Decorative Ice cubes (fruit and herb filled)

Ice cubes with slices or pieces of fresh fruit or herbs frozen inside are sure to make any ordinary drink the hit of the party. You can also use specialty-shaped ice cube trays and fill them up with your choice of fruit juice. Plan ahead and freeze a batch.

1. First boil a pot of water, then let it cool. This keeps the water crystal clear rather than the cloudy look you can get from tap water.

2. Next, if you are adding fruits or herbs into the cubes, decide what you want to freeze. Strawberry slices, rasberries, blueberries, cherries, or blackberries make good choices. You can also freeze mint leaves or lemon and orange wedges.

3. Place the fruit or herb into each section of the ice tray. Pour the water over the fruit or herbs. Do not overfill. Or, if using fruit juice, pour them into the selected ice trays.
                     

4. Place ice trays into freezer for 3 to 4 hours or until frozen. Add to drinks just before serving.