First, in order to create clear ice cubes at home, it’s important to understand how ice is formed. When water is subjected to temperatures at or below 32℉ (0℃) the molecules begin to slow down and formations of crystals occur. This process is called crystallization and it typically starts with an impurity in the water, such as minerals or even trapped gases like oxygen.
Also, in most environments, water freezes from the outside in, which concentrates impurities and air bubbles (from the trapped gases) toward the center of the ice. This is why your traditional ice cubes in the freezer tray are so cloudy. The water is rapidly frozen from the outside, causing the impurities to be pushed into the center of the ice.
- So does this mean you need “pure” water or distilled water to get clear ice? Nope. Water is never really pure and always has some amount of minerals or gases.
- Ok, if I can’t purify my water, then how can I get a clear result? There’s one more aspect of water that is key to getting clear ice and it’s all related to the speed in which water is frozen.
When crystallization happens quickly, many small crystals are formed and those reflect light resulting in a cloudy appearance. However, when crystallization is slowed, the crystals are both fewer and larger, which results in more clarity.
The trick to achieving consistently repeatable results for clear ice is essentially two fold: #1) slow down the freezing process and #2) direct those impurities outward. In order to achieve this with traditional home freezers, a clear ice system with directional freezing is needed. A regular ice tray allows water to be hit on all sides from the cold environment, which concentrates the impurities towards the center of the cube. However, if freezing is limited to one direction it slows down the freezing process and drives impurities outward. In order to achieve this for ice cubes or spheres, insulation is needed to guide the freezing process. There are many DIY solutions to do this, but they typically require the use of small coolers that take up lots of available freezer space.
What is the best water to use?
Achieving clear ice does not require boiled, purified, boiled water, room temperature water, or any other specially prepared water. The trick to getting a crystal clear result comes down to directional freezing using a quality clear ice system. From a taste perspective, however, this is completely subjective. If you like the taste of your home tap water, then that’s completely acceptable to use for your clear ice. If you prefer filtered or purified water to drink, then by all means stay consistent with your ice.
Does clear ice taste better?
Not necessarily, but it definitely enhances a cocktail or any craft beverage. Let me explain… Have you ever heard the expression that we “eat with our eyes”? The same can be said for drinking, especially when it comes to a craft cocktail. Think about a seared steak versus a pale piece of meat… If you’re visualizing the first one and starting to salivate, you’re not alone. Now, translate that to your favorite cocktail. Maybe it’s an Old Fashioned, a lowball mixed drink or maybe you’re more the straight scotch or bourbon. Doesn't crystal clear ice nested right in the center of it sound more appealing than a cracked cloudy cube?
Crystal-clear sphere ice chill faster, dilute less and last longer than cubes can. Fill the mold with water, freeze for at least 4 hours, and open to release a perfect ice ball - a better way to savor liquor on the rocks. For added flavor and garnish, fill the molds with citrus fruit slices, herbs, or use juice in place of water. Visit our Store now
