Clear Ice Maker

Crystal clear 2 inch ice cubes for whiskey and cocktails, made in your own freezer. No machine and no electricity. The insulated foam box freezes the water from the top down, which pushes the air bubbles and the cloudy part into the reservoir underneath, so the cubes in the tray come out clear.

Each batch makes 8 large cubes. Big clear cubes melt slowly, so a drink stays cold without getting watered down.

What is in the box

• Insulated foam box with a lid. Keep the box: it is what makes the ice clear.
• Silicone ice tray for 8 cubes, each 2 inches (5 cm), in a plastic frame.

Size

The box is 10.6 x 5.1 x 5.9 inches (27 x 13 x 15 cm). Check that your freezer has a flat space that size.

How to use it

1. Fill the box with water. Filtered water gives the clearest ice.
2. Put the silicone tray in place.
3. Freeze for 24 to 30 hours on a flat shelf. Try not to move it or bang the freezer door while it freezes.
4. Lift out the tray and pop out the cubes. Tip the cloudy ice from the bottom into the sink.

Let a cube sit at room temperature for about 3 minutes before you pour a drink over it, or it can crack. Full guide: how to make clear ice at home.

Questions

How long does it take to freeze?

24 to 30 hours on a flat freezer shelf.

How many cubes does it make?

8 cubes per batch, each 2 inches (5 cm).

Why is the ice at the bottom cloudy?

That is how it works. The box freezes from the top down and pushes the air and minerals to the bottom. The cubes in the tray stay clear, and the cloudy block underneath goes in the sink.

Why did my cube crack?

It went straight from the freezer into a drink. Let it rest for about 3 minutes first.

Do I need special water?

No, but filtered water gives the clearest result.

What is it made of?

A silicone and plastic tray inside an insulated foam box.

Guides

• Smoked Old Fashioned recipe
• Best clear ice maker: molds vs machines
• How to use a cocktail smoker