Aren’t these layered ice cubes pretty? They’re just ordinary ice cubes, made with layers of fruit juice. Plop a few into a glass and they’ll magically turn plain water or lemonade into a healthy, fruity drink. Add them to vodka or sangria for a fun cocktail!
These gorgeous layered ice cubes are not only adorable, they’re super healthy ~ made with pure fruit juices in all shades of the rainbow. It’s a fun little project perfect for al fresco entertaining or keeping little ones occupied during the long summer months. Layer up the vibrant colors and flavors and pop them out into your favorite refreshing drinks, no two will be alike!
what you’ll need to make layered ice cubes
- large square silicone ice cube molds
- You’ll want 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.
- Assorted colorful fruit juices or fruit drinks
- For these cubes I used an assortment of bottled, canned, and fresh juices. But you can also used fruit drinks for even more color choices.
Types of juice to use for layered ice cubes
Have fun layering up different combinations! You can curate all citrus cubes, or all berry juices, or go wild and mix and match wild combinations.
- pomegranate
- watermelon
- cherry
- raspberry
- grapefruit
- orange
- lemon
- lime
- grape, both purple and white
- pineapple
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.
Tips for making layered ice cubes
- I found that the more pronounced juice flavors worked best: try lemon, lime, grape, cranberry, or cherry, for instance.
- 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. You can also store them right in the ice cube mold.
- Plan to use them the same day you make them, for best results.
more fun frozen treats for summer
- How to Make Rainbow Fruit Popsicles
- Frozen Mint Lemonade (Limonana)
- How to Make Homemade Magic Shell
- Blackberry Moscato Slushies
- Iced Coffee Popsicles
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Layered Ice Cubes
Equipment
- silicone square ice cube tray
Ingredients
- 3 cups assorted juice, at least 3 different varieties, you can use tonal colors or bright contrasting shades
Instructions
- Spoon or pour a little juice on the bottom layers of your ice cube mold. 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 solid, remove them from the mold and add to your drink of choice. It will help preserve your pretty ice if the drink itself is already cold.
What a great idea! Any suggestions on what combo to put in Sangria?
I’d say follow the flavors of whatever fruit you’re putting in the sangria…they’d be especially pretty in a white version!
Thanks! 🙂
LOVE this idea, and the best part is that I already own 6 of those exact same silicon ice trays!!!!
I love those trays!
I 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.
We’re huge fans of lightly flavored carbonated water…have you tried La Croix?
LOVE THIS. how totally festive! summer parties bring out the best in creative ice cubing, i feel like. 🙂
Creative ice cubing? Love it 🙂
What a great idea for a summer party. I just happen to have one coming up at the end of next month 🙂
You’ll have to get layering and stashing them away!
What a pretty flourish to any gathering.. it looks like a fiesta in a glass.
Thanks! I can’t wait to try out some other juice combinations.
These gorgeous ice cubes would be great in lemonade or sweet tea too. Very pretty! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yes, there are so many drinks that would work, it’s fun to get your imagination going on all the possibilities.
Ah! Too adorable. Such a perfect idea for summer.
i LOVE this idea! The.Boy and I are having a housewarming party soon and these are definitely making an appearance!
That is just so festive. Plus, I think I have the same glasses.