There comes a time when you crave a chilled drink only to discover that your ice tray is missing. It can be frustrating, isn’t it? While you can always dash to the store and buy one, what if you don’t feel like spending money on it? Luckily, there are several ways you can make ice cubes without a tray. In this post, we’ll show you some simple DIY ideas to help you create ice cubes using items you probably already have at home. We’ll also give answers to common questions like, “How do you make ice in the freezer without an ice tray?” and “What can I use if I don’t have an ice cube tray?” If you’re ready, let’s get started!
Making Ice Cubes Without a Tray
Are you tired of the hassle of using an ice cube tray? Do you dread the moment when you have to refill the tray and put it back into the freezer only to wait for hours for the cubes to freeze? Fear not, there are other ways to make ice cubes without the use of a tray.
Ziplock Bag Method
One way to make ice cubes without using a tray is by using a ziplock bag. Simply fill a ziplock bag with water, seal it, and place it in the freezer. Once the water has turned into ice, remove the bag from the freezer and gently tap it on a hard surface to break up the ice into cubes. Voila! You now have ice cubes without using a tray.
Silicone Molds
Another alternative to using a tray is by using silicone molds. These molds are available in various shapes and sizes and can be found at most kitchen stores or online. To make ice cubes using a silicone mold, pour water into the mold and place it in the freezer. Once the water has frozen, remove the mold from the freezer and flex it to release the ice cubes.
Using Egg Cartons
Yes, you read that right! You can use egg cartons to make ice cubes. Simply clean and dry an empty egg carton, fill each egg holder with water, and place it in the freezer. Once the water has frozen, tear away the cardboard egg carton, and you have ice cubes ready for use.
Who said you need a tray to make ice cubes? Using a ziplock bag, silicone mold, or egg carton are just some of the methods you can use to make ice cubes without having to use a tray. So, the next time you’re out of ice cube trays, don’t panic, just try one of these alternative methods for making ice cubes.
DIY Ice Cube Tray Ideas
Tired of boring and standard ice cube trays? Look no further than these fun and creative DIY ideas to jazz up your beverage game.
1. Fruit Ice Cubes
Add some sweetness to your drink with fruit ice cubes. Simply cut up your favorite fruits, such as berries, watermelon, or kiwi, and place them in an ice cube tray. Fill with water and freeze. Not only do they add a burst of flavor, but they also look pretty in your glass.
2. Lego Ice Cubes
For the kid in all of us, try making Lego ice cubes. Use a clean, unused Lego set as your ice cube mold and fill with water. Once frozen, pop out the Lego pieces and add them to your favorite drink. Bonus: you can also use the molds to make actual Lego pieces for building!
3. Cookie Cutter Ice Cubes
Get festive with cookie cutter ice cubes. Use your favorite cookie cutters, such as stars or hearts, and place them in a shallow dish. Fill with water and freeze. Once frozen, pop them out and add to your drink for a cute touch.
4. Herb Ice Cubes
For a savory twist on ice cubes, try using herbs like rosemary or mint. Add a sprig or leaves to each compartment of an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze. These flavorful ice cubes are perfect for adding to cocktails!
With these DIY ice cube tray ideas, you’ll never have to settle for boring ice cubes again. Let your creativity run wild and impress your guests with your unique and fun ice cubes!
How to Make Ice Cubes Clear
Are your ice cubes cloudy, cracked, and uninviting? Fear not, comrades! Making clear ice cubes is neither rocket science nor black magic. All you’ll need are some basic household items and a bit of patience.
The Freeze-Boil Method
This ice-cube-making hack is easy-peasy lemon-squeezy. Fill a pot with water and let it boil for at least 5 minutes. Then, let it cool down for another 5 minutes. Pour the boiled water into an ice cube tray, fill it about 3/4 of the way, and pop it in the freezer. Once it’s frozen, take out the tray and let it rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes. Then, run it under hot water for a few seconds to loosen up the ice cubes. Voila! You’ve got yourself some crystal-clear ice cubes.
The Double Boil Method
This method requires a bit more skill and equipment, but the results are stellar. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Then, put a smaller pot or bowl inside the large pot. Make sure the smaller pot/bowl is weighted down. Fill the smaller pot/bowl with water and let it boil for 15 minutes. The boiling water will cause any impurities to settle to the bottom of the pot/bowl. Carefully remove the smaller pot/bowl from the larger pot and let it cool down. Once it’s cool, pour the purified water into an ice cube tray and freeze as usual.
The Distilled Water Method
If you don’t have the patience for boiling or the equipment for double boiling, you can always use distilled water. Distilled water is free of impurities and minerals, so it freezes crystal clear. Just pour distilled water into an ice cube tray and freeze as usual.
See, making clear ice cubes isn’t so hard after all. Go ahead and impress your friends with your newfound ice-cube-making skills. Happy freezing!
Alternative ways to make ice cubes without trays
So, you’re in dire need of some chilly cubes, but you don’t have an ice cube tray. Have no fear! You’ve got options. Here are a few alternative ways to make ice cubes without trays:
Use a plastic bag
Grab a resealable plastic bag and fill it with water. Seal it tightly and lay it flat in your freezer. Once it’s frozen, give it a good whack with your hand to break up the ice into cubes.
Use silicone molds
If you’re a big-time baker, you may already have silicone molds lying around. They make great ice cube trays in a pinch! Just pour water into each mold and freeze until solid. Pop them out and voilà! Ice cubes!
Use an egg carton
An egg carton isn’t just for storing eggs. Fill each slot with water and freeze. Once frozen, tear the carton away from the cubes and you’re all set.
Use shot glasses
Grab a few shot glasses and fill them with water. Freeze for a few hours, then run the bottoms under warm water to loosen the ice cubes.
Use a muffin tin
A muffin tin is great for making large ice cubes. Just fill each slot with water and freeze. Once frozen, run the bottom of the tin under warm water to loosen the cubes.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll be well on your way to a perfectly chilled beverage. And who knows, maybe you’ll even come up with your innovative method. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Ice in the Freezer Without an Ice Tray
So, you’ve run out of ice, but you don’t have an ice tray. You might think that your only option is to go and buy a new one, but fear not, my friend! There are some ways to make ice without a tray. Here are the best methods:
Using a Plastic Bag
Take a plastic bag, fill it with water, and tie it off. Place it in the freezer and leave it for a few hours (or overnight). Once it’s frozen, you can take it out and break it into small pieces. Voila! You have ice.
Using a Muffin Tin
If you have a muffin tin lying around, you can fill it with water and place it in the freezer. Once it’s frozen, you can take it out and remove the ice by running some warm water over the back of the tin. Just be careful not to melt the ice!
Using an Egg Carton
Another option is to use an egg carton. Fill each compartment with water and place it in the freezer. Once it’s frozen, you can cut or tear the carton away to remove the ice cubes. Easy peasy!
Using a Cookie Sheet
You can also use a cookie sheet to make ice. Simply pour some water onto the sheet and place it in the freezer. Once it’s frozen, you can use a knife to cut the ice into small pieces. Just be careful not to scratch your cookie sheet!
Using Silicone Molds
If you have silicone molds, you can use them to make ice. Fill each mold with water and place them in the freezer. Once they’re frozen, you can pop them out and use them as you would any other ice cubes.
These are just some of the ways you can make ice without a tray. As you can see, you don’t need any fancy equipment to do it. With a little creativity, you can make ice using things you probably already have around the house. So, next time you’re in a pinch, try one of these methods and enjoy your cold drinks!
