9 Best Nugget Ice Maker That Keeps Ice Frozen (November 2026)
The best nugget ice makers with ice storage that keeps nuggets frozen longer include the Euhomy 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker for keeping nuggets cold in the bin, the SenCre Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 55lbs/Day for a family of six to eight, and the SenCre Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 60lbs/24H for parties and large gatherings.
On this page (8 sections)
- The best nugget ice makers for cold, crunchy ice storage
- How these nugget ice makers compare on storage
- Which bin design actually keeps nugget ice frozen longer?
- How much nugget ice do you need cold at once?
- Do you need a dispenser to keep nuggets cold?
- How quiet are these machines, and does noise affect storage?
- How should you store and refresh nugget ice?
- Which nugget ice maker should you buy?
The best nugget ice maker that keeps ice frozen for most homes is the Euhomy 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker, because its double-layer lid and insulated ABS basket hold cold air around the nuggets. Pick the SenCre 60 lbs/24H if you host large parties, the COSTWAY 90 lb if you need a big reserve bin, or the CyberChill dispenser for scoop-free serving.
No countertop nugget maker freezes the ice sitting in its bin. The machine freezes water into nuggets and drops them into a storage basket, and that basket decides how long the crunch lasts.
So when you look for the best nugget ice maker that keeps ice frozen, the bin design matters as much as the daily output.
This guide compares nine models on bin size, insulation, first-ice time and noise. For the wider picture on bin life across all countertop machines, read do countertop ice makers keep ice frozen before you choose.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for a family of six to eightSenCre Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 55lbs/Day
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for parties and large gatheringsSenCre Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 60lbs/24H
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itCyberChill Nugget Ice Makers Countertop Dispenser
Best for scoop-free serving - 5
Best for simple one-button iceCheck it - 6
Check itCOSTWAY Commercial Nugget Ice Maker Machine 90
Best for high-volume and under-counter setups - 7
Check itGoveeLife Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro
Best for smart-home control - 8
Check itecozy 40 lb Nugget Ice Maker with Touchless Dispenser
Best for small kitchens with touch-free ice - 9
Check itCowsar 33 lb Nugget Ice Maker with Dispenser
Best for budget countertop setups
The best nugget ice makers for cold, crunchy ice storage
The Euhomy 35 lb wins on storage design for most kitchens, while the other picks handle bigger crowds, bigger bins or scoop-free serving. Choose by how much ice you need cold at once, not by the biggest daily number.
Euhomy 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker: Best for keeping nuggets cold in the bin
- Double-layer lid and insulated ABS basket
- 35 lb per day
- 1.8 lb removable basket
- Dual-pump self-cleaning
The double-layer lid and insulated basket slow melt between batches, so a full bin stays crunchy longer than a thin-walled model.
Pros
- Double-layer lid and insulated basket
- Dual-pump self-cleaning cycle
- Quiet operation under 45 dB
Cons
- Smallest daily output among the top three picks
- Requires 24 hours upright before first use
Euhomy suits a kitchen counter where ice sits out during the evening and needs to stay crunchy until the last drink. The double-layer lid and double-layer insulated basket are the reason it tops this list: both slow the heat that turns nuggets slushy.
The basket holds 1.8 lb, so it's a fresh-ice bin rather than a freezer reserve. That size fills several glasses and a cocktail pitcher before you need to scoop it out.
The 1.1L water tank cuts refills during a quiet afternoon.
Euhomy rates this unit at under 45 dB and gives it a dual-pump self-clean cycle that runs for 15 minutes. It also includes 4 packs of citric acid cleaner.
At 12.28 in high and 8.5 in wide, it tucks under most upper cabinets.
Its 35 lb daily output sits below the SenCre and COSTWAY picks. For a couple or a small family, that's plenty.
For a party of 20, it's the smaller reserve that matters, so plan to refill.
Buy it for everyday counter ice that stays cold between rounds. Skip it if you need a large bin running all day.
SenCre Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 55lbs/Day: Best for a family of six to eight
- 55 lb per day
- 4.2 lb basket with 3-layer insulation
- Stainless steel core
- Built-in water filter
A large basket wrapped in three layers of insulation keeps a bigger batch cold, and the built-in filter cleans the water before freezing.
