Are you craving a cool and refreshing beverage but don’t have an ice cube tray? Don’t fret! There are several clever ways to make ice cubes without the need for a traditional ice cube tray. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic, camping trip, or simply ran out of trays, these ingenious methods will keep your drinks icy cold.
One simple method involves using a muffin tin. Fill each muffin cup with water and place the tin in the freezer. Once frozen, you can easily pop out the ice cubes into a container or directly into your beverage. Another option is to use silicone baking cups. These flexible cups can be filled with water and placed on a baking sheet or plate before being frozen. The ice cubes will release easily from the silicone, making it a convenient and spill-free method.
For a more creative approach, try using a plastic bag. Fill a gallon-sized plastic bag with water and seal it tightly. Lay the bag flat on a baking sheet or cutting board and freeze. Once frozen, use a knife to cut the ice into cubes or break it into smaller pieces. This method is especially useful if you need a large quantity of ice quickly and easily. So next time you find yourself without an ice cube tray, don’t despair. Employ one of these clever techniques to chill your drinks and enjoy a refreshing icy beverage.
Using a Ziplock Bag
Method 1: Ziplock Bag with Water
This method is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Simply fill a Ziplock bag with water, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible. Lay the bag flat on a baking sheet or plate and freeze it for several hours or overnight. Once frozen, break the ice into cubes.
Pros:
- No special equipment needed
- Easy and convenient
Cons:
- Irregularly shaped ice cubes
- May take longer to freeze
Method 2: Ziplock Bag with Ice Cube Dividers
This method uses a Ziplock bag with built-in ice cube dividers. The dividers separate the water into individual cubes, creating neatly shaped ice cubes.
Pros:
- Uniformly shaped ice cubes
- Faster freezing time
Cons:
- Requires a specialized Ziplock bag
- May not hold as much water as a regular Ziplock bag
Method 3: Ziplock Bag with Straw
This method is similar to the first method, but it uses a straw to create hollow ice cubes. Fill a Ziplock bag with water, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Insert a straw into the bag and blow air into the water until it expands and fills most of the bag. Seal the bag tightly and freeze it. Once frozen, remove the straw and break the ice into cubes.
Pros:
- Creates hollow ice cubes that melt slower
- Easy to do
Cons:
- Irregularly shaped ice cubes
- May take longer to freeze
Employing Ice Pop Molds
Ice pop molds, commonly used for creating frozen treats, can be repurposed to make crystal-clear ice cubes that rival the quality of those from an ice cube tray. Here’s how to harness their potential:
-
Prepare the Molds
Rinse the ice pop molds thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue or dust. Ensure they are completely dry before filling them.
-
Fill the Molds
Fill each mold with purified or distilled water to the designated fill line. Avoid overfilling, as it can cause the ice cubes to burst or stick to the mold during freezing.
-
Freeze and Release
Place the filled molds in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the ice is completely solid. Once frozen, gently press or flex the molds to release the clear ice cubes effortlessly.
| Tip |
|---|
| For even clearer ice, boil the water before filling the molds. This process removes dissolved gases and impurities, resulting in transparent cubes. |
Freezing Water Bottles
Water Bottles:
To get perfect ice cubes, you might need to use different sizes of water bottles. Ideally, the average size of bottles that gives great ice cubes is 16.9 ounces and 33.8 ounces.
Freezing:
After choosing the perfect size of the water bottles, you will need to fill them up with water. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the bottle, about 1-2 inches, to allow for expansion during freezing.
Freezing time:
The freezing time will vary depending on the size of the water bottles. If you used the 16.9-ounce bottles or 33.8-ounce bottles, it will take about 3-4 hours for freezing.
| Bottle Size | Freezing Time |
|---|---|
| 16.9 ounces | 3-4 hours |
| 33.8 ounces | 3-4 hours |
Utilizing Egg Cartons
Egg cartons are another common household item that can be repurposed for ice cube making. They’re sturdy and have individual compartments, making them ideal for this task.
Instructions:
- Clean the egg carton thoroughly with soap and water.
- Fill each compartment with water or your desired liquid.
- Place the egg carton on a level surface in the freezer.
- Once the liquid has frozen solid, carefully snap the ice cubes out of the carton. To easily remove the ice cubes, you can run the egg carton under warm water for a few seconds. This will loosen the ice cubes and make them slide out effortlessly.
