Traditional beer enthusiasts may cringe, but a new generation of drinkers is shaking up the way people enjoy their brews. Gen Z — already known for unconventional food fads such as dry yogurt and ketchup-covered KitKats — has introduced another polarizing trend: putting ice cubes in beer.
On TikTok, the “iced beer” craze has taken off, with dozens of viral videos showing creators dropping cubes into everything from Michelob Ultra to Modelo. Food influencer @IsabelaEats even declared in one tutorial, “This is the most refreshing way to drink a beer,” while preparing a chelada — a Mexican cocktail made with lager, lime juice, and a salted rim — served over ice.
The practice isn’t just a quirky online stunt. A survey by LG Electronics of 2,000 British adults revealed that nearly one in three people aged 18 to 35 admitted to chilling their pints with ice. Around 20% of respondents under 35 went further, describing the idea of adding ice to beer or wine as “refreshing.”
Still, the reaction remains split. While some seasoned beer drinkers argue the cubes dilute flavor and ruin the craft, others welcome the frosty twist as a way to keep their drinks colder for longer — especially during summer.
Whether seen as a refreshing innovation or a sacrilegious insult to brewing traditions, one thing is clear: iced beer has officially entered the cultural conversation, and Gen Z is leading the charge.