Functional, Flavorful, Fabulous

Photo-Martha Stewart Weddings

The creativity and photography on the web is amazing – For those of you who have not yet explored Pinterest, you simply must!. It is a Disneyworld of visuals- a feast for the eyes. This feature all about "designer"ice cubes was inspired by Pinterest postings and of course, the queen of creativity,  Martha Stewart.

It's almost summer and time to think COOL.
Layered, infused, rainbow or striped ice cubes are fun to make and perfect for warm weather entertaining. The cubes are simply made of several ingredients. Each ingredient is frozen separately and layered Each color/flavor is frozen, and then topped with another colorful layer. Yes, as Martha would say, it's a good thing!

Ice Cubism (Yes love those words!)

• Use store bought juices such as Ceres brand and Natalie's. Pour liquid into an ice cube tray. Fill each cube about 1/3 full for 3 layers, ½ full for 2 layers. Freeze until each layer is solidly frozen. Once frozen, pour or spoon another flavorful colored liquid over the top, and freeze again. Repeat with the third liquid layer.
When the cubes are frozen, remove and add to your drink of choice. If the drink is already chilled your gorgeous cubes will last longer.

• If you would like to add a creamy layer, as in the non-dairy creamsicle cubes below, we suggest using coconut milk, almond milk or vanilla soy milk. For a dairy version, light whipping cream is yummy. There are so many ways to use cubes, but do be mindful of the tasting blend when selecting the layers in your cubes. Be creative and compatible.

• Stuffed Cubes
Add fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and edible flowers. Consider using seasonal herbs from the summer garden- like basil and mint. Edible flowers are a WOW addition to any drink.

• Martha Stewart tip: For ice that's especially clear, use distilled water that has been boiled and then cooled. This limits impurities and air bubbles.

Here are some favorite recipes (some ours, some others), which not only add color, but flavor. Do share yours.

Single Layered Cubes
Chocolate syrup cubes in cold milk
Espresso or strong coffee cubes in iced coffee
Lemonade or limeade cubes in iced tea
Coconut milk cubes in Iced Chai

Double or Triple Layered Cubes
Pink lemonade, yellow lemonade, cranberry juice
Strawberry juice, orange juice, limeade
Blueberry juice, strawberry juice, coconut milk
Creamsicle Orange juice, coconut milk
Smoothies: cucumber, kiwi, lime
Watermelon, mint
Cucumber, basil

Cocktail Cubes
Pina Colada: Alternate layers of pineapple juice and coconut milk
Add these striped cubes to fresh muddled pineapple, coconut milk and rum

Mojito: Alternate layers of limeade or fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Chiffonade several mint leaves and add to lime juice; freeze. Serve these mojito cubes with muddled limes, mint, sparkling water, and rum.

Fruity Wine Spritzer: Freeze fresh or frozen strained raspberry or strawberry puree in cubes. Add some tiny mint leaves. Add to sparkling water, and white wine such as a Hagafen white Riesling for a lovely fruity wine spritzer.

Fruity Sparkling Punch: Freeze pureed Strawberries and Orange juice. Add to ginger ale and sparkling wine.

Patriotic: Freeze pureed blueberries; pureed strawberries and coconut milk. Add to lemonade, iced tea or notch it up a bit with some vanilla vodka and cranberry juice.

These ice cube recipes can be made in any ice cube tray, but work best in silicone trays. Here are two we like:
Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Tray, Set of 2
Casabella Silicone True Cube Ice Cube Tray, Set Of 2

Want more recipes? Check out this feature on Buzzfeed.com, especially the frozen grapes and PUPsicle!: 19 Flavorful Ways to Liven Up Your Summer Ice Cubes