Saving ice for a party or event that lasts a long time or more than a few hours may seem impossible, especially if you're pacing around chatting with your guests and don't want to worry about melting ice. To ensure that all guest cocktails stay cold, you should prepare about 1 kg of ice for each guest. Keeping your ice from melting in the middle of a party can be done the right way and with a few easy steps.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Cooler or Ice Bucket
Step 1. Use a light colored container
Look for coolers or ice buckets made of light-reflecting materials. Light colors absorb less heat and will help your ice melt longer.
A cooler or ice bucket made of nylon or Styrofoam will keep the ice cold for at least a day. The plastic container will keep the ice cold overnight, as long as the container is not exposed to direct sunlight. Avoid coolers and metal buckets as they both absorb heat and won't keep your ice from melting for a long period of time
Step 2. Cover the cooler or bucket with aluminum foil (aluminum foil)
The surface of the light reflecting aluminum coating is scientifically proven to keep ice from melting easily compared to other materials. Before placing the party ice in the cooler or bucket, place a layer of aluminum foil in the container.
Step 3. Wrap the ice bucket in a towel
If you don't have a cooler or a good ice bucket, put some ice in the container and then use a clean towel or blanket to wrap the container. This will keep the ice cold for a longer time and prevent your ice from melting during the party hour.
Method 2 of 3: Making Bigger Ice Cubes
Step 1. Use boiled water, not tap water
Boiling the water before placing it in the ice cube mold will reduce the number of air bubbles in the ice. This will make the ice last longer and appear clearer and less dewy.
If you're using a plastic ice cube mold, let the water cool a bit before pouring it into the mold so you don't make the mold melt
Step 2. Pour the cooking water in a large ice mold
Use a larger ice mold to make larger ice cubes, or use a muffin mold to make ice cubes. Pour the cooking water evenly into the mold and place the mold in the freezer.
In fact, crushed ice and small ice cubes melt much faster than larger ice cubes and large chunks of ice. Large chunks of ice have a smaller surface area, relative to their mass (or density), so they are less in contact with the warm air around them and tend to melt longer
Step 3. Place the towel in the bucket or container before adding the ice cubes
The towel will insulate the ice and keep it cool. You can also use bubble wrap and a towel in the container to keep the ice insulated and less likely to melt.
You should also place a lid over the bucket or container after the bucket is full of ice to prevent contact with air and keep the ice from melting
Method 3 of 3: Storing Ice Well
Step 1. Store ice in a cool place or room
Choose a cooler spot in the room, next to the fan or air conditioner, to keep the ice bucket cool during the party. Avoid places that are exposed to direct sunlight and place your cooler in a shaded area under a tree or a covered area. Don't place hot macaroni and cheese next to the ice cooler or a very hot BBQ plate next to your ice bucket.
Ice will absorb heat from its surroundings, so make sure you place it in a place where it is completely out of heat or where it gets minimal heat and warmth
Step 2. Use frozen ice packs to keep the ice from melting
The ice packs will help keep the container working properly and cool, thus ensuring that your ice doesn't melt until the end of the party.
If you're using a larger cooler, you can also use frozen plastic water bottles or other non-carbonated drinks as ice packs. Place these bottles between the ice to make the cooler very cold
Step 3. Fill the ice frequently
This will ensure that fresh ice is always available in the container, which keeps the container cool and prevents the rest of the ice from getting warm or melting.
If you use a good insulating container and larger ice cubes, you won't need to check the ice as often as the container and ice will cool on their own
The Things You Need
Using a Cooler or Ice Bucket
- Good quality cooler or ice bucket
- Towels or blankets
Making Bigger Ice Cubes
- Water heater or stove with pot
- Large ice molds or muffin tins
- Ice container
- Towel or bubble wrap
