I've read countless posts on how to stay well in Mexico. Most say 'watch out for the ice in drinks'. That being said, no one is partaking in the icy-cool refreshing poolside drinks?

Most of the larger hotels use purified water for the ice in their drinks. I have certainly had my share of poolside drinks and have never gotten sick. I would be careful at restaurants - stick with beer.

I'm not sure where you are reading that advice about ice in drinks, because it is out-of-date for major tourist areas.

In a tourist-oriented city (I visit Puerto Vallarta often) the restaurants, bars, and hotels all use ice that is delivered to them from the purified water company, they are not making their own from tap water.

Where are you going?

I make my ice from tap water, too 'codo' to buy bottled water

but you are truly a "local" these days, not a tourist, my dear Cabron!

I think the "no ice" advice was valid a long time time ago. Any decent place, tourist frequented or not, seems to be using purified ice nowadays. At least we haven't had any illness from it.

I would not be overly concerned unless you are away from a "city" water supply.
That said, we have filtered and purified water here at home, but the help drink only bottled water.
M (SMdA, Gto.)

'Beware of ice cubes, as they may not have been made with purified water.'

'Consumption of food and beverages obtained from street vendors has been associated with an increased risk of illness.'

These are taken from the U.S. Department of State's website, so even if it is no longer valid, it is still what traveler's are being told.

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/t...onal_1174.html

If I heeded the information on US government websites, I wouldn't leave home! Clearly they err on the side of caution.

Seriously, everyone needs to decide for themselves when traveling how adventuresome they will be, or not.

For me, ice cubes and street vendors in a well-touristed city such as Vallarta (as example) have simply never been a problem.

Reading carefully what that website is saying about ice, it is that they "may not" have been made with purified water. My point is that in restaurants, resorts, and bars in major tourist destinations (which I assume is where Mikeswife is headed by the wording of her post)... they are.

Thanks for all the replies! We are heading to Playa del Carmen, staying at the Iberostar Paraiso del Mar. Fairly decent, definitely touristy hotel. Some posts on TA have mentioned "bad food" and what-not. I've contacted my doc and we are bringing an emergency prescription of Cipro. With that comfort blanket, I've decided we're throwing caution to the wind! Poolside Margaritas here we come!

You will be fine at a resort. Think about it from an economic point of view. Resorts make money from drinks. Why would they discourage money making by using ice that gets people sick? Why would they risk the bad reputation?

What about margaritas in Mexico City??? We'll be there for a week, next week. It's my FAVORITE libation and I can't imagine being in Mexico and not partaking. Before this post I haven't even thought about it. Should I?

I'm no expert and have never been to Mexico City, but I would assume good restaurants use purified water and purified ice. Anyone?

I've never had a problem in Mexico City. We usually stay around the zocalo, and the restaurants all use purified water. I've even had fresh OJ from a street vendor, and been ok, but that may be pushing it.

Pretty funny: we drink only bottled water while travelling here; drink only wine or an occasional cerveza as the mixed drinks are mostly awful and expensive.
Same as China, lol!
M (SMdA, Gto.)

I've gotten sick from the flight home. I don't know if the airline picks up ice from bottled water, or not, but I've been fine in Mexico itself.... but not fine once I'm home...

I was poisoned by a bad chicken dinner on the way home one trip by the airlines... after 2 weeks with no problems in Mexico. Boy was I mad!