We put together 7 tips to ensure you get the longest ice retention possible.

Step 1: Pre-chilling Cooler ⏳

Did you know that giving your cooler a head-start could dramatically improve its performance? Just toss in a small bag of ice or an ice pack several hours before you need it. It's like a warm-up (or should we say cool-down 😄) for the main event. This process, known as "pre-chilling," can significantly increase your cooler's efficiency.

Step 2: Filling Cooler with Ice 🧊

Next up, you've gotta fill that cooler up! The secret to maintaining an icy fortress inside your cooler is to avoid leaving large gaps. If you skimp on the ice, it'll just melt faster, and no one wants a lukewarm beverage. Remember: fill 'er up!

Step 3: Ice to Drink Ratio 🧊🧊:🍹

Ever wondered about the perfect ice-to-drink ratio? Well, we've done the number crunching for you, and it turns out 2:1 (ice to drink) is the magic number.

Step 4: Ice Block Sizes 🧊🧊🧊

Let's talk ice sizes. Do you go for the mini ice cubes or the mega blocks? While it might be easier to fit smaller ice cubes around your drinks, the big blocks have a secret superpower: they melt slower! This is due to the reduced surface area in contact with the air. Using crushed or shaved ice might be easier, but your ice will melt much faster.

Step 5: Different Types of Ice ❄️🧊

Alright, now let's get a little sci-fi. Not all ice is created equal. Some ice is colder than others. A quick way to test this at home? See how fast the ice melts in your hands.

Step 6: Starting with Cold Drinks 🍹🍻

Another pro-tip: Start with cold drinks. If you throw in warm or room temperature drinks, your cooler has to work overtime just to get them cold, which means your ice doesn't last as long.

Step 7: Cooler Placement 🌴

And finally, location, location, location! Keep your cooler out of direct sunlight and off surfaces that can get scorching hot, like asphalt. Think of your cooler as a vampire; it prefers the shade!

So there you have it! With these tips, you're all set to make the most out of your cooler. It's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy an ice-cold drink! 🍹

    Remember the number one rule, stay cool 😎