How to make CRYSTAL CLEAR ICE - SUPER EASY
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ม.ค. 2022
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This just popped up in my suggested videos. One suggestion I picked up somewhere else - you can do this small scale without the cooler and the cutting. Take an insulated drink glass such as Yeti or for coffee etc. Fill them about 2/3 full and put in the freezer for about 12 to 16 hrs. (You'll have to adjust based on freezer temp and insulating properties of your glass). As with the cooler, you still want some liquid on the bottom. Two advantages to this. First, they come out drink sized - no cutting necessary. Second, if your freezer is like mine, it is far easier to find room for a couple of glasses than an entire cooler. This really is just "coolers in the small" but same principle. I happen to have an insulated glass that makes cylinders just small enough to fit in a glass for whiskey. It makes for a neat effect since there is almost no whiskey between the ice and glass so it looks almost clear on top and brown on the bottom.
Great video Curt. I've been making clear ice for years just like you do with the cooler. From the science end of the process, here is why the method works: Ice is created at temperatures of 32 F and below. Only the purest water freezes first (the quickest) at 32 F. The rest of the water containing "solids" or impurities will settle lower in the cooler. The directional freeze you discussed allows for the creation of the clear ice first unlike an ice cube tray that is formed when water is frozen from all directions. Another important piece is that water is constantly absorbing its environment. Any strong aromas in your freezer can impart a nuanced aroma to the ice. Since most traditional frig/freezer combos have only 1 compressor in it, air is constantly recirculated from the frig to the freezer to the frig, etc. imparting a slight flavor element on the traditional ice cube. For this reason, I take my formed & cut clear cubes and place them in a zip-lock bag in my freezer. I cloud go on about this for an hour but wanted to share a little of what I learned in residential appliance & ice machine sales.
I totally agree that clear block of ice although it’s a pain is absolutely beautiful. I do the same thing with the cooler. It’s messy, but who cares doesn’t cost nothing but a cleanup.
Perfect glass, ice, ingredients and spirit; combining all is a great art form.
I love the clear ice chunk method!
I'm definitely going to try that
Your content is TOP NOTCH! Thank you!!
Thank you for the useful information!!! Can't wait to try it.
Such a likable guy and straightforward information! Thanks
Appreciate that so much!
Good video! I started doing this after seeing the Jeremy Siers video. I always have a batch ready to be cut when friends come over. Then I get a good laugh when I go to their house, and they have started doing hand cut clear ice. Keep the movement growing!
You know it! Most definitely heightens the whole whiskey experience!
Very cool. Looks so good in the glass
Yes it does!
Awesome tutorial!
Thank you!
Very good tips. Thanks for adding.
Appreciate it!
Buddy, you really nailed that video..
It takes a lot of guts to do what I just saw for the world to watch..
In Culinary School I had a very good ice carving instructor. He was so talented. We got in large blocks...would temper them and carve away..
Here in Cambodia clear blocks can be purchased just about anywhere and there are even men pulling wagons with straw and ice blocks delivering to people.
The reason is most of the population does NOT have a fridge or a freezer and the ice is needed for their very large coolers.
Much like my mom used as a kid ...thus, the term ice box...
This is such a great video and your replies to questions in the comments are excellent.
Like ..how to get it out of the cooler!.
This was such a fabulous way to end your series on home bars....
Those ice trays are so great...much like the baking trays made from the same material..
That t-shirt kicks ass ...
Trent really designed a great shirt!
Yes he did! Kid is pretty amazing! Thank you for the great story! Love to hear of everyone’s life experiences.
I did fail to say make sure to temper the block before cutting. Felt bad about that.
The open cooler method works great.
Agreed!
I've done this & it works great. They now have a clear ice cube cooler that makes it easier. But this way is more fun. Cheers !
Exactly! Just something about a hand cut piece of ice!
