Easy and pretty, these edible flower ice cubes are sure to make any drink special. I’ve used pansies here.Great for entertaining! Also includes and easy Homemade Sparkling Lemonade recipe!
Pansies are also a wonderfully edible flower. Not only are the flowers themselves edible, but the green bits under the flower petals are too (I know that part has a technical name, but I’ll be darned if I know what it is :). They are perfect for edible flower ice cubes!
With Mother’s Day this weekend, I was thinking about an easy way to make the day special and I couldn’t imagine anything more special than treating Moms to a drink with these beautiful ice cubes. And of course, it’s a big bonus that they are dead easy to make, so it’s a little project that Dads and kids can take on.
To really enjoy these special ice cubes, I’m also sharing a super easy Homemade Sparkling Lemonade. It’s one of my favourite Summer drinks – a simply mixture of homemade lemonade and sparkling water. Dressed up with pretty ice cubes, lemon slices and mint sprigs, Mom is sure to feel super special as she puts her feet up with her special drink.
Cook’s Notes
If you have pansies in your garden, they are the best choice for this, but you can use nursery stock. I like to rinse them well before using.
Look for the smaller pansies, as they are a better fit in the ice cube tray.
The flowers will float to the top. I push them down so they are under water a bit, but don’t stress if they seem to be just floating on the top before they are frozen. As the ice forms, it will expand and cover the flower.
As for the Homemade Sparkling Lemonade, it probably goes without saying, but a splash of gin or vodka would certainly not be out of place in this one ;)
Be sure to add the sparkling water just before serving, so it keeps it’s sparkle.
Make the simple syrup and lemon juice ahead and store in jars in your fridge. Then to make one glass at a time, simply combine 1/4 cup simple syrup, 2 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice and 1/2 cup water, then top up with 1/2 cup sparkling water.
Get the Recipe: Pansy Ice Cubes and Homemade Sparkling Lemonade
Ingredients
Simple Syrup:
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
Lemonade:
- 2 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, from 5-6 lemons
- 1 1/2 - 2 cups sparkling water, such as Perrier
Garnish:
- Pansy Ice Cubes, or regular old ice cubes
- Lemon Slices or wedges
- Mint Sprigs
Instructions
- Make Pansy Ice Cubes: Fill a standard ice cube tray with water. Pinch off the flower at the top of the stem. Separate some small mint leaves and set aside. Add one small mint leaf, then a flower to an ice cube cup. Alternate a flower cup with an ice cube with just a mint leaf or two, until filled. Freeze until solid.
- For the simple syrup: )**Making this hot sugar mixture is not an activity for kids, as it is extremely hot and capable of burning. Please, adults only for this part!) In a medium saucepan, stir together the white sugar and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring, until mixture boils. Allow to boil about 30 seconds, then turn off the heat and allow mixture to cool to room temperature. If making ahead, transfer to a small bowl or jar and refrigerate until needed.
- To make the sparkling lemonade, add all of the (cooled) simple syrup to a pitcher. Add the cold water, lemon juice and sparkling water. Pour into 4 tall glasses or jars, leaving room for ice and garnishes. Add ice cubes, lemon slices and mint sprigs to glass. Enjoy!
Absolutely beautiful! I like your creativity and the idea Jennifer.
Thanks so much, Rocky :)
Absolutely beautiful and such a brilliant idea! Happy Mother’s Day Jennifer!
Thanks Chris and you, too!
These are really pretty Jennifer. The color is just wonderful. Sparkling Lemonade is a great idea too – great for any spring event like wedding or baby showers or Mother’s Day ;0 Hope you have a great one!
Thanks Tricia :)
Absolutely beautiful! These can grace many libations, but a glass of homemade lemonade sounds just perfect!
Thanks Milena!
I love these! They’re so beautiful and I’ve made a version of these in the past for a dinner party and it was amazing how impressed people were. Perfect for Mother’s Day!
Thanks Cindy!
So pretty and sparkling for spring! These would be lovely for Mother’s Day weekend. :)
Thanks Laura :)
So pretty for a Mother’s Day brunch or bridal shower Jennifer! Love it!
Thanks Mary Ann :)
This is just a treat for the ol’ eyeballs!! Gorgeous Jennifer!! How perfect for a backyard summer party!
Thanks Dawn and yes, so easy, too!
I love these! It’s been too long since I have frozen flowers in ice for punch! Lovely!
Thanks Annie and me, too. I was due :)
Just gorgeous, the color combination is so pretty, sharing and pinning!
Thanks Sue!
These are the most gorgeous ice cubes in ALL the land, Jennifer!!!! Absolutely perfect for Mother’s Day or summer entertaining! Or, just perfect for myself, because who doesn’t want to feel fancy!? LOVE it! Pinning! Cheers!
Thanks Cheyanne :)