It may seem impossible to store ice for a party or event that lasts longer than a few hours, especially if you're chatting and entertaining your guests and don't want to have to worry about melting ice. To make sure your guests' cocktails stay fresh, you need about 1.2kg of ice per person. You can prevent the ice from melting in the middle of the party by following the correct method and a few simple steps in place.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use an Ice Bucket or Portable Fridge
Step 1. Use a light colored container
Light-colored ice buckets or coolers are constructed of reflective materials. This means they absorb less heat and help prevent the ice from melting.
The best containers are those made of nylon or polystyrene, which are able to keep ice for at least a day. A plastic container can store ice overnight if you haven't previously exposed it to direct sunlight. Avoid metal buckets and portable refrigerators, as they retain heat and do not allow you to keep ice intact for a long time
Step 2. Line the container with aluminum foil
It is scientifically proven that the reflective surface of this material prevents ice from melting for a longer period of time than others. Before putting the ice in the cooler or party cooler, add aluminum foil to the container.
Step 3. Wrap the bucket in a towel
If you can't get a good quality container, then put ice in what you have available and wrap the container with a blanket or cloth. This way the ice will stay at a low temperature for a longer period and won't melt in the first hour of your party.
Method 2 of 3: Making Larger Ice Cubes
Step 1. Use boiled water instead of tap water
Pouring boiling water into the ice tray reduces the amount of air bubbles that form inside the cubes. In this way the ice lasts longer, has an even more transparent and less cloudy appearance.
If you have decided to use plastic ice trays, wait for the water to cool down a bit before pouring it into the molds to prevent it from melting
Step 2. Pour the boiled water into large ice molds
If you want to make large cubes, you can use the pan with the muffin molds or a very large specific tray. Try to pour the water evenly and then return the molds to the freezer.
Remember that ice broken into small cubes melts much faster than ice that is broken into large blocks or cubes. The large pieces have a smaller surface exposed to air, in relation to their mass, so they are less subject to the action of the heat that surrounds them and melt less easily
Step 3. Surround the ice bucket or container with a cloth before adding the ice cubes
In this way you isolate the ice and preserve its temperature. Alternatively, you can use a bubble wrap sheet and then the cloth to further protect the container.
Consider placing a lid over the ice bucket once it is filled with ice to minimize exposure to air and prevent the ice from melting
Method 3 of 3: Store Ice Properly
Step 1. Store the ice in a cold room or environment
To keep it in the bucket during the party, choose the coldest corner of the room, near a fan or air conditioner. Avoid areas exposed to direct sunlight and place the cooler or cooler in a shady spot under a tree or patio. Do not place the steaming oven-baked pasta tray right next to the ice bucket and do not place it right where you have decided to turn on the barbecue.
Ice absorbs the heat of the surrounding environment, so you need to place it in a place where contact with hot air is minimal
Step 2. To keep the ice from melting, use ice packs
These allow you to keep the ice container below freezing so that the ice cubes stay intact until the end of the party.
If you have decided to use a very large cooler, you can also store plastic bottles filled with still water or other frozen non-carbonated drinks inside that work exactly like compresses. Distribute them among the ice cubes to keep everything at the minimum temperature
Step 3. Fill the ice bucket often
In this way you are sure that there is always fresh ice in the container, the latter will remain very cold and the cubes will melt less quickly.
