A cold drink in Calcutta could contain ice shipped from another continent. In 1833, the Tuscany carried 180 tons of New England ice toward India on a voyage lasting four months and roughly 16,000 miles. About 100 tons survived to reach Calcutta.

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This drink is being served in India. But that ice came from another continent. In Calcutta’s heat, a cold drink was a luxury. Thousands of miles away, workers were cutting huge blocks from frozen ponds in New England. They loaded 180 tons of ice onto a sailing ship bound for India. Ahead lay roughly 16,000 miles of ocean—and four months at sea. Their cargo was slowly turning into water. But tightly packed blocks, surrounded by sawdust, slowed the melting. When the ship reached Calcutta, about 100 tons remained—still frozen, and ready to sell. In 1833, the ice in your drink could have spent four months at sea just to reach you. Follow for more.