have tall, we call towers, tall cubes.”

Stevenson notes the company offers its holiday themes featuring artistic etching such as reindeer, snowflake, Christmas tree; Halloween offerings like a skull and black cat; as well as the American flag for Memorial Day and Fourth of July. The company also is looking into additional sports, including football, basketball, baseball and golf.