A cold drink is good any time of year, but something about enjoying a chilled cocktail or shot of your favorite bourbon in the summer just feels right.
The most common method bartenders and home whiskey enthusiasts rely on is ice. After all, it’s a quick and familiar source that’s been a staple in the bar industry. (Valium)
However, many people turn away from having their drinks on the rocks because they do not want to deal with a watered-down product after some time.
But what if there was a way for you to keep your drink chilly without the nuisance of melted ice?
That’s where whiskey stones come in.
They are your ticket to a refreshing beverage where you taste the drink and only the drink.
What was once a novelty item has become an innovative invention for bars, clubs, and home bartenders.
Not all whiskey stones are the same, and it takes a keen eye to find the one worth investing in.
This guide is a comprehensive look at whiskey stones, including what they are, how they compare to ice, the best ones on the market, and answers to any questions you may still have.
What are Whiskey Stones?
Whiskey stones are an alternative to ice to keep your drinks chilled.
Unlike ice, they are not made of water but rather material like soapstone or stainless steel. As a result, they do not melt in your glass nor do they dilute your cocktails, spirits, or drinks.
They come in all shapes and sizes, have different price points, and have different levels of efficiency, but they are a popular addition to professional and home bars.
Whiskey Stones vs. Ice
As popular as whiskey stones are becoming, they are often compared to the original way to cool your drinks: ice.
Bartenders, mixologists, and cocktail fans can debate for days about how the two cooling methods can drastically affect the end result, but differentiating whiskey stones and ice could make your purchasing decision even easier.
Whiskey Stones
Pros
With whiskey stones, you don’t have to worry about diluting your cocktails, shots, or drinks, meaning you can enjoy each distinct flavor without them watering down.
They are also reusable, so your purchase can become a longer investment.
In addition, whiskey stones come in a plethora of sizes and fun designs that can be an extra talking piece for your guests.
Cons
Whiskey chilling stones do come with some drawbacks, however. Compared to the cost of freezing water, they can vary in price based on the design.
Even though they are easy to use, they have to be used responsibly to avoid chipping your glassware accidentally.
You do also have to wash them after usage, something that you do not have to worry about with ice.
Ice
Pros
When it comes to cooling your drink, ice is a classic. It’s a low-cost method that only relies on water, a freezer, and a container.
It’s also quick to replace compared to a whiskey stone which requires purchasing online or at a brick-and-mortar store.
Since it is made solely of water, ice can be shaped and manipulated into a ton of shapes depending on your usage. As a result, it can be very useful if you have different-sized glasses.
Cons
With that said, there are some downsides to using ice instead of whiskey rocks or stones.
It can take some time for your ice to freeze, and it could crack easily depending on the size of the ice cube. However, the biggest negative to ice is the fact that it can dilute your drink.
Even if it is effective at keeping your glass and cocktail cool, you run the risk of tampering with those exact flavors you and your bartender were hoping to achieve.
Best Whiskey Stones in 2023
So, you’ve decided to get your very own set of whiskey stones.
Before you start adding just any product to your cart, you have to make sure that the chilling stone you’re investing in is suitable for your personal or professional needs.
The five products below are all curated from Amazon and evaluated based on the following traits: price, design, ability to cool drinks, and customer ratings and feedback.
Note: this page contains affiliate links, so we get a small commission for any purchase at no extra cost to you.
1. Quiseen Grey Beverage Chilling Stones
Price: ~$7.99
Rating: ~4.3 / 5
Starting off the list is a group of whiskey stones that may seem standard at first but can really make a difference for your drinks.
The Quiseen Grey Beverage Chilling Stones are made of natural soapstone and can be used for anything from cocktails to wine to even non-alcoholic drinks.
This particular product on Amazon comes in a package of nine along with a velvet pouch and a stainless steel pair of tongs for easy placement and retrieval.
Aesthetically, the stones really stand out in your drink with a dark grey hue, and paired with the right beverage could be an eye-catching assortment for your patrons or guests.
At 5.4 in. x 4 in. x 0.8 in., two cubes are enough to cover the bottom of a rocks glass but ultimately the amount you want to use is up to you.
As of this writing, the Quiseen Grey Beverage Chilling Stones are on special for just $7.99, and given the quantity you receive, it’s a steal of a deal.
With nearly 12,000 reviews on Amazon, this product stands at a 4.3 out of 5 rating.
Popular feedback for the Quiseen Whiskey Stones includes how fast the stones get cold, their convenient size, and how effective they are at keeping drinks at a good temperature. Others have pointed out how easy they are to clean with dish soap and water.
2. Amerigo Whiskey Stones
Price: ~$6.99
Rating: ~4.3 / 5
As previously mentioned, whiskey stones are mostly made with soapstone or stainless steel to maintain a nonporous structure.
What if they were instead made with granite?
The Amerigo Whiskey Stones answer that question with resounding success.
This product set also includes nine whiskey stones, but the granite material makes for a sturdy alternative to ice.
They initially come in a handcrafted wooden box featuring Amerigo’s signature logo but they can also be held in a soft velvet pouch.
These stones have a soft grey appearance so they do not deter from the colors of the cocktail or drink you are making.
Although not on sale, the Amerigo Whiskey Stones are priced at $6.99 on Amazon and include the nine stones, decorative box, and velvet pouch.
These stones have a score of 4.3 out of 5 based on over a thousand reviews.
