When it comes to elevating your beverage experience, it’s not just about the drink—it’s also about the ice. Customized ice has become a standout feature in cocktails, mocktails, and even simple glasses of water, turning everyday drinks into elegant, conversation-starting moments. There are ice tools out there made specifically to make your ice as unique as possible. Whether you’re hosting a party, crafting the perfect cocktail, or just want your iced coffee to look a little cooler (literally), there’s an art to getting your ice just right.
Ice Stamp
One of the classiest ways to customize your ice is a simple ice stamp. Most are engraved with a single initial, which is then stamped directly into the top side of the ice. Ice stamps work best with flat ice, since not every bit of stamp surface area will be able to shape the ice on a rounded surface.
Most commonly, this ice accessory is made of brass. Brass uses thermal conductivity to melt the ice, creating a perfect indent on the ice’s surface. Due to the material used to make an ice stamp, it will tarnish over time. It is essential to properly clean your stamp after you use it so that the tarnishing process is as slow as possible.
Ice Press
The quickest way to completely alter the shape of a block of ice is to use an ice press. Some presses are heated with electric power and can quickly melt a block of ice into the shape of the mold within the press. Meanwhile, others (typically aluminum and copper) use a combination of thermal conductivity and gravity. The weight of the top of the press heavily affects how quickly the ice melts as gravity pulls it down.
Typically, ice presses form spheres, diamonds, roses, and sometimes even skulls and other unique shapes. Some ice presses also allow you to switch out molds so that you can test out multiple shapes with one press.
Ice Mold
Whether in the shape of a tray or a single silicone cup, ice molds can be used to create various shapes and sizes of ice. The most basic option is a plastic tray, like the one that can be bought at any general store. When you want to upgrade your ice game and move on to a wide variety of shapes, silicone molds will be the route to take.
The only disadvantage of most ice molds is the cloudiness of the finished product. Without a vacuum-sealed device that utilizes directional freezing, the shaped ice will always end up cloudy, which affects both the aesthetics and quality. We recommend using the Clear Cube to achieve clear ice that is in the shape of a perfect cube.
Ice mold tray shapes can range from hearts to spooky ghosts to any seasonal or fun shape one can think of. These ice tools also vary in size, which allows you to have power over just how much ice goes into your drinks.
Ice Plate
From stripes to zigzags to polka dots, ice plates allow you to indent any pattern into an ice cube. Instead of just a single stamp that gives one shaping option, ice plates can provide an array of choices. Some ice trays have up to 10 different patterns to choose from! Each side of the ice cube could be a different pattern. These trays work similarly to ice stamps; they are made of brass and utilize thermal conductivity to melt the ice. The main difference is that the user doesn’t have to push the tray into the ice like one would with a stamp. Instead, gravity pulls the ice down as it sits on the tray, allowing the indented pattern to form.
Infused Ice
If you’re looking to upgrade your ice game in an eye-catching and potentially flavorful way, it’s time to try infusion. Ice infusion involves placing a piece of fruit, herb, or edible flower into an ice mold before freezing. Once the ice is formed, it will be infused with whatever you added beforehand. This allows you to experiment with flavors, aesthetics, and even the types of liquid you’d like to freeze.
Infused ice looks best when the ice itself is clear, so you’ll still want to use a mold that creates clear ice. If you decide to freeze something like juice instead, it’s important to make sure that the item infused and the ice match aesthetically with the drink you are putting it in, in order to achieve the best presentation.
Conclusion
From stamped initials to botanical infusions, customizing your ice isn’t just about looks; it’s about adding a personal touch to every pour. Try one ice tool or combine a few for the ultimate chilled statement. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, your ice can be just as impressive as what you’re sipping.
