How to Keep Beer Cold at a Summer Party or Barbecue

Nothing takes the shine off a summer barbecue quite like a lukewarm beer. When the sun finally comes out and friends gather in the garden, you want every bottle and can to be refreshingly cold from the first to the last. With a bit of planning, it is easy to keep your beer chilled for hours, even on a warm afternoon.

Chill It Before the Party

The easiest way to keep beer cold is to start with beer that is already cold. Warm beer takes a long time to chill and melts your ice quickly.

• Put beer in the fridge the day before, or at least several hours ahead.
• If fridge space is short, chill the beers your guests are likely to drink first and keep the rest cool and out of the sun.
• Avoid the freezer for anything but a quick chill. Bottles and cans left too long can freeze and burst.

Use Ice and Water, Not Just Ice

A bucket of ice on its own is less effective than you might think, because the ice only touches the bottles in a few places. The trick is to add cold water. Water surrounds every bottle and transfers the cold much more efficiently.

Here is a simple method:

1. Fill a bucket, tub or cooler about halfway with ice.
2. Add cold water until the ice is floating.
3. Stir in a generous handful of salt, which lowers the temperature of the ice water.
4. Push the bottles and cans into the mix, making sure they are covered up to the neck.
5. Top up with fresh ice as it melts.

Stir the mixture every now and then to keep the coldest water moving around the bottles.

Choose the Right Cooler

The container you use makes a big difference, especially if your party runs into the evening.

• Beer buckets: perfect for a small group around the table. Metal buckets look great but warm up faster in direct sun, so keep them in the shade. See our range of beer buckets.
• Beer tubs: larger and ideal for parties, with enough space for plenty of bottles and ice.
• Cooler bars and insulated boxes: the best option for long days outdoors, as the insulation keeps ice frozen for much longer. Our cooler bars double as a handy serving station.

Whatever you choose, place it in the shade and keep the lid closed when you can.

Serving Tips for Outdoor Gatherings

A few final touches will keep your guests happy:

• Keep a separate cooler for soft drinks and water, so the beer cooler is not opened every few minutes.
• Have a bottle opener attached to the cooler or table so it does not go missing.
• Serve beer in chilled glasses if you can, or offer stubby holders to keep cans and bottles cool in hand.
• Lighter styles like lagers, pilsners and wheat beers are popular on hot days and taste best well chilled.

Above all, look after your guests. Make sure there is plenty of water and food, offer some alcohol-free options and help everyone get home safely. A cold beer in good company is one of the simple pleasures of summer, so enjoy it responsibly.