Pros
- 4.2 lb basket with 3-layer insulation
- Built-in water filter and filter reminder
- 12-month replacement warranty
Cons
- Needs more counter depth than the Euhomy 35 lb
- Not built for long-term storage
SenCre's 55 lb model suits a household of six to eight, or a party of 15 to 20, where the bin empties fast. The 4.2 lb basket with 3-layer insulation is the storage answer here: it holds more than twice the Euhomy's bin and slows melt on top of that.
The 304 stainless steel core keeps the ice tasting clean rather than plastic. A built-in water filter cleans the water before freezing, and an LED reminder tells you when the filter is due.
That matters if you want clear, neutral-tasting nuggets straight from tap water.
First ice lands in 4 to 5 minutes, and SenCre rates noise at 45 dB or less. A built-in wastewater tank catches drips, so the counter stays dry.
The 10-minute self-clean cycle runs from one button hold.
SenCre is clear that this is a fresh-ice machine, not a freezer: enjoy the nuggets fresh or move them to your freezer. The 15.8 in square footprint needs more counter depth than the Euhomy.
Buy it for a full house that empties the bin daily. Skip it for a small counter with little depth to spare.
SenCre Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 60lbs/24H: Best for parties and large gatherings
- 60 lb per day
- Dual-tank system (3L + 3.8L)
- 4.84 lb basket
- Double-layer foam insulation
The dual water tank keeps production going through a long event, and the insulated basket slows melt so the ice stays chewable for hours.
Pros
- 60 lb daily output
- Dual water tank reduces refills
- 40 dB operation
Cons
- Widest footprint in the top three
- PP cotton filter needs regular changes
SenCre's 60 lb model suits hosts who run the machine through a long party and can't babysit the water tank. The dual-tank system (3L internal plus 3.8L external) keeps production going without constant refills.
Storage is the headline for this list: a 4.84 lb basket with double-layer foam insulation holds the most ice of the three SenCre and Euhomy picks. SenCre says the dense foam slows melt so the chewable texture lasts hours instead of clumping within one.
The basket is designed to reach about 80% usable space, so the full-bin sensor doesn't cut production early with a half-empty bin. First nuggets arrive in about 5 minutes.
Noise is rated at 40 dB, low enough for an open kitchen or a home office.
The PP cotton pre-filter catches sediment before the water freezes, and the unit accepts upgraded filters if you want to cut chlorine taste. The trade-off is width: at 16.66 in across, it needs a wide stretch of counter.
Buy it for the largest cold reserve in this top group. Skip it if your counter is narrow.
CyberChill Nugget Ice Makers Countertop Dispenser: Best for scoop-free serving
- Touch-free dispensing
- 40 lb per day
- Pull-out 1.8L water tank
- 8-minute first ice
Press a button and the chute fills your cup without a scoop, which cuts mess and hand contact on the counter.
Pros
- Touch-free dispensing
- Removable water tank slides out for refills
- Narrow 6.69 in width
Cons
- Daily output below the SenCre models
- Dispenser chute needs regular wiping
CyberChill suits a home bar or office kitchen where people serve themselves and nobody wants to handle a wet scoop. The touch-free dispenser fills a cup when you press the button under the chute.
It makes 40 lb of nugget ice per day, with first ice in about 8 minutes. That's a steady daily supply for drinks and iced coffee, though less than the SenCre models.
The storage bin sits under the lid, and the nugget ice stays cold there between servings.
A pull-out 1.8L water tank slides out for refills and rinsing, which makes daily care simple. The 6.69 in width is the narrowest profile in this roundup, so it fits a tight counter or a bar cart gap.
It's stainless steel outside.
The trade-off against the Euhomy and SenCre picks is storage design. This unit leans on the lid and compact bin rather than a thick insulated basket, so a full bin won't hold as long.
The dispenser chute also needs a regular wipe to stay clean.
Buy it for hands-free serving in a home bar. Skip it if you need the longest possible bin life.
