How to Pack a Cooler: Creative Tips & Tricks for Every Occasion

Packing a cooler can be a crucial part of any outdoor event or gathering, from tailgates and beach days to bonfires and watch parties. With the right cooler and some helpful tips, you can keep your drinks and snacks cool and easily accessible all day long.

BrüMate offers the world's most feature-packed coolers designed to provide everything you need, no matter the occasion. In this article, we'll explore some of the best ways to pack a cooler for a variety of occasions, and share some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your BrüMate cooler.

For a Tailgate

To put together this NFL themed build out grab your 55-quart BrüTank cooler and add some water, sodas, and your favorite beer.  Then use the 2.8 gallon drink tank to make enough ranch water to share. Just combine tequila, Topo Chico, lime juice and limes and use the built in dispenser to serve mess free drinks all afternoon. You can even finish it off by throwing your favorite tailgating snacks in the removable top basket to keep secure and dry!

Need a non-alcoholic substitute for the ranch water above? Check out this baja blast copycat. Just combine Sprite, Mountain Dew and blue Gaterade to get a sweet drink everyone can enjoy.

For a way to up your tailgate game even further, check out BrüTank bundles. Not only do you bundle and save, but each bundle comes equipped with two cup holders and two ice packs, perfect for securing additional drinks and keeping your goods ice cold all game-day long.

For a Beach Day

If you're planning a day at the beach it can't be complete without a BrüMate BrüTank. Its functional pulling handle and adventure proof design was made for wheeling across any terrain - even sand! Don’t forget to check out our cooler accessories like this BrüTank rod holder, perfect for setting up an umbrella for shade or a sweet spot to hold your fishing rod.

Don’t need a big 55-quart cooler? Grab the BrüMate BackTap instead! Just remove the stainless steel insert and you can fit 14 slim cans, 12 standard 12oz cans, or 5 bottles of wine and carry it on your back with the adjustable backpack straps.

For a Pool Day

Let the BrüTank help you prepare for a day in the sun with this pool day build out. Use the removable drink tank to make enough ‘ocean water’ for everyone. Just combine limeade, tequila Blue Curacao, lime sparkling water, a splash of simple syrup and fresh limes. Then to the main tank add in some of your favorite beers, sodas and seltzers before topping it off with your favorite refreshing snacks!

Need more cocktails to share? Check out this dirty shirley recipe in the BrüMate BackTap. This cooler is easy to transport with its backpack straps and its built-in tap makes filling and refilling your cup a breeze.

For Watch Parties

No matter which sport you’re watching it is always a blast to host your friends and family and watch together. This game day BrüTank build out is perfect for getting ready for any big game.  The BrüTank can hold up to 48, 12 oz cans, perfect for keeping all your favorite drinks ice cold and in reach.

To help keep your cooler jam-packed with goodies and organized, fill up your drink tank with a couple liters of your favorite soda, and load the removable dry basket with your favorite game day chips and dips.

Need a cocktail for the group? This spicy margarita recipe is a BrüMate favorite and it pairs perfectly with our BackTap cooler.

For a Bonfire

Check out this BrüTank build out perfect for a bonfire! The BrüTank retains ice for up to 7 days making it perfect for bringing along for camping. Because the Brütank holds 12 bottles of wine or liquor you could always wait to make the sangria until you're ready to enjoy it.

Looking for large batch cocktails but running low on packing space? This citrus ice tea is perfect for summer nights. Pair it with the BrüMate BackTap and you have the perfect duo for a summer evening. The easy to use spout makes it perfect for sharing around the fire.

For a Wedding

This wedding themed Brütank buildout has something for the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. Whether you’re filling your cooler with bloody marys and beer or mimosas and seltzers, the BrüTank is the perfect celebratory companion - not to mention the built-in bottle opener is sure to save the day when everyone's mind is focused on the wedding, and not on remembering an opener. Some may say parties and BrüMate go together almost as well as the bride and groom!

For Wedding Showers

Celebrating a wedding shower instead? We love this delicious cocktail. Mix it up in a BrüMate BackTap so there's plenty to go around! This 3 gallon cooler will keep your drinks cold for hours and it's easy-to-use built-in tap makes for mess free serving. With several colors and patterns to choose from you’ll have no problem matching the theme of the party.

For Baby Showers

This made for mamas build out is perfect for a baby shower. Switch out the rosé for one of these BrüMate favorite mocktails. Then add all of mama’s favorite drinks before topping it off with some snacks for the group.

Looking for more non-alcoholic options? Check out our blog: 9 Tasty & Simple Non Alcoholic Party Drinks.

For the Dog Park

Taking a trip to the dog park? Check out this BrüTuank dog park build out that is perfect for you and your 4 legged pals. Use the drink tank to bring enough ice water for everyone, then fill the bottom with extra ice cubes for cooling down your pup! The removable dry basket comes in a clutch for storing both you and your pups favorite snacks.

Pro Tip: Use a plastic basket to bring your dogs favorite toys while keeping them dry inside the cooler.  made for mamas build out

For Enhanced Hydration

Recovering from a long weekend? Check out this recovery build out that would be perfect for rejuvenating you and your whole crü. In the drink tank combine water, coconut water, lemon and lime juice and just a pinch of salt. Finish it all off with some fresh lemons, limes and ice.

For additional recovery to the rescue, add ginger ale, pressed juice, waters, gatorade and cold brew to your tank! Lastly, throw in a few of your favorite snacks and maybe even some self care face masks that feel amazing chilled.

Pack Your Cooler with BrüMate

No matter your adventure, BrüMate coolers were made for it. With options like the 55-quart BrüTank cooler or the 3 gallon BackTap cooler - you truly can’t go wrong! If you try out any of our ideas above, tag us on our social platforms! @brumate