Not every garden bar needs a fridge. For occasional gatherings, a good cool box and a bag of ice can do the job without a trench, a socket or an electricity bill. It just takes a bit more planning on the day.
Cool boxes
- Hard-sided cool boxes keep ice longer than soft bags. Thicker walls and a good seal help.
- Pre-chill the box with ice packs or a bag of ice the night before.
- Fill it with cold drinks, not warm ones; a cool box keeps things cold rather than making them cold.
- Keep it shut and in the shade.
- Use two boxes: one for drinks that are opened often and one for food or spare stock.
Ice buckets and tubs
A galvanised tub full of ice and water chills bottles and cans quickly and looks great on the counter. Adding cold water to the ice helps it surround the drinks. Keep it in shade and drain it after use.
Ice supplies
- Make ice in the house freezer in the days before.
- Freeze water in clean containers to make big blocks, which last longer than cubes.
- Bags of ice can be bought for big gatherings.
- Keep ice for drinks separate from ice used to chill cans and bottles.
Shade
Sunlight on a counter can warm drinks fast. A parasol, canopy or simply placing the cool box under the counter makes a big difference. See garden bar with a roof.
Food safety
Drinks can be cool; perishable food must stay properly cold. The Food Standards Agency explains how to keep chilled food safe. A cool box for food should be kept cold, opened as little as possible and not left out for long. If in doubt, keep food in the house fridge until it is needed.
Clay coolers and evaporative cooling
Terracotta wine coolers soaked in water cool bottles by evaporation. They work best in dry, breezy weather and are a nice touch rather than a replacement for ice.
When to get a fridge
If you are buying ice every weekend, a fridge with a proper electrical supply may be worth it. See garden bar fridges and power to a garden bar.
Freeze a few large blocks of ice in clean tubs this week. They will outlast any bag of cubes at the next gathering.
Quick answers
How long does ice last in a cool box?
It depends on the box, the weather and how often it is opened. Pre-chill the box, use big blocks and keep it in shade.
Can I keep food in the same cool box as drinks?
Better not. Drinks boxes are opened often. Keep perishable food separate and cold.
Sources
Primary guidance checked 10 November 2026.