Euhomy 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker: Best for simple one-button ice
- 44 lb per day
- 7-10 minute first ice
- 1.8L water tank
- 20-minute self-clean
One press starts the ice and one press starts a 20-minute clean cycle, so daily upkeep stays short.
Pros
- One-touch ice and light buttons
- 44 lb daily output
- 20-minute self-clean cycle
Cons
- Shorter output than the SenCre 55 lb
- Protective film must be peeled before use
Euhomy's 44 lb model suits someone who wants nugget ice without learning a control panel. One press on "ICE" starts production, and one press on "LIGHT" shows you the chamber in a dim kitchen.
It makes up to 44 lb per day from a 1.8L tank and delivers first ice in 7 to 10 minutes. The 13.9 x 9.85 in footprint is compact enough for most counters.
The bin catches the nuggets as they drop.
Storage is handled by the basket under the lid, and the double-wall build helps keep the ice colder than an open tray would. It's a fresh-ice bin like the rest of this group, so scoop it into a freezer bag for later.
The "CLEAN" button starts a 20-minute self-clean cycle, so scale doesn't build up and dull the ice. Euhomy notes that new units ship with a protective film that needs peeling first.
Against the 35 lb Euhomy, this model gives more daily output but gives up the dual-pump cleaning and the double-layer insulated basket. It costs less attention and less counter depth.
Buy it for simple, one-button ice at a mid-size output. Skip it if bin insulation is your top priority.
COSTWAY Commercial Nugget Ice Maker Machine 90: Best for high-volume and under-counter setups
- 90 lb per day
- 15 lb internal storage bin
- Programmable 1-23 hour timer
- Built-in water filter
A 15 lb bin and thick insulation keep a big reserve of nugget ice cold for a cafe or busy office.
Pros
- Largest bin in this group at 15 lb
- Thickened insulation foam layer
- Freestanding, under-counter or countertop placement
Cons
- Tallest unit here at 24.6 in
- Heavy for a countertop unit at 37.5 lb
COSTWAY's commercial unit suits a cafe, office breakroom or under-counter bar that needs a large cold reserve. Its 15 lb storage bin is the biggest in this roundup by a wide margin.
The 90 lb daily output is built for steady demand. A thickened insulation foam layer holds cold air in the bin and helps the unit run efficiently.
The stainless steel exterior is made for daily use.
Placement is flexible: freestanding, under-counter or on the countertop, with adjustable foot pads to level it. A programmable timer runs from 1 to 23 hours, and there's one-touch self-cleaning, automatic defrost and built-in LED lighting.
A built-in water filter lets you connect it straight to a tap line.
The trade-off is size. At 24.6 in high and 37.5 lb, it needs committed space and two people to move.
It's the tallest pick here. For a home kitchen with open counter, the smaller Euhomy models are easier.
Buy it for volume and a big bin. Skip it for a small apartment counter.
GoveeLife Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro: Best for smart-home control
- 60 lb per day
- 6-minute first ice
- App and voice control
- Two self-clean modes
App and voice control let you schedule ice before you get home, and two clean modes handle daily upkeep and descaling.
Pros
- App and voice control
- Dual water tanks
- 10-minute and 30-minute self-clean modes
Cons
- Widest unit in this group at 21.22 in
- Premium pick with more setup
GoveeLife's Smart Pro suits a connected home where you want ice scheduled and cleaning tracked from your phone. App and voice control let you start a batch before you get home or set a cleaning reminder.
It makes up to 60 lb per day from a dual-tank system (2.2L plus 4.9L), with first ice in about 6 minutes. GoveeLife says a single water fill yields over 15 lb of ice.
The 3.5 lb basket holds a solid reserve, and the insulation keeps the nuggets cold between servings.
Two self-clean modes cover upkeep: a 10-minute refresh and a 30-minute descale. The 40 dB rating comes from an AI NoiseGuard system that monitors and reduces evaporator noise.
A 4.45 in touchscreen sits at a 15 degree angle for easy reading.
The trade-off is footprint and setup. At 21.22 in wide and 42.4 lb, it's the widest and heaviest unit here.
