Bourbon, the signature American whiskey, has been around for centuries and has been a popular drink at any gathering. However, the perfect serving temperature of bourbon is crucial to its great taste. That's where the concept of bourbon ice cubes comes into play. Made from freezing water infused with bourbon, these ice cubes offer an ingenious way to cool your bourbon without diluting it.
But, bourbon ice cubes are not just about preserving the taste of your whiskey; they are a game-changer for cocktail enthusiasts. They add a new dimension to your drinks, giving them an extra hit of flavor and complexity. Bourbon ice cubes take your drink to the next level of distinctiveness, an attribute that most mixologists value. Additionally, the infusion of bourbon in the ice cubes imparts a subtle amber hue to your cocktail, making them a visual treat.
Bourbon ice cubes are adored by enthusiasts and have a fascinating and intriguing past. They came into existence during the 1800s and have been a part of American social culture ever since. Historians believe that bourbon ice cubes were first made in the sweltering summers of the southern states and have since become a staple in bourbon culture.
As the popularity of bourbon ice cubes continues to grow, mixologists and bourbon drinkers are continually exploring new ways to incorporate them into their drinks. Whether it's in an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan, bourbon ice cubes have become an essential ingredient in perfecting your cocktail.
This article explores the ins and outs of bourbon ice cubes and how they can transform your cocktail experience. We've got you covered from their rich history to their versatile use. So sit back, pour yourself a glass of your favorite bourbon, and let's dive into everything you need to know about these ingenious little ice cubes.
How We Choose
While there are many different types of ice cubes available on the market, we've narrowed our search down to only those made from bourbon. These perfectly crafted blocks melt more slowly than other ice cubes, making them perfect for stirring up cocktails or enjoying neat.
We've also considered your budget when choosing the best bourbon ice cubes on offer. Whether you're looking for a splurge or a bargain, we've got plenty of options to suit your needs.
Ticent Ice Cube Trays (Set of 2), Silicone Sphere Whiskey Ice Ball Maker with Lids & Large Square Ice Cube Molds for Cocktails & Bourbon - Reusable & BPA Free Black
The Ticent Ice Cube Trays are a great choice for those who want to make large ice cubes quickly and easily. These silicone trays have square molds that create six 2-inch cubes, while the sphere molds create 6 1.75-inch spheres.
These molds are safe and made from food-grade silicone, so you don't have to worry about any harmful chemicals leaching into your drinks. They also have an easy-to-remove design that makes removing the ice cubes from the mold simple and quick.
Glacio Premium Silicone Ice Tray Set - 2-in-1 Combo with Large 2" Square Cubes & Sphere Ball Mold - Ideal for Whiskey, Cocktails, and Beverages - Easy Release & BPA-Free Black
Glacio Premium Silicone Ice Tray Set is a great set of ice cube trays that are made from high-quality, BPA-free, and food-grade materials. These silicone ice cube molds have been designed to be versatile and multipurpose, making them perfect for not only serving drinks but also for freezing baby food, herbs, and fruit-infused ice cubes.
The large 2" square cubes and sphere ball molds create six large 2" square cubes and six spherical ice balls, which is perfect for keeping your whiskey or other beverage chilled without diluting it too much. The shape of these molds also makes it easy to remove the ice cubes from the tray, so you don't have to struggle with getting them out of a metal tray or cup.
These Glacio Premium Silicone Ice Tray Set - 2-in-1 Combo with Large 2" Square Cubes & Sphere Ball Mold - Ideal for Whiskey, Cocktails, & Beverages are dishwasher safe so you don't have to worry about any hassle when cleaning them up after use. They're also made from top quality silicone that guarantees durability while being flexible enough to release the perfect shape every time.
Shaped 3D Large Skull Ice Cube Mold Tray, Stackable Silicone Round Ice Maker for Whiskey Drinkers, Bartenders, Gift Exchanges, Home Bars, and Holiday Gifts
The Shaped Ice Cube Mold is a must-have for any home bar enthusiast. This mold makes 2" x 2.36" ultra-slow melting ice skulls that are perfect for cocktails and whiskey lovers alike.
The ice molds are made of food-grade silicone, which means they're free from BPA and non-toxic. They also feature leakproof seals to keep water in your drink, making this an excellent choice if you like to make ice cubes with water at the bar or in your home.
ClearlyFrozen High Capacity (10 x 2 Inch) Home Clear Ice Cube Tray/Ice Cube Maker
The Occam Ventures LLC ClearlyFrozen Ice Cube Tray is a great choice for home use. It's one of the most affordable options on our list, making it a solid value for money.
This tray makes 10 glass-like ice cubes that are perfect for cocktails and other beverages. The molds are made from durable BPA-free plastic and have an open design to push air into the mold to cause crystalization. The trays also work with untreated tap water in an ordinary freezer, so you don't need to worry about having the best equipment to make these ice cubes.
