With or without ice
A direct way to request a drink with ice. Use this when placing your order.
The opposite of the above; use this to specifically ask for no ice.
Use this when you want just a small amount of ice, not a full glass.
This is the question a server will ask you: 'Do you want it with or without ice?'
—I want a soda, please. —Of course, with or without ice?
For me, a glass of water without ice.
Two orange juices with a lot of ice, please.
I prefer my coffee with a little ice.
The phrase 'con hielo o sin hielo' is standard and universally understood across all of Latin America. It's the most common and direct way to express this.
The phrase is the same, but the custom can differ. In many places in Spain, drinks like sodas or water are often served without ice by default unless you specifically ask for it ('con hielo').
The phrase 'con o sin hielo' is standard. The only difference is the pronunciation of 'hielo', where the 'y' sound (from the 'ie' diphthong) is often pronounced like 'sh' in English, sounding like 'SHEH-loh'.
Usage is completely standard. 'Con hielo o sin hielo' is exactly what you would say and hear.
Saying 'con no hielo' for 'without ice'. — The correct preposition for 'without' is 'sin'. Always use 'sin hielo'.
Pronouncing the 'h' in 'hielo'. — The letter 'h' is always silent in Spanish. The word is pronounced 'YEH-loh', not 'hee-EH-loh'.
Confusing 'hielo' (ice) with 'helado' (ice cream). — These words sound similar but are very different. Asking for 'café con helado' will get you coffee with ice cream, a type of dessert. 'Café con hielo' is iced coffee.
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