Welcome to Lawnmowing99! If you’re looking for a simple and fun way to preserve your garden’s fresh herbs and add a unique twist to your drinks, then you’re in the right place. Today, I’m excited to share my years of experience with making herbal ice cubes, a creative and practical way to use up herbs that are overflowing in your garden (or even your kitchen windowsill).
I first stumbled upon the idea of making herbal ice cubes years ago when I had an abundance of fresh mint and basil from my garden. I had been tossing herbs into my morning iced teas and cocktails, but I wanted a way to make them last longer—without losing the fresh flavor. The solution was right in front of me: herbal ice cubes. Over the years, I’ve perfected the process and learned some tricks along the way. And trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Lawnmowing99 for more gardening tips, creative ideas, and helpful info for your home and garden. Let’s jump in!
Why I Love Making Herbal Ice Cubes
When I first started experimenting with herbal ice cubes, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But as I started making them more and more, I realized just how useful and versatile they are. Not only do they help preserve herbs, but they also add a burst of flavor to your water, tea, cocktails, or even soups!
I especially love making herbal ice cubes because they allow me to enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs long after the growing season has ended. In the beginning, I used to let my herbs go to waste or dry them out, but herbal ice cubes have been a game-changer. It’s an easy way to keep the flavors of my summer herbs alive throughout the year—and trust me, they’re much more exciting than regular ice cubes!
Plus, it’s a fun project to do with friends, family, or kids. I’ve even made themed cubes (like a mint and lime combo) for special events, and the guests always love the little touch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Herbal Ice Cubes
Now that I’ve piqued your interest, let me walk you through the process of making herbal ice cubes. This is a simple project that doesn’t require a lot of special equipment or experience, and the results are always rewarding. Here’s the step-by-step guide that’s worked wonders for me over the years:
1. Choose Your Herbs
The first step in making herbal ice cubes is choosing which herbs to use. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various herbs, and some work better than others in ice cubes. Herbs with strong, aromatic flavors tend to do best. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
- Mint – This is the classic go-to herb for ice cubes. It’s perfect for adding a refreshing, cool flavor to drinks.
- Basil – Especially great in lemonades, teas, or even savory drinks. It adds a wonderful fresh punch.
- Rosemary – Ideal for savory dishes or cocktails like a gin and tonic.
- Lavender – It has a lovely floral note that pairs well with lemonades or sparkling water.
- Thyme – A perfect herb to add depth to savory drinks or soups.
- Lemon balm – Great for refreshing water or iced teas.
When I first started, I didn’t know how many different herbs could actually be frozen, and I stuck mainly to mint. But after experimenting with things like rosemary and even sage, I quickly realized that the possibilities are endless.
One tip: Always use fresh herbs. Dried herbs won’t give the same vibrant flavors, and they tend to lose their potency when frozen.
2. Prepare the Ice Cube Trays
After choosing your herbs, it’s time to prepare your ice cube trays. Over the years, I’ve used both silicone and plastic trays, and I prefer silicone because it makes it much easier to pop out the cubes. You can find silicone trays in all sorts of shapes, which adds a fun, creative touch to the cubes (I’ve used star-shaped ones for special occasions, and they’re always a hit!).
Make sure the trays are clean and dry before you start adding herbs and liquids.
3. Chop or Tear the Herbs
At this point, you’ll want to chop or tear the herbs into smaller pieces. I usually aim for about 1–2 teaspoons of chopped herbs per cube, depending on how strong I want the flavor to be. For leafy herbs like basil or mint, I just tear them by hand. For sturdier herbs like rosemary or thyme, I use a knife to chop them into smaller bits.
This is one step that I’ve learned from experience—don’t go overboard with the herbs. In the beginning, I thought I needed to fill each ice cube tray with a ton of herbs, but I quickly realized that just a small amount is enough to infuse the ice with flavor. Plus, too many herbs can make it difficult to freeze them evenly.
4. Add Water (or Other Liquids)
Once your herbs are ready, it’s time to fill the trays. I typically use water as the base, but I’ve also experimented with other liquids, like lemon juice, lime juice, coconut water, or even tea. The liquid you choose can dramatically change the flavor profile of your ice cubes, so have fun experimenting!
Here’s where I learned a key lesson: fill the cubes just enough to cover the herbs. If you overfill the tray, the herbs can float up to the top, making them less evenly distributed in the ice cube. I usually pour just enough liquid to cover the herbs, ensuring that they’re suspended in the water as the ice freezes.
One of my favorite combinations is a mixture of fresh basil, lime juice, and water. It makes for a refreshing addition to any drink, and the bright green color looks amazing in clear beverages.
5. Freeze the Cubes
Now comes the waiting part. Place your ice cube trays in the freezer and let them freeze for at least 3-4 hours. In my experience, it’s best to leave them overnight to ensure they’re completely frozen.
Once they’re frozen, I recommend letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before trying to pop them out. This makes it easier to release them from the silicone trays. I’ve had a few moments where I tried to take them out too quickly and ended up cracking some of the cubes. Patience is key!
6. Store the Herbal Ice Cubes
Once your herbal ice cubes are frozen, you can either use them immediately or store them for later. I usually store mine in a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any freezer odors. The great thing about herbal ice cubes is that they can last for several months in the freezer, so you can enjoy your garden’s flavors well into the winter months.
When I first started making herbal ice cubes, I stored them in a regular ice cube tray, but I quickly learned that separating them into bags or containers makes them much easier to access and use. This also helps prevent them from sticking together in one big block!
My Successes and Challenges with Making Herbal Ice Cubes
As with any new project, there have been both successes and challenges along the way. The most rewarding part has been how flavorful the ice cubes make my drinks. Whether I’m adding them to a pitcher of iced tea or using them in a cocktail, they provide a fresh burst of flavor that’s always a hit. I’ve also loved the creative aspect of combining different herbs and liquids to create unique cubes.
On the flip side, one of the challenges I encountered early on was making sure the herbs were well-distributed in the ice cube tray. Sometimes the herbs would float to the top or bunch together in one corner. This was a little frustrating at first, but I found that gently tapping the tray on the counter after pouring in the liquid helps distribute the herbs more evenly.
Another challenge I faced was deciding which herbs to combine. I had a few early failures where the herbs I chose didn’t mix well, or the flavors clashed in unexpected ways. But over time, I learned which herb combinations worked best. Now, I feel confident experimenting with new ideas, and I always have fun trying out new combinations based on what’s growing in my garden.
Conclusion
Making herbal ice cubes has been one of the most rewarding and enjoyable gardening projects I’ve done, and I’m so glad I discovered this simple technique. Not only does it help preserve the fresh flavors of my herbs, but it also adds a unique twist to everyday drinks. Whether you’re making ice cubes for cocktails, iced tea, or simply refreshing water, these herbal cubes will elevate your beverage experience.
Thanks for reading! If you found this information helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Lawnmowing99 for more great gardening tips and creative ideas. Happy freezing and happy herb gardening!