How To Make Crystal Clear Ice Cubes For Whiskey? (2023)

Last Updated on December 29, 2022 by Lydia Martin

Everyone would agree that clear cubed ice blocks look great in a whiskey glass. They melt slower and evenly, too! You can find different methods on how to make crystal clear ice cubes for whiskey. 

However, to make it convenient for you, here are six simple steps to making fancy whiskey ice cubes!

6 Steps in Making Clear Ice Cubes For Whiskey (Cooler Method)

1. Look For An Insulated Cooler

Get an insulated cooler that fits inside your freezer. We suggest purchasing even a small cooler if you can. This essential equipment will be the mold of your ice cubes before putting them in the freezer. This might also be a great alternative instead of buying ice makers.  

2. Fill It With Water

Simply fill the cooler with distilled water or filtered tap water (better boiled to remove impurities). Also, pour the water into the cooler carefully to avoid forming air bubbles, leaving a clear ice block. 

3. Put Into The Freezer (Without Lid)

Next is to clear out your freezer space and place your cooler with the lid open into it. This is so you can control the freezing direction. 

Also, it is better to put the cooler in the coldest corner of your freezer, so the water freezes quickly and evenly. After a few hours, you may check the cooler to see if it has started to freeze. 

Read: How To Order Whiskey Like A Pro

4. Pull It Out After 2-3 Days

Wait until the ice block is frozen. After 2-3 days, you can now remove the cooler from the freezer. Turn your small cooler upside down onto a cutting board or ice tray and wait until the entire ice block slides out. Pry the ice molds carefully, then see your clear ice cube block!

5. Cut The Ice Block Into Clear Cubes

You will need to remove the ice block from the cooler using a cleaver, chisel, or ice pick. It is a very critical step and must be done with caution to prevent the cube from cracking. After removing the ice, cut it into blocks or cubes. 

6. Store In A Ziplock Bag & Put Them In The Freezer

After cutting the cubes, put the cubes in a ziplock and store them in your freezer. Much better if you can stock up on more ice for a good supply. 

One important tip we learned is that pouring a whiskey or cocktail into the ice cube right after pulling it out from the freezer can break the ice. So, better to let the ice sit for a few minutes before pouring it into your favorite whiskey. But should whiskey be chilled?

3 Easy Alternative Clear Ice Cube-Making Methods

1. Clear Ice Makers

Many ice makers are available for easy ice cube making. You will add water into the ice maker or ice cube tray and store it in the freezer. 

Also, there are ice machines, which require zero effort. Just fill it with water and switch it on then you’ll have clear ice balls ready to serve! 

2. Ice Mold Designed For Directional Freezing

You can make ice spheres using a mold and any other mold options available. This technique lets ice freeze in a particular direction, pushing the ice’s cloudy impurities. It can also help remove the rough patches from the surface area. 

There are two methods of directional freezing. First is the cooler freezing, which requires molds, an ice cube tray, or a baking dish. Then, salt water freezing, which has the same process as the cooler freezing, except it freezes ice from the bottom up. 

3. Boiled Water Method

To make ice, boil tap water and pour it into a cube mold or ice tray. You can then freeze it in your freezer. Also, you can store any leftover cubes in a container to keep them in. 

Read: Does Clear Whiskey Exist?

FAQs 

Will bottled water make clear ice cubes?

Yes, bottled water can make clear ice cubes. However, in making crystal clear ice spheres or cubes, we recommend using bottled distilled water, filtered water, or any water that underwent reverse osmosis [1] to prevent impurities. 

Does boiled water make clear ice cubes?

Yes, boiled water can make clear ice cubes, but it’s not as crystal as distilled water does. It may still have a cloudy part. But, still, the result greatly depends on the freezing process.  

Final Thoughts 

A crystal clear cubed ice or ice ball adds elegance to your glass of whiskey. What’s fascinating is we can make our own ice cubes at home and enjoy the best drinking experience. Hopefully, this guide has helped you create crystal clear ice cubes ideal for serving your favorite cocktails. 

Doing so will significantly improve the taste and appearance of your drink. Although it will take some effort to make ice cubes, it is very beneficial for you and your guests as it allows you to enjoy the drink. Cheers! 

Reference:

1. https://science.howstuffworks.com/reverse-osmosis.htm