So let’s talk details. Let’s talk about your ice cubes.
Fancy Ice Trays
First things first, you’ll want to snag up some snazzy ice trays. This is a great excuse to peruse your local specialty kitchenware store! Nowadays you can find everything from fun shapes like stars and flowers to molds designed for specific cocktail glasses. And if you really want to spice things up and make your guests -- and yourself -- laugh, companies like Fred & Friends make ice trays shaped like skeletons, robots, gems, and more.
If you’re having trouble finding cute ice trays, check out the baking section of your grocery or craft store. Those silicone baking and candy molds make perfect ice-makers and come in all kinds of fun shapes and sizes!
Simple Ice Cubes
Now that you’ve upped your shape game, it’s time to figure out what you’re pouring into those ice trays. Wait, you mean there’s more to it than water? Yes, friends, there is!
Okay, think about what you’re going to be drinking. Do you want to up the flavor or add to it? If you just want to up the flavor, then make up a bit of whatever you’re drinking and pour it into your ice trays. For example, if you’re planning to ice some orange creme tea, make your ice cubes from the same tea. That way, when you add your ice you won’t be diluting the flavor. Simple and genius!
But if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can use your ice cubes to add to the flavor by making them with herbs, fruit, or a complementary kind of tea.
Herbs
Fresh herbs are an easy way to add some punch to your ice cubes. Chop your herbs and divide them amongst your ice cube trays. Fill with water and allow to freeze.
Try…
• lavender bud ice cubes for Earl Grey tea
• basil and sage cubes go great with berry-infused vodka
• rose petal or rose water ice in our Summer Breakfast tea
Fruit
Not only is fruit fresh and plentiful during the summer, but it also makes for a built-in garnish! Simply add a few pieces of fruit to each section of your ice cube tray, cover with water, and freeze. You can also use fruit juice.
Try…
• lemon/lime zest or juice cubes in mint tea
• raspberries or blackberries in lime soda… or even chai
• cherries with our signature Garden Grove Green tea
Tea
Make up a strong tea by using 1.5 teaspoons of tea to one cup of water. Once it’s done steeping, pour your tea into your ice cube tray and freeze. I think these make the prettiest ice cubes of all!
Try…
• our Sunshine In a Cup tea makes a lovely ice cube addition to water or lemonade
• mint tea cubes add panache to lemonade or black tea
• Apricot/Lavender tea cubes are fun in our Afternoon High Tea blend
All photos are courtesy of the author.
