A method of making an aluminum alloy containing zirconium includes heating a first composition including aluminum to a first temperature. The first temperature is greater than or equal to a liquidus temperature of the first composition. The method further includes adding a second composition including a copper-zirconium compound to the first composition. The method further includes decomposing at least a portion of the copper-zirconium compound into copper and zirconium. The method further includes forming a third composition by dissolving at least some of the copper from the decomposing in the aluminum of the first composition. The method further includes cooling the third composition to a second temperature to form a first solid material. The second temperature is less than or equal to a solidus temperature of the third composition. The method further includes heat treating the first solid material to form the aluminum alloy containing zirconium.