As Christmas Day draws near, the average UK fridge is under siege, groaning with festive fare and leaving little room for essential beverages. The prospect of a lukewarm festive tipple is a grim one, but a leading beer expert has shared his clever, space-saving solutions to ensure your drinks are perfectly chilled.
The Freezer Paper Towel Trick
Ben White, a Quality Assurance Specialist at Beavertown Brewery, advocates for a remarkably simple method that requires only kitchen roll and a sliver of freezer space. The technique involves wrapping a bottle or can in damp kitchen paper before placing it in the freezer for around ten minutes. This rapidly draws heat from the drink, chilling it much faster than usual.
He issues a crucial warning, however: you must not forget your drink is in the freezer. Leaving it for too long risks the liquid expanding and the container bursting, creating an icy mess.
Icy Water Baths and Outdoor Storage
For those whose freezer is also full to capacity, Ben suggests an alternative that harks back to classic party solutions. "You can resort to keeping drinks in a large bucket, cooler or even a sink or bathtub filled with ice!" he explained. This approach allows you to keep a core selection in the fridge while having a plentiful, chilled backup supply nearby, and it mercifully prevents a dangerous fridge avalanche when the door is opened.
He also notes that some beers, like darker stouts, are perfectly acceptable served at room temperature if kept out of direct sunlight. "This can enhance the rich malty flavours, so you can store them elsewhere and save precious fridge space," Ben added.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Chilled Pints
For drinks cooling in an ice bath, Ben recommends giving the container a quick spin before opening. This simple motion helps distribute the cold liquid inside, accelerating the overall cooling process.
On storage, he is clear: beer bottles must always be stored upright. This helps maintain freshness and prevents unwanted oxidation. Cans, he notes, are often a more space-efficient option as they stack neatly. Utilising door shelves or drawers in your fridge can also help, but the key is to avoid overcrowding.
With these expert hacks from Ben White, you can reclaim your fridge for the turkey and trimmings this Christmas, safe in the knowledge that a perfectly chilled drink is never more than a few minutes away.
