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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. Cynthia StAmand

      April 03, 2019 at 11:36 am

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

      Reply
    2. Robin laura

      April 02, 2019 at 8:49 pm

      It is harder than you think 🤓

      Reply
    3. Tom Kirkwood

      April 02, 2019 at 3:18 pm

      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!

      Reply
    4. Eman

      April 02, 2019 at 11:29 am

      5 stars
      I almost died XD

      Reply
    5. Nancy

      April 02, 2019 at 3:03 am

      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!

      Reply
    6. annie sullivan

      April 01, 2019 at 11:58 pm

      How does one make clear ice?

      Reply
      • Heather

        April 04, 2019 at 6:20 am

        Use distilled water. Or boiled water

        Reply
    7. Beverly

      April 01, 2019 at 9:56 pm

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

      Reply
    8. Stacey

      April 01, 2019 at 8:38 pm

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

      Reply
    9. Rose

      April 01, 2019 at 7:51 pm

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

      Reply
      • Sam

        April 01, 2019 at 8:24 pm

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

        Reply
        • Dawn Williams

          April 02, 2019 at 12:34 am

          Sam, you are so funny !!!

    10. Tessa

      April 01, 2019 at 4:55 pm

      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.

      Reply
    11. Theresa Reid

      April 01, 2019 at 4:02 pm

      Lol an April Fool I am not.

      Reply
    12. Michael Madden

      April 01, 2019 at 3:42 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Eman

        April 02, 2019 at 11:30 am

        5 stars
        Lol XD

        Reply
    13. Susan Thwing

      April 01, 2019 at 3:09 pm

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

      Very well done!

      Reply
    14. Candace Atkins

      April 01, 2019 at 3:02 pm

      Can the recipe be doubled?

      Reply
    15. Charlene Wiest

      April 01, 2019 at 2:32 pm

      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!

      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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