Champagne on ice is this summer's hot drink

New York

FOR years, Bill Murray has enjoyed an unorthodox drink: Champagne on ice.

"The way I like to drink it is in a big pint glass with ice," the actor once said. "I fill it with ice and I pour the champagne in it, because champagne can never be too cold." Of course, this goes against centuries of tradition and the advice of champagne makers, who have long believed that the wine has a completeness and harmony that should be enjoyed neat. To dilute the flavours and aromas with ice was gauche.