Introduction: IKEA Ice Straws
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
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.
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 :)
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110 Comments
7 years ago on Introduction
Now that's the best IKEA hack I've seen lately
8 years ago on Introduction
TO COLD
9 years ago on Introduction
wonderful
11 years ago on Introduction
so sneaky, luv it
11 years ago on Introduction
COOOOOL ))))
12 years ago on Step 3
Great Idea... Making them now.. It gets real Hot here in Paradise....lol.. Cheers..
15 years ago on Introduction
IKEA USA
"Sorry, this product is not for sale on our website, check if it is available in your local store."
IKEA UK
"Currently this product is not available to buy online. Check below for availability at your local store."
My 'local' store is missions away off a junction of a motorway (M6). I can't drive, petrol is GBP£1 per litre anyway, all forms of public transport in UK are expensive, inadequate and unpredictable (yes, so is the Royal Mail). Buying off eBay will mean you get it delivered to you (eventually) and you can actually buy it online...progress!
I'm sure the cost of postage is negated by any petrol or other forms of transport costs needed to get to an IKEA store AND you don't have to go to IKEA. Bonus! Time Extended!
IKEA-YELLOW-TEST-TUBE-SHAPED-ICE-CUBE-TRAY
£1.99 + £1.25 = £3.24
BRAND-NEW-IKEA-RED-PLASTIS-Cool-Ice-Cube-tube-tray
£1.99 + £1.50 = £3.49
Short Straw
USA: IKEA-SET-OF-6-ICE-CUBE-TRAYS
Or you could try and make your own tray with potato plastic and test tubes... maybe.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Look what I found Bucky - http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/60146194
Yes this is the UK site.
On initial inspection it just appeared to be a heart shaped ice cube tray, but the photo clearly shows a black striped one the same as in this Instructable.
A new ikea opened up in the same town as I live last year, so fetching them is far easier for some, indeed. Agreed tho- finding your way around an ikea is similar to using a powerdrill on your eyeballs.
Its interesting tho that they have two near identical 'ice cube tray' product listings, albeit with two different codes. I wonder if one of them has been discontinued or something.
Regardless, for the better solution, I'd suggest doing-it-yourself in true Instructables ideals by getting hold of a small amount of silicone rubber, its not difficult, I've made molds myself of quite intricate shapes, and air bubbles aren't that much a problem, esp. for this idea.
Or maybe an even cheaper rubber substance - not sure if all grades of latex are food safe tho!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
S**t, only just realised you posted that TWO YEARS ago!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Oh heck, I was about to click a insightful reply and realized you posted this a year ago. :D Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping....
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Time keeps on slipping into the future, you old music fan?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
I'm not sure but I think the "Time Keeps on Slipping. . ." song might have been used in the US for a post office television commercial many years ago. Time is fleeting, Madness takes its toll. . .
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Yeah, I can kinda remember the commercial... btw for those who don't know the song its Fly Like An Eagle by The Steve Miller Band
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Ahhh. makes sense now. I could not figure out why the post office was singing about time slipping into the future. Thanks - nice to know I'm not losing my mind!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
No, just old. ;) Uh oh, should I have waited a year before replying?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
I was going to give a witty reply, but realised that you've posted this today. So that's not gonna work. [cancel]
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
That's what happens when lurkers like me try to post. We mess up the time/space continu..thingie.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
When you consider quantum entanglement and future causality, you may have actually posted before the instructable.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
At least I didn't divide by zer....+++carrier lost+++
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Yeah our nearest store is warrington and I also think that buying online is better, and eBay is great, but I just wouldn't waste buying it off eBay especially with the postage strike, and also I can't drive yet (next year woo)