Why Ice Is the Unsung Hero of Your Arizona Bar

When planning a DIY bar for your event, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of signature cocktails, fancy glassware, and eye-catching garnishes—but if there’s one thing that must not be overlooked, it’s ice.

The main problem....not enough of it! Drinks get warm. Spirits go undiluted. Guests leave unimpressed. In the Arizona heat—especially during outdoor events—ice becomes more than just a nice-to-have; it's an essential part of your beverage game plan.

The Great Ice Miscalculation

You’d be surprised how many hosts miscalculate how much ice they actually need. A few bags from the gas station won’t cut it when you're trying to serve a crowd. A good rule of thumb: plan for at least 1.5 to 2 pounds of ice per guest for a four-hour event. That might sound like overkill—but in the middle of the desert, it's just playing it smart.

Why so much? Because ice isn’t JUST for chilling drinks in cups.

You’ll need:

• Ice for shaking cocktails (fresh, clean ice is a must)
• Ice to keep mixers like juice and soda chilled
• Ice to keep garnishes like citrus, mint, or berries fresh
• Ice buckets for beer and wine
• Ice wells for spirits and open bottles
• Backup ice for high-demand moments (think: peak party hour)

Indoor vs. Outdoor Events: What Changes?

Indoor events in cooler months can get away with a little less ice—but not much. Ice still melts quickly under the heat of cocktail shakers, bar lights, and the natural flow of guests. In contrast, outdoor events, especially in Arizona spring or summer, can double your ice demand.

Events in May through September (hello, triple digits!) require serious cooling strategy. Outdoor setups need constant replenishment and thoughtful placement of equipment to avoid the dreaded “we ran out of ice” moment.  Even indoor setups expose your ice to additional heat through transportation.

Equipment You’ll Need (That Most People Don’t Think About)

Even if you do get the right amount of ice, storing it is a different challenge. You’ll need:

• Insulated ice bins or coolers (the thin plastic ones won’t cut it for long)
• Dedicated beverage tubs for bottles and mixers
• Bar ice wells or chest coolers for storing shake-ready ice
• Separate scoop stations to keep service clean and efficient

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Garnishes

We see it all the time—gorgeous garnishes prepped to perfection, only to wilt in the sun. Ice down your garnish trays or keep them in coolers to maintain peak freshness. Nobody wants a sad, sweaty mint sprig on their signature sip.

Let Us Take the Guesswork Out of It

At Liquid Caterers, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly ice can make—or break—a bar experience. That’s why we don’t just bring the drinks—we bring the entire infrastructure. From insulated bins to sleek ice displays and cold storage planning, we make sure every detail stays chill, so you can focus on the event vibes.

Need a bar and unsure where to start? Let us help bring your vision to life without the meltdowns—literally. Contact us today to discuss your next event.