Essential Oil Ice Cubes

Ice cubes are a rather unappreciated bit of history. In the early nineteenth century before there were even ice trays, wealthy people had to purchase ice as a luxury from New England frozen lakes. Frederic Tudor, also known as “The Ice King”, began harvesting ice in 1806. He then popularized ice in the tropics and eventually all over the nation. He advertised ice as a way to keep not only food and medicines cold, but also beverages. This was the start of America’s love of ice, and over time, technology improved until the modern freezer came about, and with it the possibility of making your own ice (not to mention ice-cream).

With this history in mind, change up the flavor and add a pop of color to your next chilly beverage with these fruity essential oil ice cubes.

From the below list of ingredients, select the fruits and essential oils that appeal to you most. Think of which beverage you will be using these ice cubes in, and it will help direct the flavors you choose.

Ingredients
Your choice of the following fruits:
1 package raspberries
1 lemon
1 lime
1 orange
1 grapefruit
1 package basil leaves
1 package mint leaves
1 package strawberries
1 small watermelon

Your choice of the following essential oils:
Lemon oil
Wild Orange oil
Lime oil
Grapefruit oil
Peppermint oil
Lavender oil
Basil oil

Instructions

1. Cut your chosen fruit into small pieces, and place pieces into a metal or silicon ice cube tray.
2. Add 1–2 drops of essential oils per ice cube slot.
3. Add water and place into freezer.
4. Once frozen, add to beverage for a fun flavor combination.

Flavor combinations to try:

• Raspberry and Lemon
• Orange, Lemon, and Lime
• Lavender and Lemon
• Lime and Mint
• Grapefruit and Basil
• Strawberry and Lemon
• Watermelon and Lime
• Lemon and Lime