How to make clear ice cubes
It might be a little bit of overkill…
but a crystal clear ice cube looks really great in a whiskey glass or cocktail. Some people say that since it is clear, without impurities, that it even melts slower and more evenly. I am not sure if that is true, but it sure looks awesome. There are many methods, even ice cube trays made specifically for clear ice, however, those things are very expensive unitaskers (any Alton Brown fans out there?) in my mind.
What you’ll need:
Small Coleman cooler-I got mine on amazon for about $9. It is key to get one this size, since it will need to fit in your freezer
Large ice cube tray- I got mine at a kitchen store in town, but there are many varieties online as well. mine makes 2 inch cubes, which is perfect for cocktails
Mesh organizer-The one I have is from the container store, 3" x 6" x 2" h. size is important since it needs to fit in the cooler. you could also use pvc pipe, legos, anything to elevate the cube tray in the cooler.
The Process:
Remove lid from ice chest
Place the mesh in the bottom of the ice chest. This will elevate the ice tray, which will leave the clear ice on top and the impurities on the bottom. Don’t really know the science behind it, but I can tell you from experience, that it works.
Cut out holes in the ice cube tray
This is absolutely necessary. the ice will freeze from the top to the bottom and will push all of the impurities down through these holes, leaving our ice cubes crystal clear.
Place the ice cube tray on top of mesh
Boil water, to further remove impurities and then fill your cooler up with water right to the top of the ice tray.
Clear out room in your freezer and wait!
My freezer is set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and I leave it in for about 25 hours.
Remove from your freezer after about 24-25 hours. you want to be careful to get it out before it freezes all the way
I flip my cooler over on a cutting board and wait for it to fall out on its own. Pry out the ice mold slowly and then you have…….
Crystal clear ice cubes!!!!
This is how my batch turned out
I put mine in ziploc bags and keep them in the freezer. Stock up a good supply for entertaining!
I have also learned that if you pull them right from the freezer, and pour a cocktail on them, that they will crack. Get them out an let them sit for few minutes before putting liquid on them.
The finished product:
Here is what they look like when they are done. I don’t know why, but it is really satisfying watching it melt in a good old fashioned. Please let us know if you have any questions of comments.
Cheers!