A Splendid Chill Pill

Place the top part on top of the water and gently press it all the way down to rest on the bottom piece. Some water will spill out of the holes on top.
Feeling a little cooler?
While travelling in Japan last summer we marveled at the icy spheres used in our beverage glasses at several restaurants. Unfortunately, our limited language skills didn’t allow us to learn the secret behind these splendid orbs.
Upon our arrival home we were greeted with stacks of catalogues and thankfully chose to read the edition from the MOMA store — mystery solved! These pink plastic ice tray molds create the beautiful crystal spheres we found to be so mesmerizing. The cost is $16.00 for a set of two (which makes a total of four frosty balls).
The directions were in Japanese, but with a little trial and error we learned how to make them. Here’s how:
Fill the lower piece of the tray full of water.
Put the tray in the freezer for a few hours to freeze.
When frozen, take the set out and run a little hot water over the exterior. We’ve found that leaving it at room temperature for about 5 minutes makes it easier to remove the ice.
Lift off the top, twist and turn the tray to release the ice.
Keep a couple sets loaded and ready to go in your freezer. Start a few days before and make a bowl full for your next party. Frozen orbs can be stored in the freezer in zip lock bags until needed.
Put that in your g&t and sip it!!

Hi Emily – just subscribed to your blog, I love it! So whimsical and, of course, you have a great eye. It's supposed to get into the NINETIES this weekend, time for icy orbs…
Kim — It was great to see you up north! I'll send a photo. Thanks for your splendid comments!