When it comes to keeping drinks cold, most of us turn to the humble ice cube — several of them, in fact. Whether from a tray in the freezer or a dispenser in the refrigerator, they’re relied on time and again to prevent beverages from reaching room temperature.
And yet, they also water drinks down, diluting the flavor of whatever you’re sipping — be it water, soda, or alcohol — and leaving a bad taste in your mouth. If you’ve been waiting for a better option, your time has come.
Go for Grapes
The best part of this hack is that you might already have the key ingredient in your fridge: grapes. Roughly the same size as an ice cube and considerably tastier, frozen grapes will keep your seltzer, sangria, wine, and other drinks cold without watering them down; if anything, they’ll improve the taste by adding a touch of fruit.
Freeze for the Perfect Chill
Separate the grapes from their stems and wash them in a colander. Pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. For a burst of fruity flavor in your drinks, cut the grapes in half; otherwise, leave them whole. Place the grapes on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.
Leaving grapes in the freezer overnight is ideal, but not necessary. They freeze fairly quickly, usually in just two to three hours, so freezing them in the morning before enjoying afternoon libations will afford you plenty of time to make grape cubes.
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No More Dilution
If you’re using them for wine, make sure to match green grapes with white wine and red or purple grapes with red wine. (Lambrusco, anyone?) Once you’ve finished your refreshing beverage — ideally while hosting several friends, all of whom will surely be impressed by your ingenuity — you can even eat your makeshift cubes.
