How Long Do Drinks Take to Cool in the Fridge?

Waiting for a drink to chill can feel like forever. But how long do drinks really take to cool in the fridge? Let’s find out.

In this blog post, we explore how long it takes for drinks such as beer, wine, fizzy drinks, and more to cool in the fridge. We also explore the science behind fridge cooling, and how you can make your drinks cool faster – so read on! 

Key Takeaways: 

• Cooling times depend on drink type, container, and fridge temperature
• Smaller cans and bottles chill faster than larger ones
• Placement in the fridge matters (back and lower shelves are coldest)
• Quick chill hacks: Ice baths, wet paper towels, or metal containers
• Wine fridges help maintain perfect serving temperatures

 

The Science Behind Cooling Drinks

What actually happens when you cool your drinks? It’s not just about putting it in the fridge – instead, the process relies on heat transfer. This is when heat from the liquid moves into the colder environment around it. 

The speed of heat transfer can vary depending on: 

1. Type of container – Metal cans cool faster than glass bottles
2. Liquid volume – Smaller bottles chill quicker than larger ones
3. Fridge temperature – The colder your fridge, the faster the cooling
4. Placement in the fridge – Items near the back and lower shelves cool faster

When it comes to the science behind wine fridges, it all comes down to thermoelectric or compressor-based cooling technology.

Thermoelectric coolers use the Peltier effect – moving heat from the interior to the exterior without vibration, while compressor models work like a mini-fridge, circulating coolant to rapidly lower temperatures. Both systems are designed to protect wine’s flavour and aroma by providing consistent, gentle cooling with stable humidity.

 

How Long Does it Take to Cool Different Drinks?

Here’s a quick reference table for common drinks. Times assume a standard fridge at 4°C (39°F) and drinks starting at room temperature (~20°C / 68°F). 

 

Beer Cooling Times

Beer typically cools down faster than wine due to its lower serving temperature and smaller container sizes. If you have lagers and lighter ales, cool them in the fridge for around 1.5 to 2 hours. However, if you have a larger can or a bottle, it might take a little longer. Check out our blog on how to store beer in the fridge correctly in our helpful blog. 

Tip – store your cans and bottles of beer in a beer fridge for optimal cooling. 

White and Rosé Wine Cooling Times

White and rosé wines are best served chilled –  between 8–12°C. A 750ml bottle takes roughly 2–3 hours in the fridge. Using a wine fridge can maintain ideal serving temperatures without over-chilling.

Red Wine Cooling Times

Red wine is best served below room temperature – so to achieve this, refrigerate it for around 1 to 1.5 hours. Avoid over-chilling your red wine, as if you serve it too cold, it can mask the flavours. 

Learn more in our guide to wine storage temperature.  

Soft Drinks and Juice Cooling Times

Nobody likes room temperature cola or juice – it's always best served chilled. The good news is that soft drinks and juice usually chill quickly. For example, a 330ml can of soda can reach optimal refreshment in 1 hour, but juice in a 500ml bottle typically can take around 2 hours.

Water Cooling Times

Water cooling times can depend on the container. A plastic bottle of water can cool in around 1 to 1.5 hours. A metal water bottle, however, can cool in under an hour due to better heat conductivity.

 

Best Ways to Cool a Drink Quickly

Is your refrigerator not cooling your drinks quickly enough? Here are some quick tips you can do to cool your drinks even quicker – or more effectively – than your regular kitchen fridge: 

Ice Bath

Submerging drinks in ice water with a pinch of salt can chill them as quickly as 10–20 minutes, far faster than a fridge alone. Salt lowers the freezing point, which means the water can get colder without turning to ice. 

Wet Paper Towel Wrap

Wrap your wine bottle or soda/ beer can in a damp paper towel and place it in the freezer. Moisture conducts heat away quickly, chilling the drink in 15–30 minutes. 

Optimise Fridge Placement

Placement matters when it comes to storing your drinks. Keep your drinks towards the back or lower shelves (where it’s coldest). Although you might think the fridge door is the best place to store your drinks, it’s actually not the optimal place due to frequent temperature fluctuations when you open and close the door. 

Use a Wine Fridge

A wine fridge is hands down the best way to store your wines. It can maintain precise temperature control, ideal for white, rosé, and red wines. They often feature adjustable racks to accommodate different bottle sizes and they provide consistent airflow to ensure every bottle is ready to serve.

If a wine fridge isn’t a suitable option, there are plenty of different types of wine storage to choose from, from wine racks to wine cellars and more. 

 

How to Make Your Fridge Cool Faster

Don’t have a couple of hours to wait for your drink to cool down? Here are our top 5 tips on how to make your fridge cool your drinks even quicker: 

1. Keep your fridge full (more items help maintain cold air)
2. Avoid overcrowding and leave space around drinks for airflow
3. Check temperature settings – should be between 3–5°C for most drinks
4. Use metal racks because metal conducts cold better than plastic shelves

 

What Is The Best Storage and Serving Temperatures for Drinks?

 

Store Your Wine the Right Way with Elite Wine Refrigeration

A wine fridge is truly the best way to store your wine… and you can get one from Elite Wine Refrigeration today! 

Explore our collections: 

• Built-In Wine Fridges (install perfectly into your kitchen cabinets) 
• Integrated Wine Fridges (best for an elevated and streamlined look)
• Freestanding Wine Fridges (great if you have floor space)

We have wine fridges available to suit your needs, whatever they are.