Name: Holiday Ice Cubes (Festive Christmas Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 30 fresh cranberries; 2 rosemary sprigs; 2 cups water (approx)

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Elevate your holiday drinks with festive ice cubes made from rosemary, cranberries, and orange slices. Perfect for cocktails, mocktails, and adding a fun holiday twist!

Top down view of holiday recipe for festive cocktails.

Get ready to take your holiday drinks from basic to bougie with Holiday Ice Cubes!

That’s right, we’re talking about frozen cubes of pure festive magic. Filled with rosemary sprigs, cranberries, and orange slices that not only look amazing but add a burst of holiday flavor to whatever you’re sipping.

Whether you’re serving up cocktails, mocktails, or just fancying up your water, these ice cubes are the easiest way to bring some holiday cheer to your glass.

If you’re the type who loves adding a little extra flair to everything during the holidays (who doesn’t?), these decorative ice cubes are about to become your new best friend.

They’re like the statement earrings of the beverage world: super pretty, totally on-theme, and guaranteed to make everyone at your party say, “OMG, where did you get these?”

And here’s the best part—they’re super easy to make! It’s as simple as slice, stuff, freeze, and serve. The hardest part is waiting for them to freeze so you can show them off.

These ice cubes are a perfect way to upgrade any holiday gathering.

Picture this: you’ve got a cozy fire burning, your favorite holiday tunes playing in the background, and a gorgeous cocktail (or mocktail) in your hand that’s dressed up with these extra festive cubes.

Whether you’re making a cranberry gin fizz, a spicy margarita, or just some sparkling water, these cubes are perfect for the holiday season.

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas cocktail you may want to try my Snow Globe Cocktail Recipe or my Christmas Ornament Cocktail.

Table of Contents

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE HOLIDAY ICE CUBES

Super Easy to Make: This recipe is as simple as it gets. Just a few ingredients and some freezer time, and you’ve got yourself a classy, festive upgrade for any drink.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These ice cubes are the definition of versatility. Use them in cocktails, mocktails, or even just a glass of water for a fun and festive twist.
Adds Holiday Flavor: As the ice melts, it releases the subtle flavors of rosemary, cranberries, and orange into your drink, adding a burst of holiday cheer to each sip.
Impresses Your Guests: Whether you’re hosting a full-on holiday bash or just having a cozy night in, these cubes are guaranteed to get you some oohs and aahs. Your guests won’t know whether to drink their cocktail or take a photo of it first.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CHRISTMAS ICE CUBES

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these holiday cocktail ice cubes (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

Fresh rosemary sprigs
Whole fresh cranberries
Water
Large silicone ice cube tray
Coupe glasses
Optional – other fresh herbs, orange slices, cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, edible flowers, other fresh fruit, orange juice, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE LARGE ICE CUBES

Prep the Ingredients: Rinse the cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Add a few cranberries and a small sprig of rosemary into each compartment of the ice tray. The more festive, the better!
Add Water: Slowly pour filtered water over the ingredients in each compartment. Fill the tray to the top, ensuring all the goodies are submerged.
Freeze: Place the ice trays in the freezer and let them freeze for at least 4-6 hours or until completely solid. (Pro tip: For clearer cubes, boil the water first and let it cool before pouring into the tray.)
Serve: Pop out the holiday ice cubes and add them to your drinks! Whether it’s a cocktail, a glass of wine, or even some sparkling water, these cubes will add a festive touch.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

Use Filtered Water: For crystal-clear cubes, use filtered water and boil it before pouring into the ice tray. This helps reduce cloudiness and makes the cubes look extra pretty.
Go Big with Ice Trays: If you really want to make a statement, use oversized ice cube trays. The bigger cubes not only look impressive but also melt more slowly, keeping your drink chilled without watering it down.
Add More Flavor: Want a stronger burst of flavor? Add a splash of cranberry juice or orange juice to the water before freezing. It’ll give your drinks an extra hint of fruitiness.
Switch It Up: Don’t limit yourself to just rosemary, cranberries, and oranges. You can also try adding pomegranate seeds, mint leaves, or even lemon slices for a different vibe.
Prep Ahead: Make a few batches and keep them in a freezer bag so you’re always ready for an impromptu holiday drink (or five).

FAQS

CAN I MAKE A BIG BATCH OF THESE ICE CUBES IN ADVANCE?

Yes! Make a double batch ahead of time and store them in a sealed freezer bag. That way, you’ll have a stash ready for any holiday gathering.

HOW CAN I MAKE THESE ICE CUBES MORE FLAVORFUL?

Use distilled water for a cleaner base, then add your favorite fruit or herbs like pomegranate seeds or extra sprigs of rosemary to make them a delicious and flavorful way to chill drinks.

HOW CAN I GET CRYSTAL CLEAR ICE CUBES?

For crystal clear ice cubes, use boiled distilled water. Let the water cool before pouring it into the ice tray. This is an easy way to reduce cloudiness and make the cubes look more festive.

WHAT’S THE BEST SIZE OF ICE CUBES FOR COCKTAILS?

If you’re serving holiday pomegranate mimosas or other cocktails, opt for larger cubes made in a silicone ice mold. They not only look great but also melt slower, keeping your drink chilled longer.

ARE THERE OTHER GREEN INGREDIENTS I CAN USE FOR A FESTIVE LOOK?

If you’re short on rosemary, you can use mint leaves, basil sprigs, or even lime zest for a green pop of color that complements your holiday drinks.

More Festive Recipes For Your Holiday Celebrations!

Yield: 6 large ice cubes

Holiday Ice Cubes (Festive Christmas Recipe)

Elevate your holiday drinks with festive ice cubes made from rosemary, cranberries, and orange slices. Perfect for cocktails, mocktails, and adding a fun holiday twist!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Chill Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

30 fresh cranberries
2 rosemary sprigs
2 cups water (approx)

Instructions

In a small pot, boil filtered water for 3-4 minutes. Then allow to cool.
Rinse the cranberries and chop rosemary sprigs into small wedges, small enough to fit into your ice cube trays.
Once water has cooled, add a few cranberries to your ice cube tray. Then fill with water and a small sprig of rosemary.
Place the ice trays in the freezer and let them freeze for at least 4-6 hours or until completely solid.
Pop out the holiday ice cubes and add them to your drinks! Whether it’s a cocktail, a glass of wine, or even some sparkling water, these cubes will add a festive touch.

Notes

Pro tip: For clearer cubes, ensure you boil the water first and let it cool before pouring into the tray.

This step is not 100% necessary, but will result in more aesthetic looking cubes.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

IF YOU TRIED THESE HOLIDAY PARTY ICE CUBES PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS HOLIDAY BEVERAGE IDEA ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails