Turn Your Living Room into a Cocktail Lounge—on a Budget

How Can I Make Sure I Don't Run Out of Ice?

Load up on a pound and a half per person, which will ensure you have enough ice for drinks and for keeping beer and white wine cold in an ice bath. Use about half your ice to make the bath by filling a cooler, tub or large bucket halfway, using one part water to three parts ice. Throw in a handful of salt to slow down the melting. Beer and wine should go in at least 30 minutes before the party starts. The other half of the ice can go in the freezer or a closed cooler; replenish the ice buckets on the bar throughout the party.

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