Great explanation 🙂
I came looking for how to use my spherical ball maker...basically exactly the one you have. The part that I was screwing up was not letting it freeze all the way to the bottom. I can't wait to try it! Thanks!
Good information, will give it a try.
Great demonstration! I've been wowing my friends with this technique for a few months now. Another cool tip is if you are mixing tall drinks in a collins glass, you can carve a single long "cube." I also sometimes make the cubes kind of jagged or rugged looking for effect.
I love the rugged look to my ice also rather than perfectly square. I have yet to try the longer spear but I need to try that soon!
Thanks for the tips Kurt !! Shirt looks great as well😉
Thank you!
Thank you!! 😊
Sometimes i enjoy using the rough cuts, or the imperfect cuts. I refer to them as a glacier or ice berg rather than a cube, (a lot of time you'll get something triangular or whatever) but it looks neat when you have an odd shape of ice in your glass.
I am with you on that! I don’t want every piece of ice to be exactly the same.
Great tutorial! Thank you.
Your welcome!
I’ve used this method for awhile now. Couple additions. I store mine in a ziplock in the freezer. They do freeze together a bit, but a few taps and they come apart. Second tip: I let the ice temper before cutting by letting it sit on a cookie sheet for about 15-20 minutes. It cuts much straighter and cleaner.
Thanks for this advice! I was telling my wife that I forgot to mention how important it is to let the slab temper before cutting. Good catch!
Been doing this way for awhile and its great, but also recently tried using an insulated stainless steel tumbler in the freezer which has made the easiest, best clear ice I’ve made yet.
Wow haven’t seen or thought of that yet. Excellent!
@@slbdrinks I got the idea from this guy….. th-cam.com/video/Bu3-HDY9ib0/w-d-xo.html
Hey that's a darn good idea right there. Leave the top off for expansion and make hockey pucks.
GREAT SHOW as usual !!!! SHIRTS LOOK AWESOME WILL BE ORDERING ONE !!!!! THANKS FOR THE GREAT ICE TIPS !!! GOOD ICE DEF MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Appreciate that!
@@slbdrinks what is the best way to order a xl shirt. I know you don’t have them in stock but I’d like to pre order. I watch all your episodes and love them.
I never really thought of small, broken pieces of ice affecting cocktail mixing. You are an ice scientist! I haven't tried cutting my own ice yet, but do have a slow freezing trey which works well. That Jeremy Siers video is very popular an dis a similar process. Team Clear Ice!!
You go Jeff! Thanks as always!
@@slbdrinks Clear ice is so easy to make with directional freezing. These days many cities have great ice stores. Clear ice improves a cocktail so much. It's appearance but it's also that small broken pieces of ice can over dilute a cocktail!!
@@christinecamley I think I have been over diluting when mixing with broken bagged ice. I learned something today!
@@badgerjeff6081 Awesome!!
Your exactly correct! I would love to purchase a box of ice at some point just to check it out.
Thanks Kurt. Great idea using the smaller Coleman. Enjoy all your content 👏👍
There is one even smaller that is much easier to handle.
Appreciate that thank you!
Wow that was great information.
What a great vid, was just online last week trying to learn to do this, luv new shirt!- classy, u continue to differentiate on little things… ❤️ from MI. 👍
Many thanks as always my friend!
Great video, can't wait for merch.
Thank you!
Excellent video
Thank you!
I use a brass ice ball maker and making the block of clear ice then making clear ice balls would really be great. Can’t wait to try it.
Let me know how it works! I have seen the brass ice ball makers but never up close.
To sum up this video in one word,
Cool!
Thank you!
I’ve been making mine for a couple of months now.. I’ll go ahead and make a few batches and store them in big freezer ziplock bags. All my friends and family are impressed by them and ask how to make it all the tome
I have a vacuum sealer that I'll use to shrink-wrap blocks and/or large cubes and spheres. It keeps frost from forming over time better than ziplocks. Nothing a very quick rinse wouldn't fix, but it's one less step I have to do :)
Perfect!
