Decorative ice cubes for cocktails: a visual and functional technique
Frozen ice cubes with edible fruits, herbs, and flowers are functional, they keep drinks cold without diluting them too much, and visually spectacular for parties and gatherings.
To make flavored ice cubes, choose a cocktail, clean and chop the necessary ingredients. Fill ice cube trays almost to the top, adding fruits, herbs, or edible flowers. To prevent delicate ingredients from floating, fill the trays halfway with the added ingredient and freeze; then add more liquid and freeze again.
It's a visual art, so consider color, contrast, and variety as much as flavors. Red and purple berries, green herbs, colorful edible flowers, and orange, yellow, and green citrus zest are all excellent choices. Try freezing diluted olive juice with a green olive for a dirty martini. For a festive touch, use a sprig of rosemary with cranberries.
Use fruit juice in the trays instead of water to make decorative ice cubes; be sure to dilute it slightly so it freezes better. You can even make your cubes with canned fruit cocktail. Not only will they look spectacular, but the intensity of the flavors will make your guests enjoy themselves to the fullest as the ice melts.