How to Make Clear Ice

I’ve read dozens of articles explaining how to make clear ice. Some articles will claim that you have to use distilled water to get clear ice, while others claim that it can be tap water as long as you boil it twice. In addition to the various water types, there are numerous ice molds available, most with corresponding marketing photos showing perfectly crystal clear ice. However, unless these molds incorporate one key technique, the photos are faked.

Since the dawn of the cocktail renaissance, enthusiasts have lusted after the beautifully cut, clear cubes adorning their old fashioneds and sazeracs at craft cocktail bars. Whether you’re new to cocktails or a longtime enthusiast, by the time you finish reading this post you’ll have a better grasp of the how clear ice is made, options for making clear ice at home, as well as one of the best visual illustrations of the process I’ve ever seen. The same process used to create clear ice can even be adapted to freeze flowers, mint, and other garnishes inside.

There is a lot of science to unpack, so if you just want to know what ice mold to purchase, scroll towards the bottom of the article where you’ll find my specific clear ice mold reviews I’ve also included a comparison table.

Table of Contents

• How to Make Clear Ice
• Ice Molds that Failed the Clarity Test
• Clear Ice Molds that Passed the Clarity Test
• Visual Results Based on Water Type
• Taste Test
• Conclusion (Featuring the Top Clear Ice Molds)
• Comparison Chart
• White Negroni Recipe