Edible Flower Ice Cubes

Hi friends! Today’s post is going to be a little different than my other recipes. There is no long ingredient list, dirting up multiple bowls and making it look like a tornado swept through your kitchen; this recipe doesn’t even have any flavor added. I’m sure you are thinking, “how the heck could this be good?!”; but aren’t you a little intrigued about what it could be? 

I recently shared my Pink Lemonade Cocktail that incorporates sweet and tart flavors with vibrant pink color and a beautiful garnish of thyme sprigs. It’s the cocktail for spring and summer not only because of the tropical flavors but the beautiful Edible Flower Ice Cubes that make that cocktail five-star. 

Yup, you guessed it! Today, the recipe is all about these gorgeous Edible Flower Ice Cubes.

Edible flowers have been around since Roman times and used in various ways. Traditionally they were used as medicine or dried into herbs offering different health benefits from a sore throat or helping with a cough. However, you probably have only seen these used in fancy desserts or salads unless you live a holistic lifestyle or forage your flowers and herbs for consumption.

I’m sure the big question on your mind is, “How do I know which flowers are edible?”. Thankfully, we have internet technology, so it’s a lot easier than our ancestors. First, they had to separate the flower from the plant, investigate it with all their senses, rub it on their skin and hope they didn’t get a rash. After that, they would either dry or boil them and pray they were safe. 

The best place to find them would be a local farmers market, holistic store, ordering them online, or planting some in your yard. That way, you can harvest them whenever you like and they make a beautiful addition to your garden. 

You may be surprised to find out some flowers have a pleasant taste. Take Hibiscus, for instance. They are sweet and tart, similar to cranberries. Roses have a sweet taste to them as well. Peonies, pansies, marigolds, lilacs, honeysuckles, nasturtium, carnations, chrysanthemum, and sunflowers are some of the most commonly sourced edible flowers you can use in various foods. Most of them have a slightly sweet, citrusy, and earthy flavor. While the nasturtium, chrysanthemum, and marigolds have a slightly peppery taste when added to food dishes or cooked down. 

To ensure they are safe for you to ingest, I always recommend going organic, which is why growing them yourself is a win-win all around. These flowers are best used fresh, so picking them straight from the yard to use or purchasing the same day as serving is optimal. They will last around four days in the fridge, but for maximum potency, you want to enjoy fresh. 

There is something magical and rewarding about growing your flowers and herbs. Going outside to pick what you need and allowing the bees to enjoy their sweet nectar while pollinating the surrounding area is fantastic.

Did you know that the base for Chartreuse, a French liqueur, is carnation petals?! The world of flowers is mesmerizing because we just don’t stop to think how beneficial they are.

Now that you have been given a short lesson on these flowers let’s make some ice!

Pour a little water into your ice tray, add a flower into each one, then fill the tray with water until they are submerged. To ensure this goes as planned, you can add a tiny bit of water to your tray, then a flower, and put it in the freeze for 10 minutes or so to ensure the flower does not rise to the top. Then pour your remaining water and freeze until hardened.

It is that simple and can be used in any drink you like (except warm beverages unless the flowers you use will boost the flavor). 

Whether you are enjoying these simply because of the elegant addition it brings to your drink or you like exploring new things these Edible Flower Ice Cubes are the way to go this spring and summer season. 

What do you think of this idea? Have you ever tried making your ice cubes or using them in your cooking or medicinal benefits? Let me know in the comment section below! 

If you share across social media, make sure you tag #aclassictwist so I can see what beautiful flowers you used.

Until next time friends, happy flower picking :-).