Easy Apple-Cinnamon, Orange-Smoke, and Vanilla Bean Cubes to Warm Up Winter Whiskey Cocktails

There’s something about winter that makes a whiskey feel even more comforting — like slipping on a favourite cardigan or curling up with the dog after everyone else has gone to bed. And if you’ve ever wished your evening whiskey tasted just a little bit more special without needing to shake, stir, or play bartender, flavoured ice cubes are your new secret weapon.

These slow-melting cubes gently infuse your drink as they thaw, adding layered warmth and aroma without watering everything down too quickly. They’re also ridiculously easy to make ahead, which is ideal when winter evenings get busy and you still want that lovely end-of-day moment in a cosy glass.

Here are my three favourite whiskey-friendly flavoured ice cubes — all beautifully wintery, all freezer-friendly, and all guaranteed to turn an ordinary pour into a slow-sipping, fireside treat.

Apple-Cinnamon Whiskey Cubes

A soft, sweet infusion that feels like a warm apple pie met a good bourbon.

Per large cube:
• 1 thin apple slice
• 1 small cinnamon stick piece (2–3 cm)
• Fill with water or apple juice

As the ice melts, the apple and cinnamon slowly blend with the whiskey, softening the edges and adding a little bakery warmth. It’s absolutely gorgeous with bourbon, rye, or a sweeter Irish whiskey.

Pour over:
• 1 shot bourbon
• Top with soda water for a longer drink
or
• Enjoy neat over the cube for a slow-sipper

Orange-Smoke Whiskey Cubes

Perfect for anyone who loves smoky, deep winter whiskey flavours. The orange brightens, while the smoky note lingers like a winter fire.

Per large cube:
• 1 thin slice orange peel
• 1 tiny piece of smoked woodchip (optional)
• OR 1 drop liquid smoke for a subtle effect
• Fill with water

If you skip the smoke, the orange peel alone still makes a beautiful old-fashioned-style cube. But if you do add the smoke, your drink will taste like you slow-roasted citrus over a fire in the best way.

Pour over:
• 1 shot Scotch or smoked whiskey
• A splash of ginger ale if you like it lighter

Vanilla Bean Whiskey Cubes

Smooth, mellow, and almost dessert-like. This is the cube I make when I want a treat at the end of the day but without fuss.

Per large cube:
• 1 small piece of vanilla bean (1–2 cm)
• OR a tiny drop of vanilla extract
• Fill with water

As the vanilla ice melts into the whiskey, it creates a soft caramel-vanilla flavour that tastes like something far fancier than what you spent on ingredients. Warm, comforting, and very “sit by the fire with a blanket.”

Pour over:
• 1 shot Irish whiskey
• Add cream liqueur for a grown-up winter dessert drink

Make-Ahead Hosting Hack

These whiskey cubes can be made weeks in advance. I usually fill one tray with each flavour and keep them tucked in the freezer all winter. When friends pop over, I pull out the tray and let them choose their cube — it feels personal and generous, but really it’s one of the easiest hosting tricks ever.

And yes, they melt slowly, so your whiskey stays delicious long after the dog settles at your feet.

My Favourite Amazon Ice Cube Trays

I’ve tried cheap trays, weird silicone ones that smell like the cupboard, and everything in between. These are the ones that never leave my freezer, especially in December:

Large Square Cocktail Ice Tray – perfect for rosemary sprigs, citrus slices, and whole cranberries. 

Sphere Ice Mold for Festive Cocktail Balls – this makes those gorgeous big cocktail spheres that look so elegant in champagne coupes or gin glasses. 

Jumbo Ice Cube Tray With Lid – great when you’re prepping for a  party and don’t want your ice smelling like last week’s leftovers. I love the ones with the lids as I can stack them and make bulk batches, but putting the lid on does mean you can’t have sprigs sticking out. So I mix and match.

For something a little extra special , I have this rose mold and love it.