How to Build an Ice Luge?
An ice luge is a good party favor and can provide guests with the perfect way to enjoy an ice cold shot of their favorite liquor. A huge block of ice doesn't look like all that much fun at first glance, but cut a hole through the center or carve a channel into it and you have what might be an all-night attraction, depending on the weather of course.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Large block of ice
- Electric power drill
- Extra-long drill bit
- Carving knife
- Mouthpiece or funnel
- Table or platform
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate or purchase a huge block of fresh ice. If you are in a winter climate and live close to a frozen pond or lake that is not polluted, this is the best location to find a cold block of natural ice. Often, as the winter season progresses, the ice buckles and piles up on the shore of lakes and ponds in a wall-like column of huge ice chunks. Lodge one free, throw it in a truck with the help of some friends and take it home. If you don't have the option of going out into nature to obtain an ice block, you can go to any ice company and order a large block of ice right out of the factory. Make sure the block is tall and thick for optimal performance.
-
2
Stand the block up on the ground the long way, and take special care to drill a hole directly down the center of the block. Proceed carefully, as ice is volatile. This is why you should use an electric drill. The speed tends to be faster and more consistent, which is ideal for this type of delicate drilling. Try to get a bit long enough to go through the entire block from top to bottom, but don't worry if you can't find one. Find the longest one you can, and flip the block over gently to drill through if you have to. You can also drill the second hole diagonally through the side to make it easier to direct the flow toward the mouth of the drinker.
-
-
3
If you don't have a drill, use a carving knife to simply cut a channel on the outside surface of the luge while it is lying on its side. This way, you can be creative and make the channel travel a long distance to fully chill the liquor. Tip the block so that the top pouring end is high in the air and the delivery end is much lower.
-
4
Fashion a mouthpiece or use a funnel so the delivery flow is more precise. The best way to do this is to carve out a circular channel in the drinking end a bit smaller than the bottom of a funnel, then cut the top off the funnel and lodge it into the smaller hole. Screw it into the ice as tightly as possible, as far as it can go.
-
5
Place the block of ice you've made into an ice luge on a table or platform where it is at a good height and angle for easy use and enjoyment. Make it a central area everyone will notice and flock to. If you'd like to make the experience even more comfortable, you can place the luge so users can lie down or sit in a lounge chair next to or under the delivery end.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Ice blocks are very heavy and could become unstable as they melt. Be careful to arrange your luge properly so it doesn't fall on someone.
- Photo Credit brick of ice in the glass image by Anatoly Tiplyashin from Fotolia.com
