Frozen Champagne Ice Bucket

Caroline shares the steps to creating an ice bucket that is true to its name.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Plastic or metal bucket

Water

Large cup or jug (the bottom must be wider

than the bottom of a champagne bottle) Garnishes

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

1. Plan ahead when making this ice bucket because it takes a couple of days to complete.

2. Start with a large bucket. This could be an ice bucket or a plastic bucket you already have. This bucket will form the shape of your ice bucket.

3. Add two inches of water and add some of your garnishes. Some fun holiday ideas are cranberries, oranges, fresh greenery, herbs and foil confetti.

4. Put the bucket in your freezer until it is solid. Once your first layer is solid you will start on the second, but you need to begin to create a hole for the champagne bottle. Use a large cup, as big or bigger than your bottle, and set it onto the first layer. You need to find something to weigh the cup down (I used rolls of quarters). You then add two more inches of water and more garnishes.

5. Put the bucket back into the freezer

until this layer is frozen.

6. Add two more inches of water and some garnishes. Put it in the freezer again until frozen. Repeat this step until you reach the top of your ice bucket or your desired height for the bucket. 7. When the bucket is completely frozen, it will be time to remove the middle cup. First, remove your item you used to weigh the cup down. Slightly turn and wiggle the cup. If it’s not coming loose, fill the cup with hot water and wait a minute or two. The cup will become loose enough to pull out.

8. Store your ice bucket in the freezer until you are ready to use it.

NOTE: While it’s in use, make sure to set the ice bucket on a tray or plate, because it will slowly melt. I don’t leave mine out for more than 30 minutes to an hour. Then I can reuse it multiple times during the holidays.