Water. Refreshing, hydrating… and let’s be honest, kind of boring. What if we told you there’s a simple, beautiful way to upgrade your drinks this Valentine’s Day — without breaking the bank or spending ages in the kitchen? Enter flavoured ice cubes: a small upgrade that will definitely get noticed.
Whether you’re planning a romantic date night in, a Galentine’s brunch, or just want to make your everyday hydration feel a bit more special, these icy little gems tick all the boxes. They’re fun, easy to make and perfect for adding a splash of excitement to your drinks.
What are flavoured ice cubes?
Flavoured ice cubes are exactly what they sound like — ice cubes made from more than just water. Instead of freezing plain water, go with herbal teas, fruit juices, or even floral infusions. As they melt, they add flavour rather than merely diluting your drink. This trend has taken off not just because it looks cool (see what we did there?) but also because, well, flavour is everything.
Image courtesy of Charlotte May. Published on: November 21st, 2020. Source: pexels.com
Why they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is all about creating shared experiences — memorable moments that feel thoughtful and intentional. Flavoured ice cubes can help you do just that.
- They really pack a punch when it comes to visual appeal: Ice cubes with red berries, rose petals or sprigs of herbs look gorgeous floating in glasses — think Instagram‑ready drinks without the effort.
- Flavour infusion: Add a twist and enhance your mocktails, cocktails or even your sparkling water.
- Customisation: Tailor your cubes to suit any palate — sweet, zesty, floral, or even spicy! And hey, nobody said they had to be actual cubes – look for silicone ice trays in the shape of hearts, penguins, stars or whatever you’re into.
Image courtesy of cottonbro studio. Published on: June 18th, 2020. Source: pexels.com
Valentine’s DIY ideas (Easy & romantic)
Here are some themed ideas to try:
- Heart‑Shaped Hero Cubes
Grab that heart-shaped silicone ice mould (the one you just bought on Bob Shop) and get ready to make your ice cubes instantly Valentine’s‑themed. Alternatively, cut heart shapes out of fruit and use those instead. To get the appropriate shade of red or pink, fill your ice cube tray with:
- Pomegranate juice + fresh mint
- Strawberry purée + a splash of lemonade
- Rose water + lemon slices
These pretty cubes don’t just look romantic — as they melt, they gently release tender, sweet notes – the perfect way to set the mood on February 14th.
- Floral & Fruity Cubes
Edible flowers like rose petals or tiny pansies add a sophisticated floral twist. Pair them with:
- Chilled hibiscus tea
- Cranberry juice + extra edible petals
- Lemon + basil leaves
Image courtesy of Thirdman. Published on: August 7th, 2020. Source: pexels.com
These cubes are perfect for mocktails, iced teas or even sparkling wine – in fact, anywhere that you want your love to shine through.
- Zesty Citrus Cubes
Citrus slices (think lemon, orange or pink grapefruit) add vibrant colour and a delicious tang – exactly the sort of tingle you get when you fall in love! Freeze small slices in water or light juice for a zesty infusion.
Image courtesy of alleksana. Published on: April 29th, 2020. Source: pexels.com
How to make them (Quick guide)
- Choose your flavour base: fruit juice, cold herbal tea, coconut water or rose water are all great options.
- Add extras: tiny fruit pieces, herbs, edible flowers or citrus peel.
- Fill your moulds: classic ice cube trays or cute silicone moulds with novelty shapes .
- Freeze until solid: usually 4–6 hours (overnight is best).
- Add to your favourite romantic drink and elevate every sip!
Image courtesy of Jacqueline Spotto. Published on: May 4th, 2022. Source: pexels.com
Pro tips
- Freeze liquids that match or complement the drink you’ll be adding them to — e.g. strawberry cubes in lemonade or tea.
- For clear, pretty cubes, boil then cool the water or juice before freezing — this reduces cloudiness.
- Store leftover cubes in sealed freezer bags so you can reuse them for future gatherings (and so they won’t pick up other flavours in your freezer).
