Lewis Bag & Mallet
A traditional ice-crushing set consisting of a heavy canvas bag and a solid mallet. Designed to break ice cleanly while absorbing excess water, producing dry crushed ice suitable for cocktails.
Price Guide
Alternatives
Budget Alternative
A clean tea towel and rolling pin (£0–5) can be used in emergencies, though this method retains excess water and offers far less control over ice texture.
Premium Option
Professional-grade canvas Lewis bags with hardwood mallets (£35–45) provide better durability, water absorption, and consistency under regular service conditions.
Care & Maintenance
Care Instructions
- Empty and shake out the bag immediately after use.
- Rinse the interior with cold water if heavily soiled.
- Air dry completely before storage.
- Avoid machine washing, which weakens the fabric and seams.
Expected Lifespan
- •Premium canvas & hardwood: 10–15 years with proper drying and professional use
- •Standard canvas: 5–8 years before fabric softens or seams weaken
- •Budget fabric: 1–3 years before tearing, poor absorption, or odour issues
Pro Tip
Good crushed ice is cold and dry — if it clumps, you’ve worked it too hard.
Usage
Used for crushing block or cubed ice into controlled fragments or fine crushed ice while removing surface melt.
What to Look For
- Thick, tightly woven canvas that absorbs water effectively.
- Reinforced seams capable of withstanding repeated impact.
- A solid wooden mallet rather than rubber or metal.
- A bag size large enough to contain ice without splitting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using thin fabric bags that tear or fail to absorb water.
- Choosing rubber or metal mallets that shatter ice unevenly.
- Crushing ice too aggressively, producing slush instead of fragments.
- Storing the bag damp, leading to odour and mildew.
Professional Tips
- Pre-chill the bag before use to slow melting during crushing.
- Strike with controlled force rather than repeated heavy blows.
- Shake out excess meltwater before opening the bag.
- Allow the bag to fully dry between uses to prevent mildew.
Specifications
Material
Heavy canvas bag with wooden mallet
Capacity
Bag capacity: approximately 2–4kg of ice
Details
Thick woven canvas bag with open top or drawstring closure, paired with a solid hardwood mallet featuring a smooth cylindrical head.
History & Context
The Lewis bag dates back to the 19th century, when bartenders needed a way to produce crushed ice without mechanical tools. Its ability to absorb meltwater made it ideal for producing dry ice fragments, a characteristic still valued in classic cocktails today. Despite modern ice machines, the Lewis bag remains relevant for its control and simplicity.