I think most people would say you're over-thinking the ice factor in a drink, but I'd appreciate the effort in my glass.
Finally! You brought us a tip that won’t cost me money haha. Great idea!
Good lol!
you just improved the quality of life for me and all bourbon lovers✨
Thank you!
I found that with the large trays that if you drill or punch a small hole in the bottom middle of each cube square, it will allow any air bubbles to escape and your cubes will be totally clear . I also place something to support the tray higher where the freeze area is higher in the cooler. 24 - 26 hours is plenty. If ice in cooler is frozen solid though it will not effect cubs,but will just give you more ice to remove tray.... Ice will really impress your friends. Makes for a classy looking drink. I also just store cubes in a gallon zip lock bag in freezer and just take out what I need for drinks.... Usually just take a sandwich bag of cubes. Can always get more out of my deep freeze when I need more..
Question. If you punch a hole in the bottom how do you keep the water from draining out? Trying to get a picture of that
@@Nicky68Y The tray is submerged, but supported somehow higher in the cooler,, so any water draining out the hole drains into the rest of the water in the cooler
Love that idea! Thank you for sharing!
@@Nicky68Y The idea of the {small} hole allows AIR to be pushed out of the bottom of the squares. You don't just fill the tray. You fill the cooler until it is even with tray lip. I do place cup or small bowel underneight to raise the tray so that it is not setting on the bottom of the cooler. The after 24 hrs the tray will be in the upper clear freezing area. Again the small just insures that any air that would make your cube fuzzy has excaped because the cubes freeze from the top down pushing air out down the hole.
GREAT VID. I have also found that I can use my "rock" as my mix/chilling ice in the mix glass as well instead of the smaller, cloudy ice. Once done I pour into my glass and then gently slip my perfect fit "rock" into the rock glass. The liquid is cold and has had minimal melting from my "rock". The ice now has had a relationship from beginning to end so to speak LOLOL.
...and you're making the most out of your hard work making and cutting the ice :)
Fantastic idea thank you!
Your t shirts are looking really good!! 👍
Thank you!
I've scrolled past this one to watch other SLB videos because it just looked insignificant to me. I have ice. What would I need to watch this for? I was looking at my spheres that my very cool refrigerator makes for me last night and it reminded me of this video that I keep avoiding. I believe this cutting a homemade slab bit is going to be my newest thing. It clearly will separate my creations which can start to look like assembly line products to what I truly mean them to be, hand made creations. Thanks for the video
Good video. I'm in Ottawa, so we have a great big outdoor freezer on for the next 2 months or so. Although it's hard to guage how long before the water partially freezes, I've found even in a standard freezer that it can take longer than 24-28 hours to produce a good sized block. Once you have your frozen block, set it up on a cutting board with a channel groove to carve it. The ice shards should be saved as they can be used in your mixing tins when preparing your cocktails. When you start making your own clear ice a lot, buy your own knives and mallet so you don't dull or dent your wife's knives. Cheers,
All fantastic guidelines thank you! Especially the one about the wives!
Love these videos.
I would definitely order a 2x shirt
Got ya thank you!
Loving the new shirt. 👍🏾👍🏾
Thank you!!
The shirt looks great! 👍
Thanks so much! Trent designed the logo etc.
Kurt love the show , love the shirt, I’d definitely purchase one when possible. Me and my wife watch the your videos all the time from Pittsburgh PA. Keep up the good work and thanks for all the great tips!
Appreciate you and your wife for being a part of the show!
@@slbdrinks looking forward to the livestream
Yeap, good method on clear ice. I saw Jeremy Siers did clear ice also with that little mobile fridge
I didn’t catch that one but will look it up.
My granddaughter referred to the clear ice cubes is diamonds 🥰
Perfect! Grandkids are just the best!
