When you’re following a cocktail recipe and you get to the part that demands, “a few ice cubes,” pause for a moment. Yes, those frozen blocks will cool any liquid, but they’ll also water it down and ruin the flavor. So what’s the solution? We’ve been experimenting with enhanced cocktail ice cubes, a deliciously simple way to give virtually any booze a boost. Time to squeeze that citrus and freeze that fruit juice because your drinks are about to get a double take.
Each recipe correlates with a classic cocktail served on the rocks—let’s get crackin’.
Piña Colada: Start by filling an ice cube tray about ¼ of the way with pineapple juice. Freeze. Once the juice is somewhat solid, layer with coconut milk. Freeze again. You’ll want to keep alternating layers until there’s a complete set of beautifully striped cubes.
Mojito: Muddle lime juice and mint leaves. Freeze.
Hurricane: Mix lime juice and simple syrup. Place orange zest on top before putting tray in the freezer.
Bloody Mary: In a blender, pulse together tomato and celery until smooth. If you like some spice, add hot sauce. Freeze.
Cosmopolitan: Fill the tray with orange juice and pomegranate seeds. Freeze.
Long Island Iced Tea: Mix together lemon juice and a cola of your choice. Freeze.
Gin & Tonic: Squeeze some lime juice and mix with seltzer or tonic water. Freeze.
Margarita: Combine lime juice and lemon juice. Sprinkle in some sugar or add a sugar cube to each section. Freeze.
Martini: Fill the tray with olive juice. Put an olive in each section. Freeze.
Daiquiri: Depending on what flavor you prefer, squeeze or puree your favorite fruit (i.e. strawberry or mango) and freeze.
Fuzzy Navel: Puree a peach and blend with orange juice. Freeze.
Mai Tai: Fill a tray with orange juice and place a maraschino cherry in each section. Freeze.
White Russian: Follow the Piña Colada layering technique. Alternate between levels of coffee and milk. Sprinkle in some sugar if you wish before freezing.
Planter’s Punch: Combine lime juice and grapefruit juice. Freeze.
Salty Dog: Fill the tray with grapefruit juice. Place some lemon zest on top before freezing.
Know of another ice infusion? Share it with us!