Quick answer

Chill cans and bottles in the S'well Drink Chiller and keep backup ice in the Ice Bucket XL. Pre-chill both, load the chiller with a mix of drinks, and fill the bucket with ice. This setup keeps drinks cold for hours and prevents a soggy party table.

Why pre-chilling matters for a party drink station

Even the best insulated gear works harder when it starts cold. The Drink Chiller and Ice Bucket XL both use vacuum insulation to slow heat transfer, but they cannot chill warm drinks quickly. For the coldest results, refrigerate cans and bottles overnight and store the Ice Bucket XL in a cool spot before filling it. If you are short on fridge space, fill the bucket with ice and a little water 30 minutes before guests arrive; the ice will drop the bucket's internal temperature, so your serving ice lasts longer. Avoid putting warm drinks straight into the chiller — they will warm the ice and any already-cold cans nearby.

Setting up the station: placement and flow

Put the Drink Chiller and Ice Bucket XL on a stable, waterproof surface within arm's reach of each other. The Ice Bucket XL holds 3L (100oz) of ice and can chill a standard wine or Champagne bottle, so it often works as the centerpiece. Place the chiller on the left and the bucket on the right if most guests are right-handed, or vice versa. Keep a small bin nearby for empty cans and a folded towel for condensation — though both products have condensation-free exteriors, a towel helps with drips from wet cans. Do not place the bucket in direct sun; even insulated gear works harder in heat.

Loading the Drink Chiller for easy grabbing

The Drink Chiller is designed for cans and bottles — cold brews, craft beers, rosé wines, and similar. Mix sizes only if they fit loosely; a jammed chiller means guests will yank drinks and knock ice around. Leave a little headroom so you can top off with ice without overflowing. If you are serving both canned and bottled drinks, group them so guests can find what they want without digging. Restock the chiller from the Ice Bucket XL as the party goes on, using the matching scoop that stores inside the bucket.

Using the Ice Bucket XL beyond ice

The Ice Bucket XL keeps drinks and ice cold for up to 60 hours, so you can fill it early and not worry. It also works as a chill station for a standard wine or Champagne bottle — bury the bottle up to the neck in ice for about 20 minutes before serving. The stainless steel cover and matching scoop keep things tidy, and the scoop fits inside for storage. If you are using it for bottle service, keep a separate small bowl of ice for guests' glasses so you do not contaminate the bottle ice with hands or spills.

Party drink station steps

  1. Chill everything first: Refrigerate cans and bottles overnight. Store the Ice Bucket XL in a cool place. If you are short on time, fill the bucket with ice and cold water for 30 minutes before the party. Checkpoint: drinks should already be cold to the touch before they go into the chiller.
  2. Fill the Ice Bucket XL: Add ice to the 3L (100oz) fill line. If you are chilling a wine or Champagne bottle, nestle it into the ice up to the neck. Keep the scoop inside for easy refills. Common mistake: overfilling makes the cover hard to close and can spill when you add the bottle.
  3. Load the Drink Chiller: Place cans and bottles loosely in the chiller, leaving a little room for ice. Do not pack them tightly. Top off with ice so drinks are surrounded. Checkpoint: you should be able to pull a drink out without dislodging others.
  4. Set up the station: Put both containers on a stable, waterproof surface out of direct sun. Add a small trash bin for empties and a towel for drips. Keep the chiller and bucket within arm's reach of each other. Common mistake: placing the bucket in sun or on a hot patio makes the ice work harder.
  5. Restock and monitor: As the chiller empties, move cold drinks from the Ice Bucket XL or a backup cooler. Do not add warm drinks directly to the chiller — they will melt the ice faster. Checkpoint: if ice looks low, top off from the bucket rather than waiting for drinks to get warm.

Product facts

  • Drink Chiller | 12oz: The Drink Chiller keeps your favorite cans and bottle beverages — think cold brews, craft beers, rosé wines and more — cool until the last drop. It is sized for individual drinks, so guests can grab a cold can or bottle without opening a cooler.
  • Ice Bucket XL: Therma-S’well® Technology with triple-layered, vacuum-insulated construction designed to keep ice colder for longer. Holds 3L (100oz) of ice. Keeps drinks and ice cold for up to 60 hours. Can be used to chill a standard wine or Champagne bottle. Stainless steel cover with matching ice scoop that fits inside the bucket for easy storage. Condensation-free exterior won't sweat on your table or countertop. You can fill it once and have ice and cold drinks for a long party, and the no-sweat exterior protects your table.