The smart features also mean app pairing and a Wi-Fi connection to get the full benefit. Plain ice-making costs less elsewhere.
Buy it for smart scheduling and quiet operation. Skip it if you want a simple machine with no app.
ecozy 40 lb Nugget Ice Maker with Touchless Dispenser: Best for small kitchens with touch-free ice
- Touch-free dispensing
- 40 lb per day
- Pull-out 1.2L water tank
- 8-minute first ice
A slim 6.69 in width fits tight counters, and the touchless chute serves ice without a scoop.
Pros
- Slim 6.69 in width
- Touch-free dispensing
- Slide-out water tank
Cons
- Smallest water tank here at 1.2 L
- Daily output below the top three
ecozy's Mistalo Drop Slim suits a small kitchen or dorm where counter inches are tight and hands-free serving matters. Its 6.69 in width is the slimmest in this roundup, and the touchless chute means no scoop to wash.
It makes up to 40 lb per day and delivers first ice in about 8 minutes. The nugget ice is soft and chewable, good for cocktails, smoothies and iced coffee.
A pull-out 1.2L water tank slides out for refills and cleaning.
Storage is a compact bin under the lid. The lid and slim body keep the footprint down, but the small bin means you'll empty it into the freezer for a party.
The 1.2L tank is the smallest here, so expect more refills during heavy use.
Against the CyberChill, this model has the same slim body and touchless serving but a smaller water tank. Against the Euhomy 35 lb, it trades bin insulation for the dispenser and narrow profile.
Buy it for a tiny counter with touch-free ice. Skip it for long events that need a big water reserve.
Cowsar 33 lb Nugget Ice Maker with Dispenser: Best for budget countertop setups
- 33 lb per day
- Measured hands-free dispensing
- 1.8L water tank
- 1.5 lb ice basket
The lowest-output pick here still dispenses a measured portion hands-free, which suits light daily use.
Pros
- Measured hands-free dispensing
- Narrow 6.7 in width
- Ice full reminder stops production
Cons
- Lowest daily output in this group
- Smallest ice basket at 1.5 lb
Cowsar's 33 lb dispenser suits a light-use kitchen, office pantry or basement bar on a budget. Its measured hands-free dispensing pours a set portion into your cup without a scoop or a guess.
It makes up to 33 lb per day from a 1.8L tank and holds 1.5 lb in the basket. That's the smallest output and smallest bin in this roundup, which fits a couple or a solo ice-chewer rather than a crowd.
The ice full reminder stops production when the basket fills, so the machine doesn't overrun and waste energy. The 6.7 in width keeps it narrow.
Cowsar describes the nugget ice as gentle on teeth and good at holding drink flavor.
Storage is the weak point for this list: the small basket and basic lid mean the nuggets soften sooner than in the Euhomy or SenCre bins. For fresh servings throughout the day, that's fine.
For a party, plan to move ice to the freezer.
Buy it for budget counter ice with measured pours. Skip it for high-volume hosting.
How these nugget ice makers compare on storage
The insulated basket is the feature that decides how long nuggets stay crunchy, and the Euhomy 35 lb and SenCre models lead on that. Daily output and bin size matter next, then water tank size and noise.
| Product | Best for | Daily output | Ice basket | Size (H x D x W) | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euhomy 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker | keeping nuggets cold in the bin | 35 lb | 1.8 lb | 12.28 x 11.14 x 8.5 in | 9.0 |
| SenCre Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 55lbs/Day | a family of six to eight | 55 lb | 4.2 lb | 8.8 | |
| SenCre Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 60lbs/24H | parties and large gatherings | 60 lb | 4.84 lb | 8.6 | |
| CyberChill Nugget Ice Makers Countertop Dispenser | scoop-free serving | 40 lb | 8.2 | ||
| Euhomy 44 lb Nugget Ice Maker | simple one-button ice | 44 lb | 8.1 | ||
| COSTWAY Commercial Nugget Ice Maker Machine 90 | high-volume and under-counter setups | 90 lb | 8.0 | ||
| GoveeLife Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro | smart-home control | 60 lb | 7.7 | ||
| ecozy 40 lb Nugget Ice Maker with Touchless Dispenser | small kitchens with touch-free ice | 40 lb | 7.5 | ||
| Cowsar 33 lb Nugget Ice Maker with Dispenser | budget countertop setups | 33 lb | 1.5 lb | 7.2 |
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. For this list, storage design carries the most weight: lid and basket insulation, bin size and how fast the machine refills.
