Flutie (Guyanese Ice Block)

This flutie recipe, also known as Guyanese Ice Block, is a blend of tropical fruit juices frozen into cubes for a sweet and refreshing treat. This childhood favorite is a delicious way to keep cool on a hot summer day.

Guyanese Flutie Recipe

Flutie or ice block is what we called ice pops when I was growing up in Guyana. They are essentially homemade popsicles. My mom typically made flutie with cherry Kool-Aid, poured into a rectangular plastic container, then cut into cubes.

Back then, not everyone had a refrigerator, and those fortunate enough to have one sold ice, flutie (or ice block), and custard block. I remember being about 7 or 8 and selling ice to our neighbors. I also remember that oh so familiar call, “inside y’all got any ice?”

The flutie my mom made when I was a little girl and the one I make today are very different. Unlike the flutie from my childhood, mine are made with 100% juice. I love the taste of pineapple, orange and guava. This combination of juices is so refreshingly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Flutie Recipe

• Easy: Simply combine your favorite juices, pour them into your desired containers, and let them set in the freezer. That’s just 10 minutes of prep time for you! The hardest part is waiting for them to solidify in the freezer.
• Kid-Friendly: What child doesn’t love icicles? This is the perfect way to keep hydrated during the summer. It’s also super affordable so it’s a win-win for kids and parents!
• Customizable: I love the taste of pineapple, orange, and guava but you can use whatever juices you prefer. Have fun with different flavor combinations! Aside from cubes, you can make these into popsicles (or icicles, as we call them in Guyana).

Ingredients for Guyanese Flutie

To make a flutie, use your favorite store-bought juice or make your own if you have a juicer.

• Pineapple juice: I love the tart sweetness of pineapple juice.
• Orange juice: This pop of citrus complements the other flavors.
• Guava juice or nectar: This sweet, fragrant fruit tastes like a cross between pears and strawberries.
• Sweetener: Adding sweetener isn’t necessary. This is an optional ingredient for those who like their fluties extra sweet. You can add granulated sugar or honey if you prefer a natural sweetener. 

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Fluties

Mix Juices

Combine all the fruit juices and sweetener of choice if using, into a large jug. Then mix them together well.

Choose Your Container

To make the traditional cubed-shaped flutie, I use a cube silicone ice tray. Click here to see the tray I used. However, you can use a rectangular food storage container and then cut it into cubes or squares, the way my mom did when we were growing up.

You may also pour juice into plastic icicle bags in order to make fruit icicles. I bought icicle bags on Amazon. It is important to note that when I was growing up in Guyana, once you poured the juice into bags instead of into a tray it was called icicles and not flutie. Icicles were a great schoolyard snack and I don’t remember my mom ever making them.

You may also pour the juice into silicone ice pop molds and make ice pops which admittedly was my children’s favorite and easiest way to enjoy this treat. Except of course for my littlest, Axel who “sucked down” on that flutie holding it in his hand with the juice running down his elbow. This little boy belongs in Guyana!

Pour Juice into Preferred Mold

Once they are thoroughly combined, pour the juice into a rectangular ice tray or silicone ice cube tray.

Freeze Fluties

Place the tray in the freezer and allow it to freeze overnight or until completely frozen. If using a rectangular tray cut the block into squares, then serve. If using an ice cube tray, remove cubes from the tray and serve.

Storage

Keep fluties in their original molds and they will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Recipe Variations

• Sweetened vs. Unsweetened: While making this post I made two versions of the juice, one sweetened with honey and one unsweetened. Surprisingly my children preferred the unsweetened version. They liked that is was refreshing with just the sweetness from the fruit. See which version is a hit with your family!
• Add Alcohol: Add a cup of dark spiced rum to this mixture and upgrade your fluties to boozy fluties. They are perfect summer refreshers for a grown-up treat! But be sure to mark the boozy ones so that you don’t get them mixed up with the kid-friendly ones.
• Juices: Don’t stress too much about what brand of juice to get. You may juice fresh fruit, if you have a juicer. Or you may buy fruit purees, bottled or canned juices. This is meant to be flexible and easy. I buy 100% juice but you can also use juice beverages if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions