Rainbow Refresher Ice Cubes
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever felt your drink was missing something ? I have! So, I created A Rainbow of Ice Cubes to solve that.
These naturally flavored and colored ice cubes will jazz up any drink.
Brief Overview
These colorful ice cubes are both pretty and tasty. They come from fancy cocktail bars. But they are easy to make at home! They are pretty simple to make, taking about 25 minutes prep time.
You also need at least 4 hours of freezing time. This recipe makes about 36 ice cubes. They are great for parties.
Main Benefits
These fruit ice cubes boost flavor and nutrition. You can make natural ice cubes with all fresh ingredients. They're perfect for summer parties. These fancy ice cubes add a touch of elegance.
Getting Started with Flavored Ice Cubes
Oh my gosh, are you ready to ditch boring ice? Honestly, I'm so excited about this. These gourmet ice cubes are super easy to make.
Plus, they look amazing in any drink. Flavored ice is a total game changer.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
These aren't your average ice cubes, you know? They're packed with flavor and natural goodness. The vibrant colors come from fruits and herbs. I've even used edible flower ice cubes before.
Ingredients for Your Rainbow
For the red colored ice cubes , we're using strawberries and basil. For orange, it's mango, turmeric, and ginger. Green cubes feature cucumber, mint, and lime.
And for blue/purple, blueberries and lavender. How fun is that?
You can use all Natural Ice Cubes here, the recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. Why not creating your Cocktail Ice Cubes or Infused Ice Cubes ?
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make A Rainbow of Ice Cubes . Honestly, it's super easy, and you can totally customize it.
I remember when I first tried making these, I was so excited to show off my fancy ice cubes at a summer BBQ.
Everyone thought I was some kind of cocktail guru! Let's break it down.
Main Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create these flavored ice cubes :
Red/Pink (Strawberry Basil):
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries (look for bright red ones!)
- 1/4 cup (5g) fresh basil leaves (the smellier, the better, you know?)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lime juice
Orange/Yellow (Mango Turmeric Ginger):
- 1 cup (170g) diced mango (ripe and juicy, please!)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (gives it that fab color)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (warming and zingy)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
Green (Cucumber Mint Lime):
- 1 cup (100g) roughly chopped cucumber (the crunchy kind)
- 1/4 cup (5g) fresh mint leaves (peppermint or spearmint your call!)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) water
Blue/Purple (Blueberry Lavender):
- 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen blueberries (frozen works a treat!)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried culinary lavender (or 1 teaspoon fresh lavender flowers)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
Seasoning Notes
Want to take your cocktail ice cubes to the next level?
- Essential spice combos: Think basil with strawberry, mint with cucumber.
- Flavor enhancers: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the fruit.
- Quick swaps: Lemon for lime, honey for agave. Just experiment!
I once added a little chili to my mango puree and oh my gosh! It was so good.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple!
- Blender or food processor
- Ice cube trays (silicone is your friend)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Honestly, you don't need anything fancy! Even an old jam jar and a fork will do in a pinch. These are going to be the best gourmet ice cubes ever! Let's make some infused ice cubes .
Rainbow Refresher Ice Cubes: Naturally Flavored & Colorful Cocktail Boosters
Honestly, who wants a boring ice cube? These ice cubes aren't just for keeping your drink cold. They are also delicious.
They are little flavor bombs. I got this idea while at a cocktail bar. I thought: "Why can't I do that at home?" Now I do.
These flavored ice cubes will seriously elevate your summer game. Forget watery drinks, they'll infuse goodness into every sip. They are perfect for cocktails, mocktails, or just a fizzy water! Plus, they look super pretty.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Power-Up
First things first, let's get organised. Having your ingredients prepped makes everything smoother. Chop your fruit, measure out your herbs, and have your blender ready.
This is your essential mise en place .
Time saving tip : Do all your chopping the day before. You know? Just store them in the fridge. Also, wash all fruits very carefully.
Safety is key. Always use a sharp knife on a stable surface. Pay attention to your fingers, yeah?
step-by-step: From Kitchen to Freezer
- Strawberry Basil Puree : Blend 1 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup basil, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tablespoon lime juice.
- Mango Turmeric Ginger Puree : Blend 1 cup mango, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 cup water.
- Cucumber Mint Lime Puree : Blend 1 cup cucumber, 1/4 cup mint, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 1 tablespoon water.
- Blueberry Lavender Puree : Blend 1 cup blueberries, 1/2 teaspoon lavender, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Fill Those Trays : Pour each puree into separate ice cube tray sections.
- Freeze : Freeze for at least 4 hours . Better overnight.
- Release the Magic : Gently twist trays to release your colored ice cubes .
You'll know they are ready. Just check they are rock solid!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Ice Game
Expert Technique : For extra clear ice, boil the water first and let it cool before blending. This gets rid of bubbles. It makes such a difference.
