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    Home » Desserts » Frozen

    How to Make Ice

    Updated: Apr 1, 2019 • Published: Apr 1, 2019 by Sam Merritt • 75 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
    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! 
    4.62 from 34 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 1 minute minute
    Chilling Time: 4 hours hours
    Total Time: 4 hours hours 1 minute minute
    Servings: 16 ice cubes
    Author: Sam Merritt
    YouTube video

    Ingredients

    • 1 bottle water extra virgin

    TOOLS YOU WILL NEED

    • 1 16-count ice cube tray
    • 1 small spatula recommended but not required

    Recommended Equipment

    • Ice cube tray

    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. Sundance

      April 01, 2019 at 1:15 pm

      This is great! Who would’ve thought it was so easy to make ice! Love it! Keep up the good work!

      Reply
    2. Carrie Everett

      April 01, 2019 at 12:45 pm

      I loved it! Had to have my husband watch also. His comment…her recipes are great and shes cute too!!

      Reply
    3. Mikaru86

      April 01, 2019 at 12:16 pm

      Best ice recipe I’ve ever seen (and the best April Fools joke I’ve seen all day).
      Keep up the great work 🙂

      Reply
    4. Tania

      April 01, 2019 at 12:14 pm

      5 stars
      Hahaha Good one!! APRIL FOOLS TO YOU TOO!!

      Reply
    5. Joline

      April 01, 2019 at 12:07 pm

      Lolololol!!!! Loved your video!! Happy April Fools Day!! You made mine!!👍👏🙌👍😊🤗😂🤣😅😉Sounds so delish! Cant wait to try it!! Hahaha!!

      Reply
    6. Selah Howard

      April 01, 2019 at 11:56 am

      Hi there!

      This is hilarious!! I first got on to see if there was a new recipe and found…Ice? Haha!! Didn’t understand until I got to the comments! Good one, Sam! Especially love the video!! It made me LOL!

      Sweetly,
      Selah

      Reply
    7. Naomi

      April 01, 2019 at 11:51 am

      5 stars
      Sadly, I was 2 paragraphs in before I thought April fool’s day. 🤔😂😂 Instead I was thinking…how the heck do you make ice without water and a freezer??? Have I been doing it wrong all these years?? 🤣

      Reply
    8. Sharon Schroeter

      April 01, 2019 at 11:49 am

      Too funny 😉

      Reply
    9. Michelle

      April 01, 2019 at 11:33 am

      As soon as I received the email I just knew it was an April Fools joke. But I read it anyway as I enjoy Sam and her blog!

      Reply
    10. Donna

      April 01, 2019 at 11:27 am

      Lots of giggles!!!!

      Reply
    11. annie sullivan

      April 01, 2019 at 11:21 am

      Ah . . . But how does one make clear ice?

      Reply
    12. MSC

      April 01, 2019 at 11:09 am

      5 stars
      Yes, this is an April Fool’s joke 😂
      Good one!

      Reply
    13. Kathleen Whipple

      April 01, 2019 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      You are hysterical! What a great April Fool’s joke. Well done, LOLOL!

      Reply
    14. Robin Evans

      April 01, 2019 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      I tried this at home. I’m not sure if I did it right. Planning on using it in some lemonade later today. Hoping it will make the lemonade cold but I’m not sure.

      Reply
    15. David

      April 01, 2019 at 10:35 am

      Wait, you mean I cannot substitute dry ice in this recipe?

      Reply
    Newer Comments »
    4.62 from 34 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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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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