Introduction: IKEA Ice Straws
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About: Engineer making renewable energy products for African entrepreneurs.
Add a cool zing to your summer cocktails with this totally cool straw!
Step 1: Materials
IKEA, the horror show that it is, sells an ice tray that makes cube sticks that fit into water bottles.
You'll need:
1 Ice cube tray (as mentioned above)
Enough straws to fit in each compartment
a Small bit of clay
You'll need:
1 Ice cube tray (as mentioned above)
Enough straws to fit in each compartment
a Small bit of clay
Step 2: Preparation
Cut each straw so that they fit into the ice compartments. Be sure to leave it long enough so that they can be supported above the bottom of the tray by friction (that is, make them a tiny bit longer than the tray).
Next, pit a tiny bit of clay into each end of the straw. This will keep water out of the straw for easy removal later.
Push one straw into each compartment such that it sits near the middle of the cube.
Fill with water.
Next, pit a tiny bit of clay into each end of the straw. This will keep water out of the straw for easy removal later.
Push one straw into each compartment such that it sits near the middle of the cube.
Fill with water.
Step 3: Freeze and Finish
Place your tray in the freezer for a few hours or until completely frozen.
Once your tray is frozen, carefully remove each ice straw.
Removing plastic straw
I found the easiest way to remove the straw was to allow the straws to thaw for about 10 minutes. Then push a skewer through the clay and straw. The friction from the clay pushed out the straw far enough that I could grab it.
You don't necessarily have to remove the straw as long as you remove all of the clay. A clean pipe cleaner would work well for this. This way, you'll get a longer service life out of your straw.
Now go enjoy your Sunday Mimosa or afternoon Bloody Mary :)
Once your tray is frozen, carefully remove each ice straw.
Removing plastic straw
I found the easiest way to remove the straw was to allow the straws to thaw for about 10 minutes. Then push a skewer through the clay and straw. The friction from the clay pushed out the straw far enough that I could grab it.
You don't necessarily have to remove the straw as long as you remove all of the clay. A clean pipe cleaner would work well for this. This way, you'll get a longer service life out of your straw.
Now go enjoy your Sunday Mimosa or afternoon Bloody Mary :)