StyloPhora Ice Ball molds are my new summer favorite.  These silicone molds can add fun to your drinks by making large ice balls which melt slowly and don’t dilute your drink too quickly.

I was fortunate enough to receive StyloPhora Ice Ball Molds to try in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid to do this, and this review is 100% my own honest and unbiased opinion. I will always disclose this because I value my reviews and most of all I value my readers. I only recommend products or services that I use personally, and feel comfortable recommending to you.

When I received the ice ball molds, I was not so sure about their long-term usefulness, but nevertheless, I put them through some tests.  The StyloPhora Ice Balls are “slow melting Japanese whiskey ice balls” which are used to “chill your scotch”.  I’m a lady who prefers her whiskey neat, so I did not try using them in this manner.  The molds come in a clear plastic tube with instructions and a cool collapsible funnel which makes for easy storage. I’m sure I will find many other uses for the funnel in the kitchen. Simple instructions are also included in the packaging.

With the molds washed and ready to use, I filled all three with water to the fill line and put them in the freezer for 8 hours.  I think the recommended minimum time is 6 hours. For this first test I used regular bottled water at room temperature. The first time around was a little tricky getting the ice balls out of the molds, particularly popping them out of the bottom portion of the mold, but I believe that was just a learning curve.

One of the three balls broke, which was my fault, because I  twisted the mold to open it. Two ice balls remained intact and were perfectly round because I “pulled” the tops off instead of twisting. Once they were frozen, I tried one in a glass of soda and it was slow to melt, and I was able to finish it without the ice ball diluting the soda unlike a bunch of ice cubes.  Wow. . .cool!  What else can I do with these molds?

The next test was with my Crystal Light Mojito water (check out my review here), which I drink all day every day. Then I made one ball with lemon slices and juice, and one with fresh mint. Finally I boiled some water to try making a clear ice ball. The results?

The mojito ball in a glass of my mojito water turned out to be fantastic. The ice ball melted slowly and I never lost the flavor of the mojito which happens when I use ice cubes. Bonus – I finished the drink, and then popped the remaining ice ball in my mouth which was full of mojito flavor.  Ding Ding Ding! We have a winner.

I made some cucumber vodka (I always keep my vodka in the fridge or freezer), and used the ice ball with the mint. Delicious – and a very pretty drink too.

I put the ball with the lemon slice and juice into a glass of diet ginger ale. As the ice melted, I could taste the lemon juice and it flavored the soda nicely.

The last ball made with the boiled water was clearer than the others, but I did not have much success. However, I am going to try it again, because it would be nice for adding other items like edible flowers in these ice ball molds and using them in a punch bowl. I bet you’d impress your friends with that little tip.

My Ology

I actually like these ice ball molds much better than I thought I would.  They’re easy to use, easy to clean, and easy to store if you keep the original packaging. I’m excited and I even have a few more ideas I am going to try, like making fruit juice pops or, freezing lemon and lime juice for cooking.

Oh, almost forgot.  The Snack Pack (my dogs) love eating ice, so maybe I will mold some ice balls for them and see how long they can play with them before they eat them.  It might cut down on my ice making duties once again making my life easier!

If you are a fan of fun things, or you just want impress your friends at your next gathering, grab a set of these StyloPhora Ice Balls while I keep coming up with more ideas for using them.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.