5 Tips for Keeping Drinks Colder in a Cooler

Pre-chill everything Warm drinks and a warm cooler are the biggest mistakes. Throw a bag of ice in the cooler for ten minutes, dump the water, then load it.

Use block ice instead of cubes Cubed ice melts fast because of all the surface area. Freeze water in milk jugs or tupperware for block ice that lasts hours longer.

Put ice on top of drinks Cold air sinks, so place the ice layer above the cans. This creates more surface contact and fewer air gaps.

Pack the cooler full Empty space is warm space. Fill gaps with smaller ice pieces or extra cans to keep everything cold.

Salt the ice slightly A little salt lowers the freezing point, making the water colder. Don’t overdo it — you’re cooling drinks, not making ice cream.