Botanical cubes, cucumber–dill, peppercorns, lavender — the prettiest (and easiest) gin garnishes you’ll ever make.

Gin drinkers are a special bunch. We like things fresh, crisp, aromatic… and let’s be honest, we like a drink that looks a little bit fancy without needing to spend half an hour muddling herbs like a mixologist on TikTok.

That’s where gin-friendly flavoured ice cubes come in. These melt slowly, perfume your drink as they go, and turn a simple G&T into something that feels like a garden party in a glass. And — you know I love a make-ahead trick — you can freeze trays of these weeks before the weekend rolls around. Perfect for when you clock off early, kick off your shoes, and finally get a moment to yourself.

Here are my favourite gin-infused ice cube ideas, all gorgeous, effortless, and perfect for anyone who likes their gin with a little flair.

Botanical Garden Cubes

A soft, fragrant bouquet that slowly blooms into your gin as the ice melts.

Per large cube:
• 1 small sprig thyme
• 1 small sprig rosemary
• 1 fresh basil leaf
• 1–2 edible flower petals (optional but stunning)
• Fill with filtered water

Pour over:
• 1 shot dry gin
• Top with tonic or soda water

This one tastes like a fancy gin bar without the price tag.

Cucumber + Dill Scandi Cubes

Clean, refreshing, and so simple you’ll make these all year long.

Per cube:
• 1 long ribbon of cucumber
• 1 tiny sprig dill
• Fill with water

Pour over:
• 1 shot gin
• Top with tonic, soda, or even sparkling cucumber water

This is your “long summer afternoon” cube — but honestly, it hits beautifully in winter too when you need freshness.

Pink Peppercorn Citrus Cubes

A little peppery warmth with a bright citrus lift.
Absolutely divine with botanical gins.

Per cube:
• 5–6 pink peppercorns
• 1 thin slice lemon or lime peel
• Fill with water

Pour over:
• 1 shot gin
• Top with tonic or prosecco for a sparkling gin spritz

The peppercorns bring this lovely soft heat as the cube melts. Very adult. Very chic.

Lavender + Lemon Balm Serenity Cubes

Calming, floral, and incredibly pretty. Perfect for slower evenings.

Per cube:
• 1 small pinch dried lavender (food grade)
• 1 fresh lemon balm leaf
• Fill with water or cooled chamomile tea for a softer melt

Pour over:
• 1 shot gin
• Top with lemonade or elderflower tonic

This one tastes like a holiday cottage garden after rain.

Gin Lover’s Hosting Hack

Make a tray of each flavour and keep them tucked in the freezer. When friends drop by — or when you simply want to treat yourself — pull out a few cubes and let people design their own G&T.
It makes you look wildly organised, even if you’re still in your comfy clothes.

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.