How to Chill Beer Quickly (Because No One Likes a Warm One)

There are few things more refreshing than a cold beer on a hot summer day. Okay, maybe two cold beers. But sometimes the unthinkable happens: someone drank all of your chilled beer (it was probably you), and now you’re left with warm ones. Don’t panic! We’ve got five tried-and-true methods to get your beer ice-cold in record time.

5 Ways to Chill a Beer Quickly

Ice Bath + Salt = Magic

Submerge your beer in a bucket, cooler, or large bowl filled with ice and water. To supercharge this method, add salt. The salt lowers the freezing point of the water, making the ice melt faster and chilling your beer in the process. Chilling time: About 15 minutes.

The Damp Towel Trick

Wrap your beer in a damp paper towel or cloth and pop it in the freezer. The moisture will evaporate, drawing heat away from the beer and speeding up the cooling process. Just don’t forget about it unless you want a beer explosion. Chilling time: About 15 minutes.

Spin It to Win It (With a SpinChill or DIY Drill Hack)

A SpinChill device spins your beer in ice water, increasing heat transfer and cooling it in just a few minutes. No SpinChill? No problem. Secure a beer can to a power drill, dunk it in ice water, and give it a spin. Same concept, just a little more DIY.

To use the DIY drill method: Drill a hole in the top of a thermos cap. Securely fasten a long screw into the hole using two bolts. Attach the screw to a power drill. Submerge a beer can in a pitcher filled with ice water and salt. Place the thermos cap over the beer and activate the drill. Chilling time: Under 5 minutes.

Freezer—With a Timer!

Toss your beer in the freezer for a quick chill, but set a timer for 20-30 minutes to avoid an icy disaster. Pro tip: placing beers near the freezer’s cold air vent speeds up the process. Chilling time: 20-30 minutes (but watch it!).

Compressed Air (For the Impatient)

Grab a can of compressed air, turn it upside down, and spray the side of your beer bottle or can. The rapid cooling effect can chill your beer in mere seconds—just don’t freeze your fingers off. Chilling time: About 30 seconds.

There you have it. 5 easy ways to chill a beer quickly. Never run out of cold beer again!

Bonus Tips for Keeping Beer Cold

  • Use a cooler for larger quantities. The more beer you’re chilling, the better a well-packed cooler will work.
  • Stainless steel ice buckets keep beer colder longer than plastic.
  • Outdoor events? Wrap your beer in foil or a koozie to slow down warming.

One Last Myth-Buster

Beer doesn’t get “skunked” from temperature changes. That funky taste comes from UV light exposure, not a cold-to-warm cycle. So chill, enjoy, and never suffer through a lukewarm beer again!