Layered Ice Cubes ~ aren’t these pretty? They’re just ordinary ice cubes, made with layers of fruit juices. And they’re not just pretty, they actually have a purpose— as they melt they flavor whatever you’ve plopped them into. The drink below started out as just plain sparkling water. Now it’s a rhubarb/sour cherry/pineapple/lime all natural soda!
Pinterest is pretty awesome. If you’re willing to scroll through a few hundred thousand or so pins you might just find a gem. Like these ice cubes. Sometimes little projects like this work out, and sometimes they don’t. This one was easy and straightforward, and I’m happy to report they came out looking just like I’d hoped. Better still, they actually made my drink taste good. It’s a win win for this pin.
It works best if you have an ice cube mold that makes large square cubes. That way you have room to layer the different colored juices, and they look good when they’re frozen. I used these silicone molds. The silicone makes the ice easy to remove, and they’re sturdy so they hold their shape as you put them in the freezer.
There are so many ways to do this, but keep in mind the relationship between the flavor of your ice cubes and the liquid you’re going to put them into. Use a combination of flavors that sounds good to you. I think mixed citrus cubes in rum or vodka would be fantastic. You can used canned, bottled, or fresh juice. The more colorful, the better.
For these cubes I used an assortment of bottled, (sour cherry and pomegranate) canned. (pineapple) and fresh (orange and lime) juices. I added water to my RHUBARB SIMPLE SYRUP and used that too. Then I just layered the juices in different combinations. I wouldn’t use smoothies for these because they will become muddy as they melt and make your drink unappealing.
Ingredients
- at least 3 different kinds of fruit juice, you can use tonal colors or bright contrasting shades
Instructions
- Spoon or pour a little juice on the bottom layer of your cubes. Freeze the tray until the layer is frozen, this might take 30 minutes or so, depending on how much you pour, the size of your tray, and the temperature of your freezer.
- Once frozen, spoon a different layer over the top, and freeze again. Repeat with the third juice.
- When the cubes are frozen, remove and add to your drink of choice. It will help preserve your pretty ice if the drink itself is already cold.
Notes:
- I found that the more pronounced flavors worked well, like lemon, lime or sour cherry. They really added a nice punch to the water.
- If you want to make these ahead of time and store them, I would arrange them on a flat surface and separate each layer of cubes with waxed paper because they tend to be stickier than regular ice.
I’m not done playing with ice cubes. I love the idea of flavoring hot weather drinks this way.
How about:
- coffee cubes in iced coffee, or in Bailey’s Irish Cream
- lemonade cubes in iced tea
- coconut milk cubes in Thai iced tea
- lime and mint cubes in a mojito
- chocolate cubes in cold milk
- blood orange cubes in a rose spritzer
DON’T FORGET TO PIN these Layered Ice Cubes!
29 Comments
Dulce
May 28, 2017 at 7:15 amExcelente idea, me encantó!!
Lexy
February 27, 2016 at 6:35 amFANTASTIC IDEA. Question – in the first picture, what is the white looking layer? Also, what juice is the bright yellow? Thank you.
Sue
February 27, 2016 at 6:48 amThe bright orange is fresh orange juice, and the pale layer is lime juice, Lexy.
Laura @ Petite Allergy Treats
July 9, 2015 at 5:20 amSimply stunning! Love how this was created using a natural colors! Pinned and sharing soon!
Kalirah
May 24, 2014 at 8:32 pmI’m wondering if these would flavor just plain water?
Sue
May 24, 2014 at 8:56 pmYes, they do Kalirah!
Lisa
November 8, 2013 at 7:13 amWhat a great idea! Any suggestions on flavor combos for Sangria?
Lisa
November 7, 2013 at 1:03 pmWhat a great idea! Any suggestions on what combo to put in Sangria?
Sue
November 7, 2013 at 2:49 pmI’d say follow the flavors of whatever fruit you’re putting in the sangria…they’d be especially pretty in a white version!
Lisa
November 8, 2013 at 7:14 amThanks! :)
Anonymous
May 31, 2013 at 7:13 pmLOVE this idea, and the best part is that I already own 6 of those exact same silicon ice trays!!!!
Sue/the view from great island
June 28, 2013 at 7:36 pmI love those trays!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert
May 29, 2013 at 4:22 pmI recently found out about Izze sparkling juices and am in love. They are all natural and I bet they would be tasty with complimentary ice cubes. What a wonderful, beautiful idea.
Sue/the view from great island
June 28, 2013 at 7:37 pmWe’re huge fans of lightly flavored carbonated water…have you tried La Croix?
shannon weber
May 29, 2013 at 11:17 amLOVE THIS. how totally festive! summer parties bring out the best in creative ice cubing, i feel like. :)
Sue/the view from great island
June 28, 2013 at 7:37 pmCreative ice cubing? Love it :)
SavoringTime in the Kitchen
May 28, 2013 at 10:25 pmWhat a great idea for a summer party. I just happen to have one coming up at the end of next month :)
Sue/the view from great island
June 28, 2013 at 7:38 pmYou’ll have to get layering and stashing them away!
Anonymous
May 28, 2013 at 3:59 pmWhat a pretty flourish to any gathering.. it looks like a fiesta in a glass.
Sue/the view from great island
June 28, 2013 at 7:39 pmThanks! I can’t wait to try out some other juice combinations.
Kim
May 28, 2013 at 2:46 pmThese gorgeous ice cubes would be great in lemonade or sweet tea too. Very pretty! Thanks for sharing :)
Sue/the view from great island
June 28, 2013 at 7:40 pmYes, there are so many drinks that would work, it’s fun to get your imagination going on all the possibilities.
Irina @ wandercrush
May 28, 2013 at 2:08 pmAh! Too adorable. Such a perfect idea for summer.
Joanne
May 28, 2013 at 12:02 pmi LOVE this idea! The.Boy and I are having a housewarming party soon and these are definitely making an appearance!
jeri
May 27, 2013 at 8:49 pmThat is just so festive. Plus, I think I have the same glasses.