Tips:
- Use filtered or purified water for better-tasting ice cubes.
- Add sliced fruits, berries, or herbs to the water for infused ice cubes.
- Make flavored ice cubes by adding fruit juice, soda, or sports drinks to the water.
Creating Ice Tubes
Creating ice tubes without an ice cube tray is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort and materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create perfect ice tubes for your drinks:
Materials:
- Plastic or metal tubing with a diameter of 1 to 2 inches
- End caps or plugs to seal the ends of the tubing
- Water or other liquid to freeze
Instructions:
1. Cut the Tubing: Measure and cut the tubing to the desired length of your ice tubes. 6 to 12 inch lengths work well for most applications.
2. Seal the Ends: Insert the end caps or plugs into the ends of the tubing. Ensure a snug fit to prevent leakage.
3. Fill the Tubing: Hold the tubing vertically and slowly fill it with water or other liquid using a funnel or a squeeze bottle. Avoid overfilling to leave some space for expansion during freezing.
4. Secure the Ends: Once the tubing is filled, securely fasten the end caps or plugs to prevent spills and leaks.
5. Freeze the Tubes: Place the filled tubing horizontally in a freezer-safe container, ensuring there is enough space around it to allow for even freezing. Freeze for 4 to 6 hours, or until the ice tubes are completely frozen.
| Tubing Diameter | Water Volume (approx.) | Freezing Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 1 oz | 2-3 hours |
| 1.5 inches | 2.5 oz | 3-4 hours |
| 2 inches | 4 oz | 4-6 hours |
Tips:
- Use distilled or filtered water for clear ice tubes.
- Add food coloring or fruit juice to create colorful or flavored ice tubes.
- Freeze the tubes overnight for a slow, even freeze that will result in stronger and clearer ice.
Freezing Soup or Sauce Containers
Soup or sauce containers are a great way to freeze ice cubes because they are small and easy to store. Simply fill the containers with water, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top. Freeze the containers for at least 4 hours, or until the water is completely frozen. To use the ice cubes, simply remove them from the container and add them to your drink.
Freezing Soup or Sauce Containers
To freeze ice cubes in soup or sauce containers, follow these steps:
1.
Fill the containers with water, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top. This will prevent the water from expanding and cracking the containers.
2.
Freeze the containers for at least 4 hours, or until the water is completely frozen.
3.
To use the ice cubes, simply remove them from the container and add them to your drink.
| Container Size | Number of Ice Cubes |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | 8-10 |
| 1 cup | 16-20 |
| 2 cups | 32-40 |
The table above shows the approximate number of ice cubes that you can freeze in different sizes of soup or sauce containers. The number of ice cubes may vary depending on the size and shape of the container.
Here are some tips for freezing ice cubes in soup or sauce containers:
- Use BPA-free containers to avoid any health concerns.
- Label the containers with the date so that you know how long they have been frozen.
- Thaw the ice cubes before using them in a drink to avoid dilution.
Employing Muffin Tins
Muffin tins offer a convenient alternative to traditional ice cube trays. Their individual compartments make it easy to separate cubes, preventing them from sticking together. Here’s how to use muffin tins to make ice cubes:
1. Prepare the muffin tin:
Rinse the muffin tin with cold water and pat it dry.
2. Fill the compartments:
Using a measuring cup or spoon, carefully fill each muffin compartment with clean water.
3. Create domed tops:
To ensure complete freezing, gently tap the filled muffin tin on a counter to remove any air bubbles and create domed tops on the water.
4. Cover and freeze:
Cover the muffin tin with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent spills and place it in the freezer.
5. Freeze for 4-6 hours:
Depending on the size of the muffin tin and the temperature of your freezer, allow the ice cubes to freeze for at least 4 hours or up to 6 hours.
6. Remove and transfer:
Once frozen, carefully remove the muffin tin from the freezer. Use a butter knife or thin spatula to gently loosen the ice cubes from the compartments.
7. Drying and storing:
| Drying Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Towel Drying | Wrap a clean kitchen towel around the ice cubes and gently pat them to remove excess moisture before transferring them to an airtight container. |
| Fan Drying | Spread the ice cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in front of a fan on low speed. Allow them to dry for 15-20 minutes. |
| Freezer Bag Drying | Empty the ice cubes into a large freezer bag and shake vigorously. The friction will help remove moisture. Seal the bag and store it in the freezer. |
Dry ice cubes thoroughly before storing them to prevent freezer burn and clumping.