Among the positive reviews, customers have remarked on the elegant presentation, how useful they are to be used multiple times, and the fact that they do not water down the beverages.
A common theme emerges from the Amerigo Whiskey Stones: they are “the perfect gift.”
3. Frolk Whiskey Balls
Price: ~29.95
Rating: ~4.7 / 5
Frolk specializes in a plethora of whiskey-related items, including variations of their whiskey stones. This set in particular is their extra large whiskey balls at the reduced price of $29.95.
These whiskey stones are made of stainless steel, meaning that the price is more expensive than the standard soapstone products but with the potential for higher quality.
The Frolk Whiskey Balls set includes four extra large whiskey balls that take up a significant amount of surface area in your glass compared to smaller cubes. That said, the spherical shape makes it more conducive to better cooling and flow in the glass.
The set comes in a luxury gift box that also includes a velvet freezing pouch to store the stones in the freezer and keep them stable. Tongs are also included so that you can safely remove the whiskey stones from the glass.
With a 4.7 rating based on over 2,200 reviews, this product is one of the most popular whiskey stones on Amazon.
Customers love how long the Frolk Whiskey Balls chill their favorite shots of liquor or mixed drinks and the overall sophisticated look of the stainless steel.
Others point to the fact that it’s dishwasher-friendly as a plus. As one of the higher-end items, this whiskey stone ensemble is another excellent gift or personal item.
4. Rabbit Jumbo Chilling Stones
Price: ~$20.31
Rating: ~4.6 / 5
What do you get if you combine a “no thrills” approach to whiskey stones with a sleek design that can captivate new and experienced bartenders? You get the Rabbit Jumbo Chilling Stones, another dynamic set of whiskey stones on Amazon.
Despite not having as many in a set as the other options, the Rabbit Jumbo Chilling Stones make up for it with a sturdy stainless steel design.
Each product set contains two 1.5 in. x 1.5 in. x 1.5 in. cubes with one cube being enough to cool your glass. The chrome coloring adds an edgy and futuristic look compared to the more rustic designs of the soapstone whiskey stones.
Rather than coming with a velvet pouch, the Rabbit Jumbo Chilling Stones are held in a storage container that allows the stones to be held in the freezer when not in use.
On Amazon, this product sells for $20.31 and currently has a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on 1,136 customer reviews as of this writing.
Customers leaving feedback have remarked that the Rabbit Jumbo Chilling Stones can be used for cocktail glasses and even tumblers for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Other sentiments include how easy they are to clean by hand, the sleek design of the stainless steel, and the convenient case for storage.
5. ROCKS Whiskey Chilling Stones
Price: ~$25.90
Rating: 4.4 / 5
If you’re looking to chill classic cocktails like the old fashioned or the Manhattan, maybe you’d like to have a set of whiskey stones that carry that same rustic spirit.
With the ROCKS Whiskey Chilling Stones, you have something that not just looks good in a glass, it gives your glass and drinks some much-needed temperature control.
These whiskey stones are not the largest of the ones reviewed; in fact, they might be the smallest ones on the list.
What they lack in size they make up for in their creative appearance. The stones are made of granite, so you’re assured of a product that has some longevity.
Each stone has its own unique color scheme, giving you the ability to pair your favorite cocktails with a different color and customize them for many drinks.
The ROCKS Whiskey Chilling Stones set includes six handcrafted stones with a hardwood tray for storage in the freezer or just general presentation. The smaller size allows you to include more in your drink similar to how one would do with ice.
With over 1,200 reviews on Amazon, this product currently sits at a 4.4 out of 5 rating.
Some of the more consistent positive reviews include the durability of the stones, the quality look of the display box, and the fact that it does not “ruin the liquor.”
Others have pointed out that they would be ideal for parties and small gatherings, so be sure to grab your own if you’re looking to break the ice.
FAQs
After learning about whiskey stones, their benefits compared to ice, and five of the best products you can buy on Amazon, you might still have some lingering questions.
Luckily, we have just the answers you need to help you make an informed decision about getting your own whiskey stones.
What are whiskey stones used for?
Whiskey stones are used for two purposes.
The first is to cool your cocktail or shot should you typically ask for something on the rocks. The second but related reason is to prevent your drink from being diluted by water that would normally come from ice.
Essentially, it is an alternate way to keep your glass chill.
What are whiskey stones made of?
Whiskey chilling stones vary in design and structure, but the most effective ones are made of a nonporous material so that the liquid simply passes over it.
Standard whiskey stones are made of soapstone, a metamorphic mineral predominantly used for countertops and tile.
Another option is stainless steel. These maintain the cold temperature longer and can be more durable than their soapstone counterparts.
Do you put whiskey stones in the freezer?
Whiskey stones are intended to be stored in the freezer to get them to the optimal temperature for usage.
It is recommended that you keep your whiskey stones or bourbon stones in the freezer for a few hours before using to ensure that they mimic ice.
You may notice a little frost develop on them if you gently damp them, but this is purely an aesthetic decision.
Conclusion
Getting a set of whiskey stones can set you apart from other bartenders and home mixologists.
The ability to cool your drinks is a skill that can’t be overstated, and chilling stones are a great way to do so without taking away from your perfect cocktail.
Still want to keep ice as a backup plan? That’s okay, as we have the perfect bourbon ice guide to help you take something classic and elevate it even further.
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.