Dollar Tree’s New $1.25 Find I’m Using All Summer Long

Since becoming pregnant with my second child four years ago, I’ve developed an almost insatiable craving for cold, refreshing drinks. Most days, it’s some form of flavored fizzy water.

In the summer, I also love an occasional refreshing glass of lemonade on the porch after a long day, a convenient margarita in a can to ring in the weekend with friends, or a perfectly crafted cocktail for a chill Friday night. A chilled beverage is truly one of my all-time favorite things.

For the best drink, the right ice is genuinely essential. Of course, it does the obvious, such as keeping everything perfectly cold and helping with appropriate dilution, which allows all those delicious flavors to last.

However, the presentation and aesthetic of the ice also make the drink more appealing. It looks nicer and feels better in the glass, and the texture and mouthfeel can take a drink from a 3 out of 10 to a 10 out of 10. This is why I own an ice machine and several different ice molds—and will probably continue to buy more.

Case in point: I recently picked up two boxes of the Houdini Silicone Collins Ice Molds from Dollar Tree. As soon as I saw them, I was smitten. I knew they’d create long, elegant ice spears to cater to any tall glass, from classic Collins glasses to my beloved tumblers. And for $1.25, I couldn’t pass them up!

Why I Love the Houdini Collins Ice Molds

The value alone is exceptional. I checked Amazon after buying mine, and the exact same ice molds sell for eight times the price. Beyond the incredible deal, my favorite thing about these ice spears is how incredibly slowly they melt. This is key for keeping my iced coffee strong and flavorful to the last drop.

When I’m making tall glass cocktails, such as a Pimm’s Cup or Tom Collins, they don’t get too diluted. Because, let’s face it–when I’ve put effort into making and serving a delicious drink, the last thing I want is for it to taste like melted snow a few minutes later.

As silly as it sounds, there’s also something undeniably chic about a tall glass with a clear, elegant ice spear standing it. The ice makes even a simple glass of water feel slightly fancy, and my homemade lemonade looks like it came straight from a swanky bar.

I also really appreciate their functionality for specific drink experiences, like fitting perfectly into my tall tumblers, water bottles, and Stanley.

The molds are made from silicone, so the spears pop right out with a gentle twist. However, because of that intense flexibility, I recommend placing them on a small sheet pan when you put them in the freezer.

If you appreciate a good drink or find yourself looking for a tiny upgrade to make daily life feel a bit more special, I can’t recommend these ice molds enough. They’re a simple, brilliant way to keep your drinks perfectly chilled and beautiful all summer.

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