Where I live, there are two seasons: SUMMER and February. As such, keeping a drink cold outdoors involves an insulated mug and ice. For the former, I prefer the large plastic double-walled versions made by Tervis. They don't heat up as much as the metal versions when in the Sun.
With regards to ice, standard ice from the freezer has air frozen into it, turning it cloudy. As such, it isn't as solid as say a clear block of ice. The result being it melts faster, dilluting a drink faster and doesn't last a long. I found a set of 'ice ball molds' on sale and tried them. Much larger than a standard ice cube, they do last longer, however they don't make SOLID ICE either.
So last year I began experimenting with making large blocks of solid ice. I found a small cooler that fits in the freezer. I must say it works very well. This works by slowing the rate of freezing from all directions but one, in this case the top. Therefore, the ice freezes from the top down, forcing air out in the process, towards the cooler bottom.
Drinks stay colder longer, don't dilute as fast, and I'm not regularly having to refill with ice. Keeps the iced tea from getting watery during the HEAT.
Stay Cool....
http://www.alcademics.com/2010/08/a-homemade-giant-crystal-clear-ice-cube-tray.html
With regards to ice, standard ice from the freezer has air frozen into it, turning it cloudy. As such, it isn't as solid as say a clear block of ice. The result being it melts faster, dilluting a drink faster and doesn't last a long. I found a set of 'ice ball molds' on sale and tried them. Much larger than a standard ice cube, they do last longer, however they don't make SOLID ICE either.
So last year I began experimenting with making large blocks of solid ice. I found a small cooler that fits in the freezer. I must say it works very well. This works by slowing the rate of freezing from all directions but one, in this case the top. Therefore, the ice freezes from the top down, forcing air out in the process, towards the cooler bottom.
Drinks stay colder longer, don't dilute as fast, and I'm not regularly having to refill with ice. Keeps the iced tea from getting watery during the HEAT.
Stay Cool....
http://www.alcademics.com/2010/08/a-homemade-giant-crystal-clear-ice-cube-tray.html