Those who enjoy a frosty drink of water on the go will know that this wasn’t always easy to achieve.
If you've ever reached for your water bottle after spending the day out, you've probably been disappointed to find that it had become lukewarm.
Fortunately, for those who prefer a homemade cold beverage that they can carry around, stainless steel water bottles are the solution.
Unlike a store-bought drink, these eco-friendly options are built to last and work effectively with ice.
While scientists have been performing studies on how ice melts for centuries and still are today, no research has been specifically undertaken on melting points with stainless steel water bottles.
Many factors can impact how long ice cubes will last in your drinks, however, so if you’re looking to extend the longevity of your ice, read on as we explore everything you need to know about putting ice in stainless steel water bottles.
Why is stainless steel ideal for iced drinks?
The beauty of stainless steel water bottles is that they can keep the liquid you fill them with cold for a period of up to 24 hours. As you would imagine, the colder your water stays, the longer your ice will last, as warmer temperatures will make them melt much faster.
Get your bottle and water to the right temperature
When you want to make your ice endure and keep your drink colder for longer, the best place to start is by chilling the water you use, but also bringing your bottle to the best temperature.
Imagine drinking a glass of iced water in a cup straight out of your warm dishwater; the cubes would melt at an astonishing rate. By chilling the inside of your water bottle with cold water first, your cubes will last longer.
Remember that there is no point in cooling your insulated bottle in the fridge as the inside won’t chill if air can’t get in, so simply pour in some icy water to lower its interior to the ideal temperature you want.
Why should you fill your bottle up to the top?
A common error when using stainless steel water bottles is to leave a gap at the top when you fill them. This space can trap in warm air, causing your cold drink to warm up and melt your ice cubes quicker.
For the best results, always fill your bottle right up to the top.
The bigger the cubes, the longer they’ll last
A simple option for making ice cubes last longer in your drink is to use ice trays that make bigger blocks of ice. As a rule, the smaller the cube, the faster it melts, so make the largest size of ice cube you can fit in the mouth of your water bottle to preserve them.
More ice, less water
Another handy trick for making your ice last for longer and keep your drink frosty for as long as possible is to fill your stainless steel water bottle up with as much ice as you can and then top up any remaining space with water.
The ice is colder than any chilled water and will keep topping up your supply with frosty water as it melts, giving you a colder beverage that you can enjoy throughout the day.
What are the benefits of an icy cold drink?
Apart from being an enjoyable sensation on a summer day and providing refreshment, there are many surprising health benefits commonly associated with an iced drink.
Colder water can rehydrate your body effectively and even boost your metabolism. By keeping your body at a cooler temperature, cold water also makes an ideal drink when you’re working out.
It can not only detox your body, but it can also increase your heart rate and deliver an adrenaline rush, allowing you to stay focused and alert.