Common Mistake : Overfilling the ice cube trays. Leave a little space for expansion. You don't want to create a crazy mess.
make-ahead Option : These fancy ice cubes can be made weeks in advance. Just store them in a freezer bag.
And then, BAM. you have A Rainbow of Ice Cubes ready to go! It is simple to create Fruit Ice Cubes .
These gourmet ice cubes can have edible flowers, creating Edible Flower Ice Cubes , or be simply Natural Ice Cubes for your next cocktail.
You may also add them to your water creating amazing Infused Ice Cubes . These Flavored Ice options are infinite.
Did you know that flavored ice cubes have been used since the early 19th century for chilling and adding flavour to punches and other drinks? This makes our cocktail ice cubes a tradition, not a trend.
Recipe Notes: Let's Talk Cubes!
Alright, bestie, let's dive into the nitty gritty of these Rainbow Refresher Ice Cubes . You know, the stuff that'll make your summer drinks Instagram worthy? Honestly, it's easier than putting on mascara.
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Presentation is everything , isn't it? For these Fancy Ice Cubes , I like dropping them into a clear glass.
You get to see all the beautiful colors swirling around. Think of it as edible art. Pair 'em with a simple gin and tonic or even just some sparkling water.
A sprig of mint or a slice of fruit on the rim? Chef's kiss . These are a game changer for any Cocktail Ice Cubes or just some jazzed-up drinks.
Chilling Out: Storage Tips
Listen, these Gourmet Ice Cubes are precious. I keep mine in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible.
This stops them from getting freezer burn. They'll last for a good month or two. Just grab a few whenever you need a pop of flavor.
No reheating needed, obviously. They're ice! Although, I did once try to microwave one... don't ask!
Remix Time: Variations
Want to switch things up? Of course, you do! For a lower sugar version, use a tiny bit of agave instead of all fruit.
Works like a charm! I really enjoy the Flavored Ice Cubes with watermelon and lime for a nice summer blend.
It is just yummy. You can also make them dairy-free. And, don't forget to check out Edible Flower Ice Cubes for a pretty touch!
Goodness Inside: Nutrition Basics
Okay, so these aren't exactly a health food. But they are way better than sugary sodas! Each serving only has about 15-25 calories .
And you get a little boost of vitamins from the fruit. Plus, they're mostly water. Staying hydrated is always a win.
They are Natural Ice Cubes , after all.
I am telling you - crafting A Rainbow of Ice Cubes is not just a fun experiment; it's about embracing joy in the little things.
It's about turning the mundane into something magical, one cube at a time. So, go ahead, give this recipe a shot and watch as your drinks transform into a vibrant celebration of flavor and color.
You can explore various Fruit Ice Cubes and Colored Ice Cubes to achieve the look you need, or try Infused Ice Cubes to elevate your cocktail game.
Have fun. These Flavored Ice creations are worth it. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fruit for "A Rainbow of Ice Cubes", or does it have to be fresh?
Absolutely, using frozen fruit is a great time saver! Just let it thaw slightly before blending. Frozen fruit might release a bit more water, so you may need to adjust the water content in the recipe slightly to maintain a good consistency for freezing into those delightful "A Rainbow of Ice Cubes".
Think of it like building a snowman the texture needs to be just right!
How long will these Rainbow Refresher Ice Cubes last in the freezer, and how should I store them?
Your "A Rainbow of Ice Cubes" will stay good in the freezer for up to 2-3 months if stored properly. To prevent freezer burn (which can affect the flavor), pop the frozen cubes out of the trays and store them in a freezer bag or an airtight container.
Just like keeping your Yorkshire puddings fluffy, proper storage is key!
What if I don't have all the herbs listed? Can I substitute them in A Rainbow of Ice Cubes?
Definitely! Think of the herb suggestions as guidelines, not rules set in stone. If you don't have basil, mint, or lavender, you could try other soft herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a little bit of edible flower petals like pansies or violas.
It's all about experimenting to find your perfect flavor profile, just like finding the right biscuit to dunk in your tea!
My ice cubes are cloudy, not clear. What am I doing wrong?
Cloudy ice cubes are usually caused by dissolved air in the water. For clearer ice cubes, try boiling the water and letting it cool slightly before blending it with the other ingredients. This helps remove some of the air.
Also, freezing them slowly can help; think of it like baking a cake low and slow for even results!
Are there any dietary considerations for A Rainbow of Ice Cubes?
Absolutely! These ice cubes are naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by ensuring any added sweeteners (like honey) are substituted with agave nectar or maple syrup. For a lower sugar option, use less fruit and more herbs or cucumber.
You could even create some savory herb infused ice cubes perfect for a Bloody Mary, a real full English breakfast in a glass!
Rainbow Refresher Ice Cubes
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 15-25 |
|---|---|
| Fat | <1g |
| Fiber | <1g |
