Don’t have a thermos or cooler to take cold water with you on an outing? No worries! Here are some simple and economical techniques to keep a bottle cold for several hours.
On hot days, especially in the summer, nothing is more refreshing than a cold bottle of water. Of course, it is quite easy to keep it cold by using a thermos or a cooler. But what can you do when you don’t have these accessories? Fortunately, there are several simple, effective and economical techniques to achieve this.
The first tip is to use insulating materials, such as aluminum foil or newspaper, to wrap the bottle. These materials act as a barrier against heat, helping to keep the water cool for longer. Another method, especially useful in very hot weather, is to wrap the bottle in a wet cloth. As the water in the cloth evaporates, it absorbs the heat and cools the bottle.
One particularly effective method is to freeze the water bottle the night before. However, it is important not to fill the bottle completely before putting it in the freezer, as water expands when it freezes. Filling the bottle three-quarters full allows room for this expansion, thus preventing the bottle from breaking. On the day of your outing, top up with cool or room temperature water. This ice will slowly melt, keeping the water pleasant to drink throughout the day.
Another simple technique: take the bottle, previously chilled in the fridge, in an insulated bag (the kind you use to transport frozen food) and add ice cubes. The water will stay very cold for several hours. In the same vein, you can use a frozen damp sponge. Place the damp sponge in the freezer the night before and, on the day of your outing, slip it and the bottle into an airtight freezer bag. This method imitates the effect of a cooler, keeping the drink cool through evaporation and maintaining a low temperature.
For those looking for a more sustainable solution, investing in a cooler sleeve can be a good idea. These sleeves, which easily fit into a freezer, can be slipped over the bottle before you head out. They keep water cold for several hours, providing a portable and convenient alternative to a cooler.
Last tip, often overlooked: keep your bottle in the shade, away from direct sunlight but also away from contact with a heated surface such as an exposed table or even the sand on a beach.