Sigh. Ace of Cakes has been canceled. And this news has been confirmed on Duff’s bakery site, Charm City Cakes. And in the farewell post, Duff applies the terms “genuine” and “wacky” to the show. I have to agree. Something about this particular crew is so endearing and real, I find. That, and the antics of both the employees and the customers and the occasional mishaps and the challenges reminded me exactly of working ten years in a cookie decorating bakery (this one). Oh the stories.
Comments
Have you read?
10 Ice Cubes That Instantly Elevate Champagne
Elegant flavour cubes to add sparkle, colour, and effortless glamour to your next glass.
Champagne has a way of making even the smallest moment feel worth celebrating. But if you’ve ever wanted to dress up your bubbles without turning your kitchen into a full cocktail bar, flavoured ice cubes are a beautiful, simple upgrade.
They melt slowly, add subtle flavour, and make your glass look like something you’d order in a rooftop bar — except you’re probably standing in your kitchen, still wearing comfy pants, hiding from the dog who’s trying to steal the cheese board. Relatable.
And the best part? You can freeze these weeks ahead, so when guests arrive (or when you finally collapse after a long day), all you have to do is drop in a cube and top it with Champagne.
Here are 10 elegant Champagne-friendly ice cubes, each designed to add colour and sophistication to your favourite bottle.
1. Classic Strawberry Champagne Cube (Blush Pink)
Per cube:
• 1–2 strawberry slices
• 1 rose petal (optional)
• Fill with water
Adds a soft pink blush and gentle berry sweetness.
2. Lemon Twist Sparkle Cube (Bright Gold)
Per cube:
• A curl of lemon peel
• 1 tiny lemon segment
• Fill with sparkling water
Brightens up drier Champagnes and adds brunch-energy sparkle.
3. Pear + Vanilla Luxe Cube (Creamy White)
Per cube:
• 1 pear slice
• A sliver of vanilla bean
• Fill with water
Soft, elegant, and perfect for cosy winter evenings.
4. Raspberry + Elderflower Blush Cube (Romantic Pink)
Per cube:
• 2 raspberries
• ½ tsp elderflower cordial
• Fill with water
Adds subtle sweetness and makes a stunning brunch cocktail.
5. Blood Orange Sunset Cube (Vibrant Orange)
Per cube:
• 1 thin slice blood orange
• Fill with water
Turns budget bubbles into a chic citrus cocktail.
6. Lavender Champagne Serenity Cube (Soft Violet)
Per cube:
• Pinch of culinary lavender
• 1 piece lemon peel
• Fill with water or cooled chamomile tea
Smells like a spa, tastes like a holiday.
7. Blackberry + Mint Celebration Cube (Deep Purple)
Per cube:
• 2 blackberries
• 1 mint leaf
• Fill with water
Gives Champagne a jewel-tone glow.
8. Edible Gold Rose Cube (Luxury Gold + Pink)
Per cube:
• 1 small edible rose petal
• Pinch of edible gold dust
• Fill with water
If “Champagne but make it fancy” had a mascot, it would be this.
9. Grapefruit + Rosemary Chic Cube (Coral + Green)
Per cube:
• 1 small grapefruit segment
• 1 rosemary tip
• Fill with water
For those who like a more grown-up, botanical sparkle.
10. Lychee + Lime Exotic Cube (Soft White + Green)
Per cube:
• 1 canned lychee (halved)
• A tiny lime twist
• Fill with water
Light, fresh, and beautifully aromatic — perfect for summer Champagne.
Hosting Hack: The Champagne Cube Bar
Arrange bowls of colourful cubes on a platter beside the chilled bottle, and let guests build their own glass. It’s simple, stunning, and makes even a casual gathering feel like New Year’s Eve.
Make-Ahead Note
These cubes freeze beautifully for at least a month, so they’re a brilliant little “do it now, enjoy it later” trick — especially helpful when life gets busy and you still want a touch of sparkle.
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.
These dried flowers are also great for popping into drinks- Dried ones mean you can buy them ahead of time , ready to go.
Use whatever shape suits your drink style — cubes feel classic, spheres feel bougie, and no one is mad either way.
NOOOOOO! I am so going to miss the Charm City gang, they really have Charm. I cannot tolorate Buddy from the New York City bakery, whatever his show is called.
I agree Mrs B.! We LOVE Charm City Cakes! And we don’t care for the Cake Boss.
I think the crew at Charm City have more talent, and easy going personalities.
Maybe we can do a write in campagin. Unless this is something that Duff needed to do?
Yes, I forgot to mention the “charm” part as a good word, too! And Mary, in his post Duff did say that it was time. And I don’t really blame them. I’m sure they will miss the ride, but sometimes normalcy is sorta nice, too!
oh no, that’s such a shame. Duff’s bakery is the only one in the world that uses actual tools to make some of the cakes. I loved the crew they had such an easy going sense of humor. All the best to them!
and Mrs. B, Buddy isn’t from nyc he’s from New Jersey. Thankfully too cause my concrete jungle does not want to be apart of such redundant anger; theres enough of that on the trains