SIMPLETASTE Crystal Clear Ice Ball Maker Mold - 2.36 Inch Clear Sphere, Plus 2 Ice Ball Storage Bags, BPA-free Silicone Large Sphere Ice Mold, Ice Cube Tray for Whiskey, Cocktail, and Drinks 2 PIECES
The Simpletaste Crystal Clear Ice Ball Maker Mold is a great choice for those who want to make crystal clear ice balls. This mold has an innovative handle that makes it easy to remove the ice ball from the mold even after freezing for up to 18 hours.
The large round ice spheres keep your cocktails cold and taste authentic, rather than watered down like other cheaper molds can do. The silicone material of this ice ball maker is BPA-free, so you don't have to worry about any harmful chemicals leaching into your drinks.
It's also dishwasher safe making cleanup a breeze and we love that it comes with 2 storage bags so you can store up to 24 balls at once without having to buy additional bags separately.
Glacio Clear Cube Ice Duo - Crystal Clear Ice Square - Clear Ice Cube for Whiskey
The Glacio Ice Cube Mold is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy perfectly shaped ice cubes. This cube mold has two different sizes of molds, so you can make either large or small cubes. It also has a silicone construction that makes it durable and easy to clean.
The shape of this ice cube maker is square, which means that it will fit into most cocktail glasses and other drinking vessels. The BPA-free material used in its construction ensures that your ice cubes will be non-toxic and safe to consume. When the ice is done freezing, simply remove the tray from the mold with ease, then add your favorite beverage and enjoy!
True Cubes Clear Ice Cube Maker, Clear Ice Mold - 4 Large Clear Ice Cubes for Cocktails, Drinks & Whiskey - BPA-Free Silicone Square Ice Cube Mold - Whiskey Gifts for Men Clear Ice Cube Mold
The True Cubes Clear Ice Cube Tray is a great choice for anyone who wants to make crystal-clear ice cubes. The tray comes with four large, clear ice cubes that are perfect for cocktails and other drinks. This tray also purifies water, removing 98% of TDS and metals.
The silicone square ice cube mold is BPA-free and made from food-grade silicone, which makes it durable and easy to clean. It's also easy to use – just fill the tray with water and freeze for 18-22 hours to create 4 large 2" x 2" x 2" clear cubes. The shape of this mold is square, so you can use it in most standard sized drink dispensers or glasses.
This product has won the Best Clear Ice Mold award from America's Test Kitchen - making it one of the best on the market right now! With its high quality construction materials and rigorous testing procedures, this product will last you for years while delivering top notch results time after time!
TINANA Crystal Clear Ice Ball Maker, 4 Cavity Large Clear Ice Balls Form, 2.5” Round Ice Sphere Trays for Whiskey, Cocktail, Brandy, Bourbon 4-ice balls
The TINANA Crystal Clear Ice Ball Maker is a great choice for anyone looking to make large, clear ice balls. This 4-cavity large ball maker holds up to 2.5" of ice, so you can make perfect spheres that won't dilute your cocktail or beverage.
The durable silicone construction will hold up well to frequent use and clean-up after use is easy with the non-stick design. The trays are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup and removal of the ice balls is simple with this handy tool. It's also a great addition for any summer gathering where guests will be impressed at how slowly they melt yet chilled their drinks quickly!
Bourbon Ice Cubes FAQs
What Are Bourbon Ice Cubes?
Iced bourbon is delicious, but the water dilutes the flavor of the liquor. Instead of adding ice cubes to your drink, freeze a small amount of bourbon in an ice cube tray and add it to your drink just before serving. The frozen cubes will melt slowly, keeping your drink cold without watering it down. Alternatively, you can freeze fresh mint leaves or slices of orange in an ice cube tray and then add them to iced tea or coffee for a twist on traditional mint or citrus cubes.
Do I Need Distilled Water To Make Bourbon Ice Cubes?
While the debate rages on about whether or not ice cubes actually affect the taste of your drink, we can confirm that you can use any type of water to make bourbon ice cubes. That said, distilled water is usually recommended by bartenders as it's free from any off flavors and impurities. You'll also be able to pick up distilled water at any grocery store for next to nothing, making it an affordable choice too.
If you do want to try out regular tap water though (which has a similar flavor profile), don't let it sit in a pot or pan first – bring it straight to the freezer so that the off-flavors have less chance of settling in.
Conclusion
When it comes to creating the perfect ice for your drinks, whether you are looking for clear ice cubes or large round spheres there is an option out there for everyone. The silicon molds allow you to make larger cubes, of clearer ice. Using products like Simpletaste Crystal Clear Ice Ball Maker Mold and Glacio Cube Ice Duo can help ensure that your cocktails remain cold without becoming watered down. If you want something unique, try freezing bourbon in a tray with True Cubes Clear Ice Cube Maker or TINANA Crystal Clear Ice Balls Form to add flavor and sophistication to any drink! No matter what type of shape or size you’re looking for when it comes to iced beverages, these options will provide endless possibilities while keeping your drinks as cool as ever!
