How to Chill a Glass

Published: July 9, 2026·Updated: July 9, 2026

Chill a glass by standing it in the freezer for 15–30 minutes or the fridge for an hour, or — fastest — fill it with ice and water while you make the drink, then tip it out. For a frosted look, wet the outside of the glass first so a layer of frost forms in the freezer.

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Freezer 15–30 min, or fill with ice water while you prep — wet the glass first for frost — A cold glass keeps a drink colder for longer and simply feels better in the hand, and there are three easy ways to get one. The freezer is the most reliable: stand a dry glass in it for 15–30 minutes and it comes out properly cold, or leave it longer for serious frost. The fridge is gentler and slower — about an hour — and is the safe choice for thin or delicate glasses. When you're in a hurry, fill the glass with ice and cold water, give it a stir, and let it sit while you mix the drink; dump the ice water out just before pouring and the glass will be chilled in a couple of minutes. For a frosted, cloudy finish, rinse or wet the outside of the glass before it goes in the freezer, so the surface moisture freezes into a white layer of frost. Two cautions: don't put good crystal or hot glasses straight into the freezer, since a sudden temperature change can crack them, and chill glasses for cold drinks like beer, cocktails and water — not for wine you want served at its proper temperature.

Method	How	Note
Freezer	Dry glass, 15–30 min	Fastest proper chill; longer for frost
Fridge	About an hour	Gentler, safe for thin or delicate glass
Ice water	Fill with ice + water while you prep, then tip out	Chills in a couple of minutes
Frost	Wet the outside before the freezer	Surface moisture freezes to a white frost