Using a Metal Baking Dish
A metal baking dish is an excellent option for making ice cubes without a traditional ice cube tray. The metal conducts heat, promoting faster freezing, and the smooth surface makes it easy to remove the ice cubes once they’re frozen.
Materials you’ll need:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Metal baking dish | 1 |
| Plastic wrap or freezer-safe bag | 1 |
| Water or other freezing liquid | As needed |
Instructions:
1. Line the metal baking dish with plastic wrap or a freezer-safe bag to prevent the ice cubes from sticking to the metal.
2. Pour water or other freezing liquid into the baking dish, filling it to about 1/2 inch or less. Avoid overfilling, as the water will expand when frozen.
3. Cover the baking dish tightly with the plastic wrap or freezer-safe bag.
4. Place the baking dish in the freezer.
5. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until the water is completely frozen.
6. Remove the frozen water block from the freezer and let it thaw slightly at room temperature for a few minutes.
7. Using a knife or ice pick, score the surface of the frozen block into desired ice cube sizes.
8. Wrap the scored block tightly in a towel and use a hammer or hard object to gently tap and break the ice into cubes. Alternatively, you can use a knife to cut the ice into cubes.
Freezing Baking Sheets
Freezing baking sheets is an excellent method for making ice cubes without an ice cube tray. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Materials You’ll Need:
| Material |
|---|
| Baking sheets |
| Water |
Instructions:
- Prepare the Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent the water from freezing directly onto the metal.
- Fill the Baking Sheets: Fill one of the lined baking sheets with water to a depth of about 1/4 inch. Ensure the water is evenly distributed across the sheet.
- Cover and Freeze: Place the second baking sheet on top of the filled sheet and gently press down to remove any air bubbles. Freeze for several hours, or until the water is completely frozen.
- Remove from Baking Sheets: Once frozen, remove the top baking sheet. Use a sharp knife or spatula to break the ice sheet into individual cubes.
- Store in Freezer-Safe Bags: Transfer the ice cubes to freezer-safe bags and store them in the freezer for later use.
Freezing Metal or Plastic Containers with Lids
This method is ideal for those who don’t have access to traditional ice cube trays. Simply fill metal or plastic containers with lids, such as empty yogurt containers or juice jugs, with water and freeze them.
Once frozen, remove the containers from the freezer and run warm water over them to loosen the ice cubes. Invert the containers and tap them on a hard surface to release the ice cubes.
Tips:
- Use containers with smooth surfaces to prevent the ice cubes from sticking.
- Fill the containers to about 3/4 full to allow for expansion during freezing.
- To make larger ice cubes, use larger containers.
- For smaller ice cubes, use smaller containers or cut the larger ice cubes into smaller pieces.
- If the ice cubes are difficult to remove, microwave the containers for a few seconds to loosen them.
| Container Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Yogurt Containers | • Small and easy to store | • May not hold enough water for large amounts of ice |
| Juice Jugs | • Hold a large amount of water | • May be bulky and difficult to store |
| Mason Jars | • Durable and reusable | • May break if not handled carefully |
How To Make Ice Cubes Without Ice Cube Tray
Making ice cubes without an ice cube tray is possible with a few simple methods. Here are some tips on how to do it:
1. Use a plastic bag: Fill a plastic bag with water, seal it tightly, and freeze it. Once frozen, break the ice into cubes.
2. Use a muffin tin: Fill a muffin tin with water and freeze it. Once frozen, pop out the ice cubes.
3. Use a mold: You can use any mold that is freezer-safe, such as a cookie cutter or a silicone mold, to make ice cubes.
4. Use a bowl: Fill a bowl with water and freeze it. Once frozen, break the ice into cubes.
People Also Ask
Can I make ice cubes in a plastic bag?
Yes, you can make ice cubes in a plastic bag. Simply fill a plastic bag with water, seal it tightly, and freeze it. Once frozen, break the ice into cubes.
Is it safe to freeze water in a plastic bag?
Yes, it is safe to freeze water in a plastic bag. However, make sure that the bag is freezer-safe and that it is sealed tightly to prevent leaks.
How long does it take to make ice cubes in a plastic bag?
The time it takes to make ice cubes in a plastic bag will vary depending on the size of the bag and the temperature of your freezer. However, it will typically take several hours to freeze the water completely.