Daily output, first-ice time, noise, cleaning cycles and footprint fill out the rest. A big output number doesn't rescue a thin bin if the ice turns to slush before you serve it.
The Euhomy 35 lb earns the top score because it balances a genuinely insulated bin with a compact body and quiet running. The COSTWAY scores well on bin size but loses points on height and weight for a home kitchen.
The smart GoveeLife and the two slim dispensers land lower because their storage design is lighter.
Which bin design actually keeps nugget ice frozen longer?
A double-layer lid over an insulated basket keeps nugget ice cold longest in a countertop machine. Thick foam or a double wall slows heat transfer, so the nuggets stay separate and crunchy for hours instead of clumping.
The Euhomy 35 lb uses a transparent double-layer lid and a double-layer insulated ABS basket. SenCre's 55 lb model adds a 3-layer insulation wrap around its bin.
SenCre's 60 lb model uses dense double-layer foam. COSTWAY uses a thickened foam layer in a 15 lb bin.
All of these slow melt better than a plain single-wall bin with a flat lid.
A larger bin helps too, but only if it's insulated. A big uninsulated bin just holds more ice that melts together.
Match bin size to how fast you serve: 1.5 to 1.8 lb suits a couple, while 4 to 5 lb suits a family or a party.
Keep the lid closed between servings. Every open minute lets warm room air in and speeds the melt.
If your kitchen runs hot, move the machine away from the oven or a sunny window.
How much nugget ice do you need cold at once?
Count your heaviest hour, not your daily total. A couple serving iced coffee and a few cocktails needs a 1.8 lb bin.
A family of six or a party of 15 to 20 needs 4 to 5 lb in the bin at once.
Daily output tells you how fast the machine can replace what you scoop. A 35 lb machine refills a 1.8 lb bin many times over in a day.
A 60 lb machine does it faster during a rush. For most homes, 35 to 44 lb per day is enough, and the bin size matters more.
If you host often, the SenCre 60 lbs/24H's 4.84 lb basket plus its dual tank is the better fit. If you serve a few drinks an evening, the Euhomy 35 lb's smaller bin is easier to manage and empty.
Should you pick a bigger bin or a bigger daily output?
Pick the bigger bin if ice sits in the machine between servings. Pick the bigger daily output if the machine runs all day and the bin empties fast.
The COSTWAY's 15 lb bin is the pick when you need both.
How does the water tank size affect bin life?
A bigger tank means fewer refills during a session, so the machine keeps producing instead of waiting on you. The SenCre 60 lbs/24H's dual 3L and 3.8L tanks and the GoveeLife's 2.2L plus 4.9L tanks run longer between fills.
The ecozy's 1.2L tank needs more attention.
Do you need a dispenser to keep nuggets cold?
No. A touch-free dispenser is about convenience, not storage.
It saves you from handling a scoop, but the bin underneath still decides how long the ice stays crunchy.
The CyberChill, ecozy and Cowsar models all dispense without a scoop. That's a real plus in a shared office or a home bar where several people serve themselves.
It also cuts mess on the counter.
The trade-off is that each of these dispenser models uses a lighter storage design than the Euhomy 35 lb or the SenCre bins. The ecozy's 1.2L tank and the Cowsar's 1.5 lb basket are the smallest here.
If cold storage is your main goal, the scoop-and-insulated-bin route wins. If clean serving is the goal, the dispenser wins.
For more on this category, see our roundup of the nugget ice maker dispenser models.
How quiet are these machines, and does noise affect storage?
All nine machines run at 40 to 45 dB or lower, which is about as loud as a quiet conversation and fine for an open kitchen. Noise doesn't change how cold the bin stays, but a quieter machine is easier to leave running while you eat.
