Imagine the sound of ice tinkling in a glass and colorful bursts of berry flavor swirling in your favorite drink — that’s the magic of Fruity Ice Cubes! These vibrant, jewel-toned cubes instantly turn an ordinary beverage into a party, infusing every sip with the freshness of real fruit and a touch of whimsy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Showstopper Looks: Fruity Ice Cubes transform even plain water into Instagram-worthy, colorful refreshments that truly impress!
- Customizable Flavors: Mix and match any combination of berries, citrus, or even herbs to match your favorite drinks or the season.
- Perfect for All Ages: Fun for kids’ summer sippers and oh-so-chic for cocktails or brunch drinks alike.
- Ridiculously Easy: Just press, pour, and freeze; you’ll have a frosty treat in under ten minutes of hands-on time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to whip up these Fruity Ice Cubes, but don’t underestimate how much they matter! Each fruit adds a splash of color, while your choice of liquid brings just the right pop and fizz to every cube.
- Fresh Berries (3 cups): Choose from strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries — or a cheerful mix! The more variety, the more gorgeous your cubes.
- Filtered Water or Liquid of Choice (2 cups): Classic filtered water lets the fruit flavor shine, while lemonade, soda, or sparkling water add serious pizzazz and flavor to your drinks.
Variations
Once you’ve nailed the basic recipe, the sky’s the limit! This is a classic “choose your own adventure” treat — whether you’re adjusting for what’s in season, trying something new, or catering to a crowd.
- Citrus Burst: Add sliced lemons, limes, or even blood oranges for a zesty twist and a burst of sunshine in each cube.
- Herbal Infusion: Tuck in a fresh mint leaf or a sliver of basil with your fruit for an elegant, spa-like vibe.
- Tropical Paradise: Try adding diced mango, pineapple, or kiwi for something unexpected and deeply refreshing.
- Kid-Friendly Pops: Use 100% fruit juice instead of water for ultra-colorful and naturally sweet ice cubes that little ones adore.
How to Make Fruity Ice Cubes
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
Rinse all your berries thoroughly and drain well. If you’re using strawberries, be sure to hull and chop them into small pieces so they tuck nicely into the ice cube molds. The smaller the fruit, the more you can nestle into each cube!
Step 2: Arrange Berries in Ice Cube Tray
Grab your favorite ice cube tray—standard plastic is great, but silicone molds are even more fun, especially if you want larger or uniquely shaped Fruity Ice Cubes. Carefully press the fruit into each compartment, filling them as generously as you can without overflowing.
Step 3: Add Liquids
Pour your choice of filtered water, lemonade, soda, or sparkling water over the fruit, just to the top of the tray compartments. Tip: If using a fizzy liquid, pour slowly to minimize bubbles and spilling!
Step 4: Freeze
Pop the tray into your freezer and let the Fruity Ice Cubes set for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better for solid results. Once fully frozen, they’re ready for your drinks!
Pro Tips for Making Fruity Ice Cubes
- Prep Ahead for Parties: Make several trays of Fruity Ice Cubes in advance and store them in a zip-top bag so you’re always ready for guests or last-minute celebrations.
- Clearer Cubes: Use boiled, cooled water if you want picture-perfect crystal-clear ice—the perfect showcase for vibrant fruit.
- Fit Is Everything: Cut fruit into small pieces; chunky fruit is harder to fit and sometimes pops out of the cubes when they freeze.
- Silicone for the Win: Large silicone molds flex so Fruity Ice Cubes pop out easily—no twisting or banging required!
How to Serve Fruity Ice Cubes
Garnishes
Top your drinks with extra fresh berries, a lemon twist, or a fragrant sprig of mint when serving Fruity Ice Cubes. The added splash of color makes any glass feel instantly festive and thoughtfully prepared.
Side Dishes
Pair drinks made with Fruity Ice Cubes alongside summer salads, charcuterie boards, or even brunch classics like quiche and pastries. Their cool, fruit-forward flavor is a welcome contrast to savory bites and rich foods.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Fruity Ice Cubes in a large, clear pitcher or beverage dispenser so guests can see their colorful beauty. For special occasions, use shaped silicone molds—think hearts, stars, or spheres—for a playful surprise in every glass!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Fruity Ice Cubes, pop them out of the tray and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep beautifully for up to two weeks and are ready to add color and flavor to drinks at a moment’s notice.
Freezing
These cubes thrive in the freezer! For best results, transfer Fruity Ice Cubes to a sealed bag once frozen solid to protect them from frost and keep them tasting fresh. You can freeze big batches so you never run out, even during a party.
Reheating
Fruity Ice Cubes are meant to be served icy cold, so you’ll never need to reheat them — just add straight from the freezer to your favorite beverages and enjoy the refreshing chill!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Yes! If fresh fruit isn’t in season, frozen berries work beautifully. There’s no need to thaw them first—just add directly to your trays and pour over your liquid of choice.
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Which liquids work best for Fruity Ice Cubes?
Filtered water is classic and lets the fruit take center stage, but for extra fun and fizz, try lemonade, sparkling water, or even a favorite soda. Each brings its own twist and complements the fruit differently!
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How do I keep the fruit from floating to the top?
Gently press the fruit to the bottom of each mold before pouring over your liquid. Filling the trays slowly and topping off after the cubes start to set helps keep fruit evenly distributed within the ice.
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Can I make Fruity Ice Cubes in advance for parties?
Absolutely! In fact, making them ahead is a sanity-saver. Freeze your cubes a day or two in advance and keep them stored in a freezer bag so you can refill drinks all celebration long.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, genuinely simple way to brighten up your drinks, Fruity Ice Cubes are the answer. They’re as much a joy to look at as they are to sip on, and you’ll love watching friends and family marvel at their vibrant charm. Go ahead—give them a whirl and let your creativity (and your drinks) sparkle!
Print
Fruity Ice Cubes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: N/A
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make refreshing fruity ice cubes to elevate your beverages with bursts of fruity flavors. These colorful ice cubes are perfect for adding a hint of sweetness to plain water or adding a fun twist to your favorite sparkling beverages.
Ingredients
Berries Mix
- 3 cups fresh rinsed berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries (if using strawberries hull and chop first)
Liquid Base
- 2 cups water or liquid of choice, such as soda, lemonade or sparkling water
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit Cubes: Press the berries into the holes of an empty ice cube tray.
- Fill with Liquid: Pour liquid of choice over the tops of the fruit and freeze for a minimum of 1 hour.
- Serve: Add the fruit cubes to a glass or pitcher of water or a can of sparkling water. Add additional fruit, if desired.
Notes
- Load up on the fruit! As long as it fits below the surface of the ice cube tray, it’s fair game. You can try different fruit, as well, so don’t feel limited to berries. Oranges, lemons, limes, pears, grapefruit, go crazy!
- If it’s not fresh fruit season, use frozen fruit instead
- The smaller pieces of fruit you use, the more you’ll be able to squeeze in.
- To spruce the cubes up even more, replace the plain water in the cubes with sprite or sparkling water.
- Use a regular plastic ice cube mold or a silicone mold for this recipe. Larger silicone molds hold extra volume, so you can pack in extra fruit.
- Use filtered water for the freshest, tastiest cubes.
- Fruit flavored cubes are a refreshing drink for kids in the summer, but they are also great for hot afternoons on the deck, girls night or brunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
