Clean, clear ice is better than cloudy ice-maker cubes in every conceivable way. Here are some instructions and tips for getting the best possible ice out of Proof Syrup Clear Ice Molds
Clear ice tastes, smells, and looks better than cloudy ice — plus it melts more slowly — making it the choice of craft bartenders worldwide. While many high-end bars and exceedingly fancy folk purchase specialty ice and cut it by hand, we’re betting your life doesn’t have room in it for even one more hassle. Make your own industry standard clear ice cubes and spheres at home, easily, with Proof Syrup's Clear Ice Molds.
How Our Ice Molds Work
Our ice molds use directional freezing — the same top-down process that creates crystal-clear ice in nature.
As the water freezes from the cold air above, impurities and bubbles are pushed out of small holes in the bottom of each mold. The result is pure, clean, clear ice that looks great and won’t taint your drinks with unwanted flavors and odors. Clear cubes also melt more slowly than cloudy ice, so they don’t dilute your beverages as quickly as the ice you’re probably used to.
Because clear ice is more dense than bubbly ice, it also won’t absorb freezer odors like regular ice will. Better all the way around, it is!
Directions
NOTE: Before first use, hand-wash both interior molds and the exterior case with mild soap and rinse thoroughly. Avoid submerging the exterior case in water.
- To make ice, set exterior case in the sink or a large pot. Fill case with water, then lower molds into case and press down to secure. (Expect some overflow.) Make sure water is visible through the small holes at the top of the silicone mold; pour or run water into those holes to top off.
- Transfer case to freezer, making sure the case is level and fully upright. Freeze for 18 to 24 hours.
- To unmold ice, place case in sink or large pot. (There may be freezing-cold spillage, folks.)
- Pry mold handles up, alternating sides until you can ease the molds free of the case.
- Separate mold halves and remove ice.
- Pick off any stray frosty bits, place ice in glass, and pour a delicious beverage over top.
Success Tips
We tested these molds heavily before deciding to sell them, and here’s what we learned about getting the best results:
- Harsh soaps or dishwasher detergent will impart odors/flavors detrimental to your clear, perfect ice, so while we are huge fans of just throwing everything in the dishwasher, do not put your ice molds in there.
- Depending on your local water quality and hardness, you might get better ice using warm or hot water, rather than cold.
- Filtered water produces clearer results in any mold. The fewer minerals and impurities in the water, the clearer and better-tasting the ice.
- If your freezer runs very cold, the water freezes too fast and traps more air. Setting the freezer closer to 0°F gives directional freezing time to do its job.
- When it’s ice-checking time, open the mold over the sink — even if your cubes/spheres are ready, there might be liquid water in the bottom of the case.
- Removing the interior molds from the case takes some effort. Letting the whole operation sit out on the counter for a few minutes can make that part easier.
- Your ice cubes/spheres will look frosty, not clear, when you first unmold them — this is normal. Their stunning clarity will be apparent as soon as you pour a beverage over them.
- It’s also normal for bits of frost or waste ice to stick to your perfect cubes/spheres. Simply pick these off.
- Make extra. A full cycle takes 18 to 24 hours, so batch ahead and store finished spheres in a zip-top bag in the freezer. Having ice ready means you can pour a drink the moment inspiration strikes.
Choosing an Ice Mold: What Actually Matters
If you're comparing options before you commit, three things matter more than anything else on the box.
Size
A 2 to 2.5-inch sphere fits perfectly in a standard rocks glass. Anything smaller melts too quickly to make a real difference. Some molds produce 3-inch spheres, which work well in larger glasses but feel oversized in a traditional Old Fashioned glass.
Material and Build Quality
Silicone should be thick enough to hold its shape when filled with water. Thin silicone warps and produces lopsided spheres. For directional freezing systems, look for food-grade insulation and BPA-free materials.
Freezer Space and Capacity
Directional freezing systems are bulkier than simple silicone trays. Measure your freezer shelf before buying — most systems need a flat, level surface and six to eight inches of vertical clearance. If you entertain often, a system that makes several spheres per cycle saves real time.
Where Big, Clear Ice Makes the Most Difference
The Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is the signature cocktail for a large sphere. Build it in the glass: 2 oz bourbon, half an ounce of Traditional Proof Syrup, and a couple dashes of Angostura. Stir gently around the sphere until chilled. It holds temperature for 20 to 30 minutes without over-diluting, so the last sip tastes like the first.
Whiskey Neat, On the Rocks
For straight whiskey or bourbon, a single clear sphere is all you need. It brings the spirit down to drinking temperature slowly, opening up the aromas without drowning the flavor.
Stirred and Bittersweet Drinks
A Negroni over a large sphere keeps the drink at the right temperature through a slow, contemplative sip. Swap Traditional Proof Syrup in for simple syrup and it gives the drink more body without pushing it sweeter.
Rum Drinks
Dark rum benefits from large ice as much as whiskey does. A rum Old Fashioned made with Maple Bacon Proof Syrup and Angostura over a sphere is a combination worth trying.
Mocktails
A large sphere slows dilution in a non-alcoholic drink too, which matters more there — there's no spirit providing body. Try one in sparkling water with Traditional Proof Syrup and fresh lime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is clear ice better than cloudy ice?
Clear ice is denser because it contains fewer air bubbles. That density means it melts more slowly, keeping your drink colder and less diluted for longer. It also looks significantly better in the glass, which matters when you've put effort into the drink.
How long does an ice sphere take to freeze?
Simple silicone molds take 4 to 6 hours but produce cloudy ice. Directional freezing systems like ours need 18 to 24 hours for fully clear results.
Do I need to use distilled water?
Not necessarily. Filtered tap water or standard bottled water produces good results. Distilled water can improve clarity marginally, but the difference is small enough that most people won't notice.