The cardinal rule of coolers? Keep the dang lid closed as much as you can. Here, six other chill tips
By Chatelaine
Updated July 6, 2021
Cooler illustration, iStock photo
There's a science behind keeping your cans cool and your crudités crisp without lugging home a soggy mess at the end of the day. Step one? Resist the urge to toss everything in and hope for the best. Step two? Follow these tips:
We prefer sturdier, hard-walled coolers over cooler bags. Fill empty cooler with cold water; let sit for 30 minutes. This will get the cooler nice and chilly before you add the ice.
Pour out water, and then add cooler packs or blocks of ice— both take longer to melt than cubes. Health Canada recommends coolers be kept at four degrees Celsius or lower.
Place all food in waterproof reusable containers and layer, as tightly as possible, in order of when you’ll eat it (i.e., put your morning snack on top of lunch).
Lay drinks on top (or pack a second cooler with canned cocktails, like Georgian Bay Gin Smash).
Type As—you know who you are—may wish to draw a cooler “map” detailing the locations of specific items so there’s less dawdling once the lid is open.
Don’t drain any meltwater that collects at the bottom of the cooler— it’s still helping to keep the temperature down.
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What's inside?
Wondering what the heck to pack into those coolers? You can’t go wrong with these canned delights:
Georgian Bay Tequila Smash
No need to pack the salt and lime for the festivities here – the Georgian Bay Tequila Smash eschews that in favour of an equally exciting combination of mango, agave tequila, lime and a light habanero pepper punch on the finish. Serve it straight from the can, or pour it on the rocks with citrus accents on the rim. In BC: $13.99 for six, BC Liquor Stores.
Georgian Bay Peach Half Smash
At 100 calories and with half the alcohol of Georgian Bay’s other award-winning cocktails, the Peach Half Smash blends gin, peach, lime and mint for a refreshing and light experience without compromising its taste. Pair it with sweets, waffles, or even a smoky BBQ dinner with all the classic apps that go with it. In Ontario: $2.70 at the LCBO.
Georgian Bay Citrus Half Smash
Much like the Peach Half Smash, the Georgian Bay Citrus Half Smash brings all the flavour while cutting down on the alcohol and calories. This delicately carbonated bevvy adds a palatable zing with quenching citrus and rosemary, making it perfect for a quick pinch at brunch. In Ontario: $2.70 at the LCBO.
Georgian Bay Smashed Soda Smash Pack
Feeling a little variety? The Georgian Bay Smashed Soda Smash Pack packs three flavours; the Strawberry Smashed Soda, the Lime Smashed Soda and the Mandarin Smashed Soda. With only 2 grams of sugar each can, you’ll find that it’s no surprise why these low-calorie, gin-based cocktails are Canada’s fruity favourites. In Ontario: $28.95 for 12 at the LCBO.
Georgian Bay Smash Pack
Georgian Bay’s best-selling gin and vodka smashes reinvents the traditional 12-pack in this nifty variety pack. Featuring the Cranberry Gin Smash, the Raspberry Rhubarb Vodka Smash and the classic Original Gin Smash, you’ll find this pack fits snug at the top of your cooler; a perfect companion for your next cottage trip. In Alberta: $29.99 for 12 at Doortender.
To see more ways to get the best out of your summer, check out our Summer Fun Guide hub.
