Preserve lemon slices in ice for a deliciously cool addition to water. Lemon ice cubes are a great thing to keep on hand.
It’s a commonly known fact that drinking water instead of other beverages is less expensive and healthier than many other options. Water is essential to life. And too few of us are as hydrated as we could be.
One thing to make water a little more exciting is to add a slice of lemon. Not only does it brighten up the glass, but it also gives a refreshing sparkle to the taste.
Making lemon ice cubes make it all the easier!
Lemon Ice Cubes
If you live in a temperate climate, it can be quite easy to grow a lemon tree in the backyard. If not, it may be that you come by some on sale, or find yourself with half a lemon that you don’t want to waste.
Any which way life hands you lemons, put it on ice!
Can you freeze lemons?
While you can’t freeze whole lemons, you can freeze lemon juice and zest.
You can also make lemon ice cubes!
I suppose they aren’t really cubes, they are lemon pucks, but go with me on this.
How do you freeze lemons in ice cube trays?
- Slice the lemons and put one round slice into each compartment of a muffin tray. USA muffin pans work well for this since they are coated with silicone. (You can also use regular ice cube trays as well. If you do, you’ll need to cut the lemon slices into fourths.)
- Fill the cups with water and freeze.
- Once they are frozen, pop the ice pucks out of the tray. Run a little warm water on the bottoms to loosen the “cubes” if they’re stubborn.
- Store the frozen slices in a freezer bag in the freezer.
Whenever you want a glass of water with lemon, just add a lemon cube to your glass or pitcher. As the ice melts, the lemon will flavor your water. Easy peasy.
You can do this with other citrus fruit as well: oranges, limes, grapefruits, and mandarins! Your spa water will be next level this summer.
This post was originally published on March 7, 2012. It has been updated for content and clarity, 2020.
Henry
I tried it. The water doesnt pick up much of the flavor from the lemon. I suggest juicing the lemon, and dilute(optional) and freeze it like normal icecubes.
Jessica Fisher
No, the water won’t pick up much flavor while frozen. It’s as it thaws and the lemon sits in the glass that the water will take on the lemon flavors.
Ann Joy
Do You use the whole lemon in the blender to put in ice cube trays
Jessica Fisher
I’m not sure what you mean. You don’t need to use a blender in this process. Can you rephrase your question? Thanks.
Kelli @ Holistic Sisters
I love this idea! Thanks for sharing!
Harriet
Why didn’t I think of that? Great idea! I plan to do this over the weekend. Thanks for sharing!
Katie
I love this idea! I’ve love lemon in my water for tea, but lately I’ve been putting sliced tangerine and fresh mint in my ice water or iced green tea and it is WONDERFUL! I’m going to have to try freezing my tangerine/lemon slices into iced cubes.
Michele
I always enjoy reading your clever ideas. I recently bought a bag of beautiful lemons at Walmart for only $2.50. I couldn’t pass up such a good deal and now I know what I’m going to do with some of those lemons.
Rachel
I just freeze lemon slices on a cookie sheet… once they’re frozen, they pop right off and I put them in a freezer bag or container. They don’t stick together if they’re pre-frozen and I can easily toss a slice into my glass or pitcher of water. Super simple, and takes up much less room in the freezer than these lemon ice cubes would.
Jan
I actually have this bookmarked to try from Pinterest! Definitely sounds like a great idea for the upcoming summer months!
Michelle @ Simplify, Live, Love
That’s a nice idea. My mother likes lemon in her water. I don’t honestly care for it, but this is cute idea!
Wendy Riley
I add a Celestial Seasonings “Zinger” tea bag to my bottle of water. It steeps at room temp. After a few minutes, it adds a nice bit of flavor. Even though I don’t usually like fruit teas, once in a while it’s a nice change with my water and milder flavor.
Cheri A
OMGosh! Brilliant!! We have been enjoying a little slice of lemon in our water lately too. I am going to stock up on lemons next time they are on sale and make a few of these!
Lisa
Love it! We seem to buy, and waste oranges frequently…this would work great with those too!
Jessica
Yes! That is a great idea.