I was given some of the single silicone ball molds as a gift. After some research I figured out I could put them (hole facing down) in a Stainless steel large insulated travel mug, and it would freeze from the top down to make really nice clear balls.
When I use my small cooler for directional freezing, it takes a while for the ice to thaw and come out of the cooler. The cooler needs to be over a sink when removing the ice so the water doesn't spill on the counter or floor. Also, I store each cube in a small zip lock bag. When I store the ice in a plastic container, the cubes can freeze together and they can be hard to separate.
I am going to replace the sphere ice molds I have with the crystal ice ball you have. Now I know why I get cloudy Ice. Thanks.
Easy to do and not that expensive!
Great video!!!! Making clear ice is totally worth it!!! I make 2 cubes a day, and I love it!! I use one of those insulated drink things, about 10" tall, freeze it, cut the clear ice into two discs, then trim to cubes!!!!
Those clear ice boxes actually work very well and are quite handy to be able to fit in the freezer! Love the name on your TH-cam account as well! Do you have your own channel?
@@slbdrinks Yes sir!! Ive been around for about 15 months. Just having some fun!!!
I am trying to find it but am having difficulty. Looking under your TH-cam title is that not correct?
@@slbdrinks I thought one could just tap the picture.
@@slbdrinks ok, try my name. Tim Kirkland.....
Id love an slb windbreaker!
Clear ice must be trending. Tipsy Bartender did this same video last week too.
He did?? Love that guy! He’s hilarious!
@@slbdrinks Hey man, I can’t get enough of clear ice, and I don’t even drink anymore. Kudos to you for pulling me in.. I enjoyed your vid.
I stumbled across your channel during the middle of my dry January. Needless to say, I'm counting down the days until it's over so I can mix up a cocktail or two! Thank you for all the great instructional videos, especially the ones on bourbon and bourbon cocktails! One quick question about clear ice...when using the small cooler idea, would it work leaving the cooler out overnight in freezing temps? My freezer's too small to fit a cooler, but I can leave it on the back patio. I know the temperature won't stay constant, so wasn't sure how important that was.
I am sure that would work just fine but you will have to keep track of how the ice forming. Being outside it won’t have a consistent temp so could freeze to proper thickness faster or slower. Other than that I say go for it!
This idea came from outside freezing - ponds and lakes freeze from the top down, pushing the air downward. The result is CLEAR.
It has been a while, but I thought this would be very helpful.
When you scored the big block of ice, you only did one side. If you took a few seconds to score all of the sides, you are much less likely to have an uneven edge when you break with the mallet. Just a few extra seconds gets you go much more ice to use.
Kurt, I use the same method. But when I cleave the ice block, I gently tap the top of the knife. The ice seems to cleave more cleanly than with one hard hit. I made a friend a Four Roses on a clear cube and he loved it. He never cared for bourbon. There is nothing like a clear cube in an old fashion. I also have the clear sphere maker. My friends are impressed. They think I am obsessing.
Thanks for the tip but plz let me say you are not obsessing! As you are aware it completely heightens the whole experience! Great job!
Well I can share what not to do.....lol I actually just did this 4 days ago but tried to do it at a larger scale. I poured one of those 5 gallon water recyclable bottles in a large new cooler and sat it outside with the lid open. Another video talked about how because the sides and bottom are insulated, the cold air pushes the oxygen and impurities in the water to the bottom leaving clear ice on top. The directional cooling you mentioned. Anyhow, my thought was I could score it and make thick slabs then do as you did here with each slab but that block was so difficult to manage, I ended up just making nice chunks. Not my best effort hahaha. It started off presice and careful but looked more like a fist fight by the time I got to the end of that chunk.
Next time I will certainly do this at the scale you have here. Lesson learned.
You crack me up! Actually laughed out loud while reading. Trial and error my friend. I have a lot of that under my belt as well!
I have never once thought about the look of my ice in a cocktail. I drink my bourbon neat so it has never come up
I drink 95 % of my whiskey neat but there are a few I love over ice. Ice is also important for old fashioneds and other stirred cocktails.
