Pretty Little Things

• 

Who would have thought that something so simple could look so pretty?  Ice cubes filled with fruit and flowers – genius.

This past weekend I attended a dear friend’s birthday party where one of the neighbors popped in with these delightful ice cubes.  The berry and flower filled cubes not only made my gin and tonic look smashing, it tasted even better once they melted.

So here are my recommendations:  As for fruit, opt to fill your frozen squares with cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.  As for grapes, you can freeze those puppies as is and throw them into your drink.  Flowers can be a bit more tricky since not all of them are edible.  Stick to rose petals, lavender, cornflowers (also called bachelor’s button – I thought it was amusing, maybe not), chives, pansies, primroses, geraniums,  calendula, nasturtiums, violets, and strawberry blossoms.

For most appealing results, pick a color story, thoroughly wash your garnishes, place them in an ice cube tray, fill with water, freeze et voila!  Do note ice cubes look best in clear drinks.  Santé!  Bisous NYS