The SenCre 60 lbs/24H and GoveeLife rate 40 dB. The Euhomy 35 lb, SenCre 55 lb and Euhomy 44 lb rate under 45 dB.
If the machine sits near a living area or a home office, the 40 dB models are the calmer picks.
Our guide to the quietest nugget ice maker covers noise in more depth. For a look at one brand's nugget model in detail, the Frigidaire nugget ice maker review is worth a read.
Where should you place the machine for colder ice?
Place it away from heat sources and out of direct sun. An oven, a dishwasher vent or a sunny window all warm the bin faster.
A shaded stretch of counter near the fridge keeps the outside cooler. Leave clearance for airflow around the vents.
Does running the machine overnight keep the ice cold?
The bin slows melt, but it won't hold nuggets crunchy all night. Empty the bin into a freezer bag before bed if you want ice for the morning.
Euhomy says to move ice to the freezer within 60 minutes of a full-bin alert for the best texture.
How should you store and refresh nugget ice?
Scoop the bin into the freezer within about an hour of it filling if you want the crunch to last. The machine makes fresh ice, and the bin only slows the melt, so freezer storage is what keeps nuggets for days.
Use a freezer-safe bag or a sealed container. Press out as much air as you can before sealing.
Break up any clumps when you move the ice, so it freezes as separate nuggets.
For the machine itself, run the self-clean cycle on schedule. Euhomy recommends a cycle every 30 days or after 150 hours, whichever comes first.
Use filtered water to cut mineral scale. Citric acid cleaner, included with the Euhomy 35 lb, handles descaling.
Wipe the dispenser chute on the CyberChill, ecozy and Cowsar models. The chute is where residue collects.
For more on keeping any nugget maker fresh, see our care guides in the clean-care section.
Which nugget ice maker should you buy?
For most homes, the Euhomy 35 lb Nugget Ice Maker is the best nugget ice maker that keeps ice frozen, because its double-layer lid and insulated basket hold cold air around the nuggets. It's compact, quiet and easy to clean.
Choose the SenCre 60 lbs/24H if you host parties and want the largest cold reserve. Choose the SenCre 55 lb for a family of six to eight and a clean stainless core.
Choose the COSTWAY 90 lb for a cafe or office that needs a 15 lb bin. Choose the CyberChill or ecozy for scoop-free serving on a narrow counter.
If bin insulation is your top priority, stay with the top three. If serving convenience or smart control matters more, the dispenser and smart models earn their place.
Either way, plan to move a full bin to the freezer for long storage.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
-
2
Best for a family of six to eight
SenCre Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 55lbs/Day
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for parties and large gatherings
SenCre Nugget Ice Maker Countertop 60lbs/24H
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Does a nugget ice maker keep ice frozen in the bin?
No countertop nugget maker freezes the ice in its bin. The bin slows melting with insulation and a lid, so nugget ice stays cold for a few hours.
Move ice to your freezer within about 60 minutes for long storage.
How long does nugget ice last in the storage bin?
Expect a few hours in a well-insulated bin before the nuggets soften and clump. Double-layer foam bins hold longer than thin plastic ones.
Room temperature and how often you open the lid change the result.
Why does my nugget ice clump together?
Clumping happens when partly melted nuggets refreeze and stick. Empty the bin, break up the clumps and keep the lid closed between servings.
Run the self-clean cycle on schedule so mineral scale doesn't affect the ice.
Should I put nugget ice from the bin into the freezer?
Yes, if you want to keep it crunchy for later. Euhomy says to transfer ice to a freezer-safe bag or container within 60 minutes of a full-bin alert.
Freezer storage keeps the texture longer than leaving it on the counter.
How often should I run the self-cleaning cycle?
Euhomy recommends a self-clean every 30 days or after 150 hours of use, whichever comes first. Other brands set their own cycles, so follow the schedule for your model.
A descale with citric acid helps when ice starts tasting off.
Is nugget ice softer than regular cube ice?
Yes. Nugget ice is made from flaked ice compressed into light, chewable pellets, so it feels softer on your teeth than a hard cube.
It also absorbs drink flavor quickly, which suits iced coffee and cocktails.