I'm trying this tonight, I have a clear ice maker built in but the cubes are small. On a 2nd note Where you in the Navy, you remind me of a Capt I knew, same stature, and demeanor.
Heck yeah I want one of those shirts! Some SLB glencarin glasses would be awesome too.
Working on all that stuff! Should be available in a couple weeks.
@@slbdrinks awesome! Matt from the TH-cam channel demolition ranch has a company called Bunker Branding. Anyway he does a bunch of merchandise for other TH-camrs like shirts and hats ect.. He might be worth checking out just a thought.
I will pass that on to Trent. Thank you!
Very similar to the men harvesting ice at the beginning of Frozen! Let it Go!🙏🏻
Ha!! That’s awesome lol!
Cheers!
Thank you sir!
Definitely interested in shirts or other merchandise you may have available! Looking forward to making clear ice! Thanx.
Check out the video tomorrow! Big announcement for our merch. Thank you!
I really enjoy using the large silicone square molds in my bar. I noticed if I use distilled water they come out a bit more clear.
Great idea! It’s been a while since I used those but don’t believe I tried any other water than tap water. They are very convenient.
Does distilled water not make it taste different?
@@terryfeagins2053 I personally can't tell a difference
@Jason Farjardo hmm cool....I will try the distilled water in my table top ice maker asap!! Thanks Jason!!
Interesting. My recommendation is that you float a silicon tube(s) in the top of the cooler. When they freeze you have a tube of clear ice inside the silicon tube. Slide tube from ice and cut to length. I will try this myself. Thanks
Sounds like a great idea!
Great vid, how do you store your cut ice in the freezer?
I have some ice balls made from Kentucky limestone water for those really special pours.
Oh wow how spectacular!
Now I know where you get those cute little perfect mixing cubes! One question. Do you mix your old fashioneds in your rocks glass, or do you mix in a cocktail mixing glass first and then strain into your rocks glass?
You can do either honestly but I prefer a mixing glass. Less mess for an older guy 🤣
Interesting stuff. Right now here in central Pa., for the past 9 days it's been nothing but ice ALL AROUND OUTSIDE!! Let me know Kurt and I'll send ya some! (: thanks for the vid.
I have seen all that nonsense you have been getting out there. Feel bad your ya.
A good reverse osmosis (RO) system will give you clear ice by removing 99% of all impurities. I use 2 inch silicon ice trays and have beautiful clear ice for all my cocktails. I really enjoy your videos.
The cloudiness of most ice is not due to water impurities, but to air trapped in the ice.
I also had the reverse osmosis in a prior house and was very happy with the water.
Love the shirt Kurt .
Let’s get those bad boys online !
Hopefully soon! Thank you!
Hi Kurt,the New Shirt looks great! I love your Bourbon shows! Very informative. Thanks for all that you and Trenton and family do. All the best for 2023. Rick
If you do a couple blocks ahead of time for a party do you pre cut and store in the freezer or do you leave as blocks and shape as you go? Guess I really want to know if they stay separated in the cooler if stored
Yes and yes. If I know I am going to be having company over I cut the blocks ahead of time to fit the glass. The blocks can be stored than in the freezer in a bowl or on a tray with no issues.
Somebody famous once said “see some guys like to hand carve their ice and all that stuff but I don’t have time for all that”
You have been around for a while lol! Your comment is exactly correct and that was me. Amazing when something is your passion how you grow into what you love!
Good catch my friend!
I would offer an alternative...Clearly Frozen. The product makes 10 square cubes. No cutting required. I've used it for nearly a year and found it perfect clear ice maker. As an alternative, you can slice up lemons, limes, orange, mint leaves and place them inside to give the ice another dimension to the appearance. Heck, I've added flowers to the cube :)
Sounds great!
we use round silicone molds and like them, but it would be nice to have them turn out clear. I wonder if distilled water would make them clearer Will try!
