Ice & Oktoberfest: The Role of Ice in Beer, Cocktails, and Celebrations

When most people think of Oktoberfest, the first things that come to mind might be steins of beer, pretzels bigger than your head, and lively music under a tent filled with friends wearing dirndl and lederhosen. But there’s another star of the celebration that rarely gets credit: ice.

Yes—ice. It may not be as flashy as a frothy pour, but ice plays an important role in keeping Oktoberfest traditions (and modern-day American celebrations) running smoothly.

A Brief History of Oktoberfest

The original Oktoberfest began in Munich in 1810 as a public celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage. What started as a one-time event with horse races and beer quickly became an annual tradition, eventually evolving into the world’s largest beer festival.

Today, Oktoberfest is celebrated worldwide, including right here in the Mid-South. While the Munich event is steeped in history and tradition, American versions often blend Old World roots with new-world twists: craft beer, themed cocktails, and plenty of festive food. And unlike in 19th-century Bavaria, ice is now an indispensable part of the experience.

Keeping Beer at the Perfect Temperature

At the heart of any Oktoberfest is the beer. In Munich, beer tents serve fresh pours straight from the keg, typically kept in cool cellars. In the U.S., however, many celebrations happen outdoors or in spaces without natural cooling. That’s where ice steps in.

Event organizers and vendors rely on ice to keep kegs, bottles, and cans at just the right temperature all day long. Without it, the refreshing quality of a stein of beer would quickly fade. For modern-day Oktoberfest gatherings, a dependable ice supply is as essential as the taps themselves.

Supporting Cocktail Culture

Beer may headline the party, but cocktails have carved out their place in Oktoberfest celebrations. From apple schnapps spritzers to whiskey-based fall favorites, ice quality makes all the difference. Cloudy or fast-melting cubes can water down drinks and spoil the presentation.

Crystal-clear ice, on the other hand, elevates cocktails by keeping them cold and visually appealing. For bartenders and hosts alike, it’s the detail that separates a good drink from a great one.

Food Safety Matters, Too

Of course, Oktoberfest isn’t just about drinks—it’s about food, too! Celebrations often feature bratwurst, potato salad, pretzels, and sauerkraut. Behind the scenes, ice plays a critical role in food safety. Caterers and vendors use it to keep perishables fresh and to store items safely throughout the event. Reliable ice machines aren’t just a convenience here—they’re a necessity.

Celebrations Made Easier with the Right Equipment

Whether you’re hosting a backyard Oktoberfest or organizing a large community festival, having enough ice on hand makes everything easier. A dependable machine ensures you won’t run short at the wrong moment or find yourself scrambling for bags of ice mid-celebration.

For restaurants and bars, October also marks the start of the holiday rush season. Investing in reliable ice equipment before business ramps up means smoother service and fewer interruptions, benefitting your team, customers, and guests.

Raise a Glass to Ice

As you celebrate this Oktoberfest season, take a moment to appreciate the unsung hero that kept your glass frosted and your keg cold. 

At Memphis Ice Machine Company, we know that behind every successful celebration is equipment you can count on. When it comes to ice, we’ve got you covered—today, through Oktoberfest, and beyond.