Seeking clarity

Shop: Klaris Mini

FOUND GIFT GUIDE • FOUND Object

One of the easiest ways to impress cocktail-drinking guests is with crystal-clear ice, the kind that practically disappears into a cocktail, a hallmark of top-tier bars. Bar professionals choose clear ice not only for its aesthetic appeal, but because when ice is free of air bubbles and impurities, it melts more slowly, keeping cocktails colder longer without watering them down. And until recently, making this kind of high-end ice at home was a real chore. Speaking from experience, most at-home devices are large and bulky (hardly ideal for small New York kitchens), produce inconsistent results, and make removing the ice from the machine a struggle.

Now, Klaris — a company specializing in clear-ice makers — has launched a new mini machine that makes crafting bar-quality ice at home a cinch. The device is compact, with a footprint roughly the size of a Vitamix blender. Simply fill the tray with filtered water, press a button, and about eight hours later, a green light signals that your ice is ready. Each batch produces two perfectly clear 2-by-2-inch cubes. To release them, flip the tray on a cutting board and press down on the rubber top — the cubes pop right out. Twee? Definitely. But I’d also suggest buying a pack of Klaris ice cube storage trays to keep those gems pristine in your freezer. You’re going to want to keep a few around. –Kat Odell

→ Shop: Klaris Mini • $299.