Six Tips for Packing a Better Party Cooler
Here are the tips I spoke of on the air today. A lot of us think we are great party hosts, but we have no cooler packing skills so, here's a list of six things you can do to pack a better cooler.
1. Get it Started Early
You should pack a cooler about two hours before guests arrive. That gives plenty of time for beer to get cold, but not enough for all the ice to melt.
2. Use Bagged Ice
Don't take ice of your fridges' ice maker for the cooler, you'll need it for cocktails later. Bagged ice is a much better size for fitting in between cans.
3. Build Layers
Beer cans should go in first, then ice. You keep it more even that way and you pack more in the cooler. After that, put in bottled beer and put wine on the top because it shouldn't be as cold.
4. Pour Cold Water Over the Ice
A pitcher of cold water will help cool drinks down faster. For beer the ideal is a slushy mixture.
5. Keep Extra Drinks in a Second Fridge
When the cooler goes empty you need to have cold drinks ready to go. No one wants to wait for beer to get cold AFTER they've started drinking.
6. Have a Seperate Ice Supply for Drinks
Don't make people grab ice out of the cooler with their bare hands. We're not animals here!
What others things do you do to keep your cooler well stocked?