Question: if you make ice that way, how long can you keep/store it in your freezer before it turns cloudy? Or are you using all the ice up in the next 24 hours?
I have square solid soapstones that you freeze and won't dilute your drinks at all.
I need a SLB Drinks shirt!
Nice new shirt Kirk, looking fresh 🥃
Thank you!
Curious: Have you tried the silicon molds in the ice chest full of water? Might float or you could support on glasses below and fill the chest just to the top of the molds? The extra water may still keep the freezing slow?
I have not but after a few comments I did a little research. If you punch holes in the bottom of the silicone cube spaces and submerged like you said I think it would work just fine. Watched one video and they came out beautiful! I don’t think it would work properly if floating though.
11 minutes and 21 seconds is when i knew there was nothing easy about this.
I will have to review the video to see what you are referring to. Making clear ice is a bit of a chore but nothing that can’t be achieved with a bit of effort.
“WIFE’S DOMAIN, so I gotta be really careful. RIGHT BABE?”
*tiny laugh & indistinguishable noise from wife*
*husband realizes he messed up, double chuckles*
“So we are in the FAMILY kitchen”
His poor wife
Ha! Lol I was a bit out of my comfort zone up in the kitchen!
Shirt looks legit
Appreciate that!
will ice turn white once you put it back in freezer
I use the same method but my block never comes out that even. Does yours come out that even every time?
First time seeing your video, if you make clear ice, cut it like you did and put it back in the freezer will it stay clear?
When I make whiskey balls, I always fill with hot water. They come out clearer than when the wife fills them, just don't tell her that.
I've been using purified water for ice. Not 100% clear. Is distilled better?
I always use Fiji water for my ice trays.
Wow great! Your really amping up the game. Love that!
I once had a silicone mold of a shot glass. Was really cool to add to a drink or just drink out of but it ended up smelling like it absorbed all the Oder of the freezer. Would you think it was because of leaving it in too long or just not having enough baking soda in to do its job?
My guess would be leaving it in the freezer to long. Once frozen take it out and store in a ziplock bag.
@@slbdrinks will do. Thanks. Keep up the great videos.
What is the best way to store the cubes ? And how long can the cubes be stored before they are not good to use ?
below freezing is recommended.
you can use a freezer safe box and as long as there isnt freezer burn on the cubes they'll be fine
Does the Styx song " To Much Time On My Hands" ring a bell???
Ha! If you only knew my schedule. I just have a passion for what I do in this field. Truthfully though it takes minimal time to make clear ice.
So after making the clear ice how would you go about storing it? Do you put it back in the freezer. If so does it cloudy after the fact?
Once it freezes clear, it stays clear. You might get some frost buildup on the surface, but it's nothing 5-10 minutes sitting out (or a quick rinse under cold water) won't fix. As for storing, short term a ziplock bag works fine. For longer than a week or so, I shrink-wrap it with my vacuum sealer lol
@@bjmmn thanks for the reply. I wasn't sure if it would get cloudy again after putting them back in the freezer. Gonna try this out tonight
Benjamin hits it right on the nose!
Great vid. I’d like a shirt to add to my collection of bar and pub t-shirts when they are available. Will you ship to Europe?
I am sure we can figure it out! Thank you!
Pro tip - if the cube is just a little big for the glass, turn faucet on very low (barely a stream) and rub just the corner to be made smaller with your hand. Quick melts just the problem area - and problem solved.
Thank you!
I have a tiny freezer. Can I just use a large bowl to freeze the water instead of one of those Coleman coolers? I realize it will make less ice, but can I still use a large bowl instead?
You can try that. Concerned that with no insulated sides the ice would freeze improperly. Good thing is won’t cost you anything to try and see what happens.
So far, unclear ice doesn’t bother me. But now I know how to male crystal-clear ice, in case I ever want to.
No worries there. Your house your rules!