Why Do Americans Love Ice In Their Drinks But The Brits Don’t?

Heading across the pond? British people can detect that you’re an American even before you open your mouth with this one simple tell. Did you put ice in your drink?…

Angie Krueger

Published Mar 22, 2019 3:00 PM EDT

BERLIN – JANUARY 14: Water pours into a glass with ice cubes on January 14, 2007 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo Illustration by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

Andreas Rentz / Getty Images

Heading across the pond? British people can detect that you're an American even before you open your mouth with this one simple tell. Did you put ice in your drink?

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It turns out, English folk aren't fond of cold beverages, says Readers Digest, preferring to take their tap water at room temperature.

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The practice dates back to the 19th century. Ice needed to be shipped from the US and Canada to Europe, where it was then served to the wealthy who could afford such luxuries.

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Eventually, this proved too expensive and ice never caught on, even after commoners had their own ice boxes and freezers at home.

Angie KruegerWriter