4.63 from 35 votes

How to Make Ice

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79 Comments

Servings: 16 ice cubes

4 hrs 1 min

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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!

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Ice cubes in drinking glass
4.63 from 35 votes

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! 
Prep: 1 minute
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 1 minute
Servings: 16 ice cubes
YouTube video

Equipment

  • Ice cube tray
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Ingredients

  • 1 bottle water, extra virgin

TOOLS YOU WILL NEED

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

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

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

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4.63 from 35 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




79 Comments

  1. Cynthia StAmand says:

    5 stars
    I love all your stuff! This was so funny, I needed a chuckle. Thank you!

  2. Robin laura says:

    It is harder than you think 🤓

  3. Tom Kirkwood says:

    5 stars
    Sam: Our tap water doesn’t have much flavor up here in New York so I added a twist of lemon and some vodka. Best tasting water I’ve ever had! Thank you so much for this recipe and the video. Tom. PS. Can’t wait for your video on boiling water!

  4. Eman says:

    5 stars
    I almost died XD

  5. Nancy says:

    I have been wasting all my left over bottled water, now I know what to do with them, will turn off automatic ice maker and make homemade Ice, LOL. Have to buy ice trays,tossed mine out 40 Years ago!

  6. annie sullivan says:

    How does one make clear ice?

    1. Heather says:

      Use distilled water. Or boiled water

  7. Beverly says:

    This would be funny if my husband was not on a quest to make clear ice cubes🤦‍♀️ Not a joke🤦‍♀️

  8. Stacey says:

    I’m out of water. What can I substitute?

  9. Rose says:

    5 stars
    A half hour now, still laughing! Martha Stewart will be jealous.

    1. Sam says:

      😂😂😂😂😂 I’m glad you enjoyed it, Rose! 🙂

      1. Dawn Williams says:

        Sam, you are so funny !!!

  10. Tessa says:

    5 stars
    Love the recipe, but sometimes I have people over who prefer smaller portions. What would be the best way to neatly cut an ice cube in half? I tried dental floss but it didn’t work.

  11. Theresa Reid says:

    Lol an April Fool I am not.

  12. Michael Madden says:

    5 stars
    I’ve often wondered how to make ice, I am so glad that I had joined your site last year. The mystery is solved and I will be passing down this recipe, not only to my daughter (I only have one child) but I am going to send this link to friends and family. I can’t thank you enough, not only for the secret ingredient but also the spatula trick(very helpful) You are truly a gift too us all. LOL

    1. Eman says:

      5 stars
      Lol XD

  13. Susan Thwing says:

    This was great. I didn’t catch on until I actually read the first comment.

    Very well done!

  14. Candace Atkins says:

    Can the recipe be doubled?

  15. Charlene Wiest says:

    Thanks Sam. This was really fun!! Happy April Fool’s Day to you, too.

    I will suggest 1 possible alternative. If you want clear ice instead of opaque, boil your water before pouring into your tray/mold. Pour it in “hot”. Freeze, wait, then wah-lah! Clear ice!

    Have fun!