As a passionate food writer, I can't claim to be a weather expert, but if last summer is any guide, we're in for another sweltering one. Living on our fast-warming planet can feel overwhelming, but it brings to light one essential truth: your drinks aren't cold enough.

In these times of searing heatwaves, lukewarm drinks have no place. We must aim for more than just "cool", we need freezing. When I reach for a refreshment, I want it to be as close to zero degrees as possible without turning into ice. If it's so cold my hand tingles, perfect. That's why I favor - and suggest you get - an array of koozies.

Long gone are the days when a mildly cool drink would suffice. Your drink should be chillingly cold, similar to the icy character of Mr. Freeze in the 1997 Batman & Robin movie. It should inspire cheesy freeze-themed puns. Ice to see you. Cool bash. Chill out.

Despite being aware of the arguments made by fans of warm drinks, who argue that hot beverages induce perspiration which cools the body, I am not convinced. A hot drink on a 95-degree day? No, thank you.

Restaurants and bars rarely provide the icy-cold water I desire. Give me large, icy tumblers over gently chilled drinks served in thimble-sized cups any day. I'm happy to pay for the luxury of ice. During sweltering Philadelphia summers, I miss the gigantic plastic cups found in my native Alabama, packed full of crunchable pebble ice.

When I host, you can guarantee the drinks served will be bone-chillingly cold. I achieve this by using a dual-pronged approach. Firstly, I keep the drinks in a refrigerator or a serious cooler and load them with ice. If the cooler is outdoors, I cover it with a blanket. For the most scorching days, some use a reflective blanket to bounce the sun off the cooler. Although I haven't tried using dry ice yet, I appreciate its cooling potential.

Once a drink is ready to be served, into a koozie it goes. A koozie not only works wonders for retaining coldness but also shields your drink from sand and dirt, making it essential for beach and park outings.

If you prefer glassware, your glass should come straight out of the freezer. And for the drinks meant to be sipped - think Martinis or classic Daiquiris - regularly swapping for a fresh, cold glass ensures a cool, refreshing experience.

While we may not have a solution to combat the relentless warming of our planet, we can make sure our drinks stay incredibly cold as we journey onwards.