How to Make Colored Ice

Download Article

Co-authored by Claire Donovan-Blackwood

Last Updated: March 10, 2025

Download Article

Standard Colored Ice Cubes

|

Giant Colored Ice Cubes

|

Ingredients

|

Q&A

|

Things You'll Need

Colored ice is a neat variation on the standard no-color ice. It can be used in drinks, added to the punch bowl or even played with to keep the little ones cool.

Ingredients

Water
Food coloring (color of choice)

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Standard Colored Ice Cubes

Download Article

Make sure you don't put too much water in, or else it will overflow and it will not work.
The food coloring can be any color you want. The more drops you put in the darker it will be.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Maria Short
Baker

Expert Interview}

Advertisement
Make sure no water spills out and the tray is in a secure place so it doesn't tip.
The larger the ice cube tray, the longer the wait.
Once you are sure the ice is completely frozen, take it out of the freezer and carefully remove the ice from the tray.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Giant Colored Ice Cubes

Download Article

This could be a cake bowl, a cake mold or other large container that can be placed in the freezer. Add a desired amount of water.
2
Add a few squirts of food coloring. Use color liquid food coloring, food dye or any other non-toxic food coloring.
- The more squirts/drops/amounts added, the darker the ice will look.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Maria Short
  Baker
  
  Expert Interview}
Ensure that the food coloring is completely dissolved.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Maria Short
Baker

Expert Interview}
Place in the freezer; take care not to spill it, as the coloring can stain any surfaces it falls on, including the freezer plastic.
Check how the giant colored ice cube is freezing every hour or so.
6
When the giant ice cube has frozen, remove the bowl from the freezer. Tip it out of the bowl for use
- The ice may crack; this is normal.
7
Play with it or use it. Dump it into a large punch bowl or give it to the kids or dogs to enjoy.
- You can even draw on pavement with a giant ice cube.
- Toss a giant colored ice cube around in the snow for a really fun toy that's easy to keep finding again. It'll last for ages.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can I use paint to make the colored water? I want to play with the ice.

Qamar

Top Answerer

Yes, you can. Just be sure you don't eat the ice. For more tips on ice painting, check out this guide.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 5
Question

Does soda color ice?

GoldenGirl105

Community Answer

Yes, it does. You can use any kind of soda or soft drink that's colored. It also adds a nice flavor to it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6