Ice cold in record time: How to chill drinks in just 15 minutes

Quick refreshment with just kitchen paper

The sun’s out, guests are on their way, and the drinks are still at room temperature? No need to panic! With a simple trick, warm drinks turn into a chilled refreshment in just 15 minutes. All you need is a damp paper towel and a freezer. Wet the kitchen paper, wrap it tightly around the bottle or can, and pop it in the freezer.

Thanks to evaporative cooling, the temperature drops quickly - and after about 15 minutes, your drink is refreshingly cold and ready to serve. Perfect for impromptu barbecues or sunny afternoons on the balcony.

Cooling multiple drinks? Try the salt water trick

Expecting several thirsty guests? The so-called salt water trick will be your best friend. Just fill a large container with cold water, add a generous amount of salt, and place your drinks inside. Stir occasionally. The salt lowers the freezing point of the water, speeding up the cooling process. In just 2-3 minutes, the first drinks will already feel nicely chilled.

On-the-go alternatives for outdoor adventures

No freezer nearby? No problem. Even outdoors, you can keep drinks cool: At the lake, place bottles in a waterproof bag and let them float, tuck them between cool stones by the shore, or bury them in shady sand. Nature’s cooling effect will help lower the temperature effectively.

Extra tips for instant chilling

Need an extra chill boost? Place glasses or mugs in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring - just be careful with delicate glass. And of course, the classic: add ice cubes directly to your drink. To avoid watering it down, go for frozen fruit or juice cubes for both cooling and flavor.

Photo by Cinthia Escalante via Unsplash