Buzz
Preserving ice for a party or event that lasts several hours can feel like an impossible challenge, especially when you’re busy hosting and don’t want to stress about the ice melting too soon. To keep your guests’ cocktails refreshingly cold, plan for about 1 kg of ice per person. With the right methods and a few simple steps, you can prevent the ice from melting midway through the event.
Steps
Use an Ice Cooler
Choose a light-colored ice cooler. Opt for a light-colored cooler made of reflective materials. Light colors absorb less heat, helping the ice last longer.
- Coolers made of nylon or insulated foam can keep ice cold for at least a day. Plastic coolers can maintain the cold overnight if kept out of direct sunlight. Avoid metal coolers, as they conduct heat and won’t keep ice cold for extended periods.
Line the inside of the cooler with aluminum foil. The reflective surface of aluminum foil has been scientifically proven to keep ice from melting longer than other materials. Before adding ice, line the inside of the cooler with a layer of foil.
Wrap a towel around the ice cooler. If you don’t have a high-quality cooler, simply pour the ice into the container and wrap it with a clean towel or blanket. This method helps keep the ice colder and prevents it from melting during the first hour of the event.
Make Larger Ice Cubes
Use boiled and cooled water instead of tap water to make ice. Boiling water before pouring it into ice trays reduces the number of air bubbles in the ice. This results in slower-melting ice that is also clearer and less cloudy.
- If using plastic ice trays, let the water cool slightly before pouring to avoid warping the trays.
Pour boiled water into larger ice cube trays. Choose larger ice cube trays or use muffin molds to create big ice blocks. Pour the boiled water into the trays or molds and place them in the freezer.
- Crushed ice and small cubes melt much faster than larger cubes or blocks. Larger ice blocks reduce the surface area relative to their mass, minimizing exposure to warm air and slowing the melting process.
Place a towel inside the cooler before adding ice cubes. The towel acts as an insulating layer to keep the ice cold. You can also use bubble wrap as an additional layer, followed by a towel, to further slow down the melting process.
- Make sure to close the cooler lid tightly after filling it with ice to minimize exposure to warm air and prevent melting.
Store Ice Properly
Keep the cooler in a cool area. Place the cooler in a shaded spot, such as near a fan or air conditioner, throughout the event. Avoid locations with direct sunlight. Position the cooler under a tree or a shaded porch. Avoid placing hot dishes like steaming mac and cheese or freshly grilled meat next to the cooler.
- Ice absorbs heat from its surroundings, so always place the cooler in the coolest possible spot.
Use frozen ice packs to keep the ice from melting. Ice packs help maintain the cooler’s temperature and keep it tidy, ensuring the ice lasts until the end of the event.
- For larger coolers, you can use frozen water bottles or non-carbonated drinks as alternatives to ice packs. Place them between the ice cubes to maintain the cold.
Add ice regularly. This ensures a steady supply of fresh ice to keep the cooler cold and prevents the remaining ice from melting due to reduced cooling capacity.
- If using a well-insulated cooler and large ice cubes, you won’t need to check frequently, as it will retain its cold temperature effectively.
What You'll Need
Using an Ice Cooler
- A high-quality ice cooler
- A towel or blanket
Making Larger Ice Cubes
- An electric kettle or stove and a water boiler
- Large ice cube trays
- An ice storage container
- A towel or bubble wrap
