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!
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.
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.
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!
I hope you enjoy today’s perfect ice recipe, and Happy April 1st!
Other Recipes You Might Like:

The BEST Ice Recipe
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
How to Store
Keep leftover ice in freezer for up to 7 years or longer.Nutrition
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.
Emmalee
I don’t know how you keep a straight face during the video, especially during the spatula thing. 😂
Sam
🤣🤣🤣
Lily O
This recipe is AMAZING, best ice ever. Could you do a recipe on bottled water next?
Sam
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Annie
Thank goodness I came across this recipe! I’d been poring over your site for HOURS trying to find the perfect thing to bake for my family gathering this weekend, and THIS. IS. IT!! 😍
I needed a laugh today, thank you Sam. The video killed me! 😂😁
Sam
🤣🤣🤣
Julia
😂😂😂😂
Alice
Yeah, no. I feel so bad that you poor people are actually falling for this horrible woman pathetic attempt a recipe.
Sam
Alice, are you just jealous that you did not come up with this recipe yourself? Please don’t feel bad! Not everyone has my same level of culinary genius.
Mallory, a REAL chef
Is this a joke? Here’s a real recipe.
Step 1: get the materials. You’ll need water, a freezer, and and I cube tray mold or and type of container that you’d like to make ice in.
Step 2: pour the water into the container or mold.
Step 3: put it in the freezer.
Step 4-just Kidding! That’s ALL there is to it. No weird bottled water, or spatula smoothing. Enjoy your ice humans!
Sam
Mallory, your recipe might work for an amateur ice-ist such as yourself, but for true aficionados such as myself and many others who frequent this site you really need to follow the steps in my video. Any other way just isn’t authentic.
Jackie V
I spoke too soon when I reviewed your recipe on how to make toast. Thanks for a good laugh! Loving the site! 🙂
Sugar Spun Run
I am glad that you were able to laugh and are now fully educated on how to make PERFECT toast. 🙂
D
Do you assume all your readers are idiots?
Sugar Spun Run
Not at all! I try to make things easy to follow and fun. This recipe was posted on April 1st and the feedback from it was well received. 😉
Julia
Heelo miss sam!
I am julia, (not the other Julia, i am the 12 year old one) your best reader. Loooooved your recipe! Actually, I love all your recipes. Thanks again!
Merci Boucoup (i am not French, but I am learning it)
Julia. (The 12 year old one)
Emi
This recipe changed my life Sam. I’ve always been intimidated to make my own ice, but you broke it down into small steps (though a little tricky) and made it so easy. Thank you so much!
Sam
🤣 I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Emi! 🙂
Linda Zummo
Question? Does ice taste better the longer you keep it? Didn’t know it would keep for 7 years.
Sugar Spun Run
7 Years! Wow! Good to know, Linda. I think like wine, it tastes better once it has aged. 😉
Cindy
Another hit out out of the ballpark! I LOVE these posts! I once tried making ice cubes out of booze. Failed miserably!
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed this recipe, Cindy! I hope that with the tips I have listed and guidance from the video you can MASTER this recipe. 😉
eric
Thanks for the great tips. My problem was that my ice was very cold to the touch. Is there a way to make warmer ice. Thanks
Sam
Hi Eric! Usually if I want my ice warmer I pop it in the oven at 350F for a half an hour, that usually helps!
Carrie
So,my ice didn’t set for some reason, should I use cold water at first? Also,I still have wrinkles in the ice tray. Can I substitute it for another beverage? Also,I was thinking of tweaking it a little with salt, as this recipe seems very bland to me. 😂
Diana M.
Hoot! This was delightful!
Debbie N.
So cute! So many funny comments as well.
I wonder , am I the only person who is persnickety about having great tasting ice ?
When visiting someone’s home or even restaurant and a kind host offers a refreshing cold drink and you take that first anticipated sip and you think, oh no! keep smiling..be polite..bad or old or “fridge smell” ice has ruined your lovely frosty bevvie!
I don’ t own an ice maker, but have experienced it at homes that do, ( I would never embarrass anyone by commenting ), but it has taught me to be sure my ice is always fresh and great tasting.