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    You are here: Home / Desserts / Frozen / How to Make Ice

    How to Make Ice

    April 1, 2019 By Sam 69 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Best! Ice Recipe

    This is it! The BEST Ice Recipe that’s been in my family for generations! Just one easy ingredient, who would’ve thought it could ever be this easy to make your own ice!?

    Be sure to check out the how-to VIDEO at the bottom of the post!

    Ice cubes in a clear glass blue background

    World’s Best Ice Recipe

    Ice.

    It’s what separates us from the animals. Scientists have probably argued for years that it is the practice of adding frozen water to room temperature water that differentiates human beings from all other species, and I couldn’t agree more.

    Today I’ll be showing you exactly how I make my own homemade ice cubes in my own kitchen. It might sound intimidating, but so long as you have a freezer, an ice cube tray, and some water, you too can make perfect ice at home.

    Get ready to impress your guests with the best ice recipe of all time.

    Overhead view of ice cube trays and water bottles

    Ice, An All-Inclusive Treat

    Gluten-free, dairy-free, fat-free, and low calorie, this ice recipe is not only simple but perfect for serving to friends and family members with allergies or dietary restrictions. I always keep a stash of ice in my freezer in case I have a guest who has an allergy and can’t enjoy a slice of chocolate cake or whatever other decadent baked good I’ve prepared, and they are always so grateful.

    Overhead view of ice in a glass

    Tips for Making Ice

    Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making your own ice! It’s really much easier than you probably think, and I’ll walk you through all the steps. Here are a few helpful tips so that your ice comes out perfect every time.

    • Always use an ice cube tray to make ice. If you just pour the ingredients directly into the freezer it won’t turn out quite right (been there, tried that, it was disappointing).
    • Neve use an ice maker when trying to make ice. I get it, you’ve had a long day and it’s so easy to just hit a lever on the front of your freezer for ready-made ice cubes. But I think you’ll agree with me that nothing tastes as good as made-from-scratch ice. You can taste the love and hard work in your glass and it’s worth all the extra effort.
    • No Substitutions. Ice is meant to be made with water. I strongly advise you do not use any substitutes as they will not turn out the same. I attempted this recipe using milk, soy sauce, natural puddle water, and ketchup, and unfortunately each time it made my water taste terrible. Stick to the recipe, it’s been the same for generations for a reason.
    • Watch the video before you attempt to make ice for the first time. It can be a little tricky if this is your first time making ice and the video shows you exactly how to do each step properly.

    Follow these tips and you’ll have perfect ice every time!

    Ice cubes in a clear glass

    I hope you enjoy today’s perfect ice recipe, and Happy April 1st!

    Other Recipes You Might Like:

    • The Worst Chocolate Chip Cookies
    Ice cubes in drinking glass

    The BEST Ice Recipe

    A generations-old recipe for making perfect homemade ice every time! 
    Be sure to check out the how-to VIDEO at the bottom of the post! 
    4.56 from 27 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 1 minute
    Chilling Time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 4 hours 1 minute
    Servings: 16 ice cubes
    Author: Sam Merritt

    Ingredients

    • 1 bottle water extra virgin

    TOOLS YOU WILL NEED

    • 1 16-count ice cube tray
    • 1 small spatula recommended but not required
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat freezer to 32F (0C)
    • Uncap water bottle (do not skip this step) and evenly distribute water into ice cube tray.
    • If using a spatula, now is its time to shine. Use spatula to carefully smooth out ice, eliminating the chance of any wrinkles.
    • Transfer ice cube tray to freezer and allow to chill overnight.
    • The next morning, check your ice. It should be frozen solid and can be used at once. Enjoy!

    Notes

    *Please note that in the video I stated that you should preheat your freezer to negative 32F. While this will work perfectly fine, I meant to say 32F and this is a more standard temperature for preparing ice.

    How to Store

    Keep leftover ice in freezer for up to 7 years or longer.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ice cube

    Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

    Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Helen

      April 01, 2022 at 5:17 pm

      Phew…..I can really enjoy my gin now. I knew there was “something missing”!🤣 That’s really made me giggle….thanks 😊 x

      Reply
    2. Alison Rider

      April 01, 2022 at 4:18 pm

      5 stars
      Best recipe ever…a must lmaooo happy April!

      Reply
    3. Sheri

      April 01, 2022 at 12:37 pm

      This is simply the BEST. Thank you for the laugh🤣🤣🤣🤣

      Reply
    4. Barb Kidd

      April 01, 2022 at 10:10 am

      OMG!!!! This blew my mind-what a game changer!! I never knew you could create ice in your own home, all I’ve ever known was that it was exclusive to gas stations and Dollar Generals. I have 1 question–If it can last up to 7 years in freezer what is the process to prevent freezer burn? I’m off 5o create homemade ICE😁 who would’ve ever thunk!

      Reply
    5. Steve Iceberg

      April 01, 2022 at 9:09 am

      I DON’T UNDERSTAND,PLEASE I NEED FURTHER CLARIFICATION

      Reply
    6. Jenny

      April 01, 2022 at 9:07 am

      5 stars
      A bit on the difficult side, but your instructions really helped. I loved the final product and love the shelf life even more. Thanks!

      Reply
    7. Sloane

      June 23, 2021 at 4:49 pm

      4 stars
      Exquisite. I have simply no words. My only problem was that it was a bit too wrinkly for my liking. I used a spatula that was especially designed for ice-making and I’m still wondering why I have the wrinkles. It must be because I used tap water instead of bottled. Other than that, I have to say that this has replaced your chocolate cake as the best recipe on the blog.

      Reply
      • Trina

        April 01, 2022 at 5:01 pm

        5 stars
        This is great but where is the video… I’m kind of lost on making my own ice 🤣

        Reply
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    The author (Sam) in blue shirt holding donut Hi, I'm Sam! I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate). Read more about me.

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