(Make Ahead) Holiday Punch Bowl Ice Cubes

Looking for a quick way to level up your holiday punch bowl or cocktails without the hassle? These stunning ice cubes are an incredibly easy solution—and they’ll make you look super-classy too! One of my biggest issues about adding ice to drinks is the melt—no one wants a watered-down beverage. That’s why these ice cubes use pomegranate juice instead of water, adding both flavor and a vibrant red hue to what would otherwise be plain ice. Plus, when they’re filled with cranberries and orange wedges, you might even look forward to the ice melting! Here are all the components to keep in mind.

• Ice cube tray: Silicone trays with lids work best for easy removal and stacking, but lids aren’t necessary for success. Just make sure to freeze the trays in a single layer to avoid sloshing.
• Fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a fun pop to the cubes and float to the top of your drink as they melt! If fresh ones aren’t available, frozen cranberries will work, too.
• Orange slices: The orange slices complement the red of the cranberries and add a zesty balance. For a more tangy option, feel free to replace them with lemon or lime slices.
• Star anise: Whole star anise pods make a beautiful addition to the ice cubes and impart a strong spiced aroma to your drink. I’ve included it as an optional component for those preferring a milder flavor.
• Rosemary: Rosemary adds great color and contrast, with its sprigs poking out of the cubes. You can swap it for another herb, depending on the flavor profile of your punch. Just make sure to keep the sprigs intact with the stem as much as possible to prevent sipping on herb pieces.
• Pomegranate juice: I love the rich red color of pomegranate juice in these cubes, which melts perfectly into your punch. Feel free to replace it with any juice you like to match your drink (i.e., orange juice for mimosa).

Did you try making this? Let us know how it went in the comments!