It is hot, hot, hot out! And there's nothing like a nice refreshing drink to cool you off. But what if there was a way to make staying hydrated even more fun? Flavored ice cubes.

(MORE: Public drinking fountains: The unsung hero of heat waves)

The concept is simple — which makes it great since it's so easy to make — but it's a game changer if you've become bored with your drink of the day. Plop them in a glass of water to add some flavor or even use them in a cocktail.

You can get incredibly creative with what combinations you can use; we've provided a few here, but let your imagination run wild.

Here are a few extra tips:

• Get shaped ice molds to make the end result extra fun. Kids especially will love it!
• These concepts can also work as popsicles; just get a mold in that shape and add some popsicle sticks to them.
• If you want to get really creative, you can freeze all kinds of savory things — diced garlic, chicken broth, green onions — to incorporate into your cooking. But that's a recipe for another time...

DIY flavored ice cubes

Serves: 1-4
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Freeze Time: approximately 4 hours

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Directions

1. Choose your flavor combination: Dice up your sweet fruits, flavorful herbs or refreshing veggies.
2. Add your liquid: Pour water, sparkling water, juice or even coffee into the ice cube molds.
3. Combine: Let freeze and add them to any drink — it's that simple!

Ingredients and flavor combinations

• Strawberry and basil: A nice summer classic
• Cucumber and mint: Refreshing and crisp
• Lemon and lime: Add a little sour to any drink
• Mango and coconut: If you're feeling tropical
• Mint and lime: Great for mojitos
• Jalapeño and watermelon: Spicy, sweet
• Blueberry and lavender: Add some floral notes
• Raspberry and kiwi: Tart and tasty
• Grapefruit and orange: If you love citrus
• Vanilla and cinnamon: With a coffee base, of course
• Apple and pear: Perfect for a fall cider
• Cranberries and rosemary: Great for the winter holiday season
• Peach and pineapple: A poolside delight