As you venture out this summer for picnics in the park, beach days with kids or grandkids, and barbecues with friends, take note of this hot-weather hack that guarantees chilled beverages and a dry cooler. It’s a simple trick you’ll wish you knew about sooner, and it even provides a little bonus entertainment at the…
So Long, Soggy Cooler
Instead of emptying a bag of ice into your cooler or bucket, which will leave both your drinks and your container dripping wet, use frozen water balloons to keep drinks cold. This method keeps cans, bottles, and juice boxes dry and also prevents you from having to clean up a soggy mess. At the end of the day, you can simply wipe off any condensation and store the cooler, rather than leaving it out to dry.
How To Prepare
Approximately 24 to 48 hours before your event, fill the balloons with water (we recommend these because you can fill and tie 100 balloons in only 60 seconds) and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet or shallow pan to freeze. Stick the balloons in the freezer, allowing them to freeze completely, until it’s time to transfer them to a cooler. Scatter them around the beverages in your cooler to add pops of color and a refreshing chill.
Underfill the balloons slightly to give the ice room to expand without causing them to burst. If you’re using quick-fill balloons, don’t forget to pull down on the balloons to separate them from the filling tubes before freezing. They’re self-sealing, so there’s no time wasted tying each one.
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Now for the Fun Part
When the frozen orbs melt, you and your guests will have water balloons to throw. If you plan on doing this, though, be sure to use the small balloons that pop easily when thrown. And, we can’t stress this enough, double-check that the balloons are completely thawed before throwing them at someone.
If you want more durability out of the balloons for chilling purposes, use standard latex balloons (the kind you normally inflate with helium), filling them up partway with water. It’s not a bad idea to just always have a pack of balloons on hand — you never know when you’ll need them to chill drinks or celebrate someone’s birthday.
This home hack is part of Summer Spruce Up Week — seven days packed with ideas to get you ready for the season ahead. We’ll be sharing our best tips for stress-free grilling, memorable outdoor gatherings, and thriving summer gardens.
