Updated August 20, 2026
These shark ice cubes turn an ordinary drink into an easy Shark Week or ocean-party treat. Put one gummy shark in each compartment of a clean ice-cube tray, cover it with cranberry juice, and freeze until solid. As the cubes melt, the red juice creates a dramatic “shark in the water” effect without requiring a complicated recipe.
What You Need
- Gummy shark candies
- Pasteurized cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail
- A clean ice-cube tray
- A freezer-safe cover or reusable food wrap
The number of gummies and amount of juice will depend on the size of your tray. Plan on one gummy per compartment and enough juice to fill the tray without overflowing.
How to Make Shark Ice Cubes
- Wash the ice-cube tray and your hands. Set the tray on a level, freezer-safe surface.
- Place one gummy shark in each compartment. If a gummy is too large to fit below the rim, use a larger tray rather than forcing it in.
- Pour cranberry juice into each compartment, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.
- Cover the tray and freeze until the cubes are completely solid. Standard cubes generally need several hours, so preparing them the night before is easiest.
- Release the cubes immediately before serving and add them to clear drinks, sparkling water, lemonade, or fruit punch.
Serving Ideas
Clear or pale drinks show the gummy sharks best. Sparkling water keeps the effect simple, while lemonade creates a bright red-and-yellow contrast as the cranberry juice melts. For a party table, place the cubes in individual glasses just before guests arrive instead of leaving a tray of prepared drinks at room temperature.
Pair the drinks with an ocean-themed snack table or use them as one small detail in a movie-night menu. If you are planning a larger celebration, TOTSFamily’s themed party food guide has practical ideas for portions, labels, and a kid-friendly drink station. The cubes also work well in this blackberry lemonade.
Easy Variations
- Blue water: Use water tinted with a small amount of blue food colouring for a clear ocean look.
- Two-colour cubes: Freeze the tray halfway with water, add the gummy sharks, top with cranberry juice, and freeze again.
- Shark-fin cubes: If you already own a food-safe silicone shark-fin mould, fill it with water or juice and freeze it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check the ingredient label before serving guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions. Gummy candies vary by brand and may contain gelatin, wheat, or other ingredients that do not fit every diet.
Food-Safety Notes for Families
Make ice only with drinkable water or pasteurized juice and keep the tray, utensils, and hands clean. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency treats ice intended for consumption as food and notes that its safety depends on the water source and sanitary preparation and handling. See the CFIA guidance on ice used in food.
Gummy sharks are chewy candy and can present a choking risk, especially for younger children. Health Canada advises caregivers to be cautious with chewy candies and to supervise children while they eat. Review Health Canada’s candy and choking-safety guidance, follow the age guidance on the candy package, and remove the gummy before serving if it is not appropriate for the child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make shark ice cubes without juice?
Yes. Use potable water, sparkling-water-compatible flavour drops, or water tinted lightly with food colouring. Cranberry juice creates the most noticeable colour change as the ice melts.
How far ahead can I make them?
Make them at least several hours ahead and keep them covered in the freezer until serving. A cover protects the cubes from freezer odours and handling.
Do the gummy sharks become hard when frozen?
They can become firmer while frozen and soften as the cube melts. That is another reason to consider the guest’s age and chewing ability and to supervise children.
With one tray and two ingredients, these shark ice cubes give drinks a playful ocean theme while keeping party preparation manageable.
