Why All the Best Cocktail Bars in NYC Buy Their Ice From Richard Boccato— Vendors

Hundredweight Big Ice specializes in making high-end, hand-cut ice specifically for cocktails. The NYC-based company is owned and operated by bar owner Richard Boccato and produces two-inch cubes, slabs, spheres and more to be shipped to bars across the city.

Credits:
Producer: Carla Francescutti
Directors: Carla Francescutti, Murilo Ferreira
Camera: Murilo Ferreira, Connor Reid
Editor: Lucy Morales Carlisle

Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Supervising Producer: Stefania Orrù
Audience Development: Terri Ciccone, Frances Dumlao, Avery Dalal
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[maudepotvin]

As a professional woodworker, I'm a bit jealous of this idea !
Your materials come from a hose, not huge planks. What you make will disappear and your customer will be back next day, not in 10-20 years.
I'd also trade wood dust to cold environment.
This is brilliant !

[seanm]

I cant believe i just watched a 14 minute video on ice

Absolutely incredible

[skoolie_life]

I have never given ice this much thought before. Temper it so it doesn’t crack, cloudy vs clear, oxygen bubbles…. these people really know their craft and it’s inspiring! They seem to really love and take pride in what they do!

[Emanuel-jrii]

For me, Richard is the ultimate definition of an entrepreneur. He's always talking about the end product, the best possible cocktail for the customer to enjoy. I very much respect him and his whole attitude.

[Smarod]

Damn this guy really worked in some of the best bars of the cocktail Renaissance and then turned around and started a business on the most universal ingredient of a bar. I'd loved to meet him some day

[DrewSullivan]

My first real cocktail experience was with an old fashioned at Dutch Kills. This was about 10 years ago and I still remember my bartender’s name (Abraham), I still remember the beautiful mahogany booths leading into the back bar, and I still remember seeing the bartenders working with the tempered ice and being blown away by how meticulous they were with every step of the process. Never even thought of where that ice might have actually come from, so cool to see the origin story of that ice.

[aportgirl]

I love your diligence as well as the pride you exhibit in you crystal clear ice. You care and it shows in your cocktail delivery.

[miglangell]

I thought it was silly at first, but I couldn't stop watching, I ended up admiring this man and his craftsmanship. Great work

[SeeMick]

Humans are so funny. "I couldn't possibly drink this--the ice is cloudy!"

[JMurph]

One of the best drinks I've had in years was at Fresh Kills in Williamsburg which I just learned is owned by Richard and a couple partners! It was served over crushed ice, so unfortunately I didnt get the chance to admire this handiwork, but the cocktail was absolutely excellent. The bar's vibe was amazing, it was hip and cool without being clubby or overly romantic. You could easily stop in for a drink and enjoy yourself, or bring a couple friends, or bring a date. The only pretense was an appreciation of good drinks.

[franical]

He's a craftsman. He clearly cares about giving the best cocktail experience for customers. down to the ice. If I would want a drink, I'd go visit this man. Would definitely be worth it

[jamesibm]

For anyone wondering, a 2'' cube does cost $0.70 a piece (sold in a 50-pack), a sphere costs $4 (prices from 2013).

[JeiShian]

I didn't care about cocktails but I have suddenly gained a huge respect for these artists for their dedication and excellence

[sin]

What an amazing find. So much respect for this guy.

[hen-rex]

I was surprised the large plates did not fuse together when he stacked them on the table. Usually ice would fuse together, even at sub-zero temperatures, due to pressure.

[RtroZone]

I started making my own clear ice at home about a year ago for my home bar and it absolutely makes a difference. I've almost become a snob about friggin ice as crazy as that sounds.

[justrandomotaku]

What a guy and he pays respect to those who helped him along the way!

[tasty_fish]

Great to see someone paying attention to detail and the quality of their product and not just their bottom line

[DeqzNW]

He must sleep well at night knowing nobody gonna steal his 20 tonnes of ice

[linden]

Also massive props to those guys for working entire shifts in sub-zero freezers- working in a grocery store I can attest that no matter how well you think you handle the cold, you try doing any manual labor in there and you just want to die. Couldn't imagine going all day in there.