Last updated: May 25, 2026
Quick Answer: May 25 National Iced Coffee Day is an informal food holiday celebrated annually on May 25 to honor one of America’s most popular cold beverages. While it is not a government-recognized holiday, it is widely observed by coffee lovers, cafés, and brands across the country. In 2026, coffee drinkers can mark the date by grabbing a drink at a local café, making iced coffee at home, or taking advantage of brand promotions tied to the occasion.
Key Takeaways
- May 25 is recognized informally as National Iced Coffee Day, though no federal body officially designates it.
- Dunkin’ runs its own branded “Iced Coffee Day” event, but the date shifts year to year, in 2026, Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day falls on May 27, not May 25 [1].
- Dunkin’ donates $1 from every iced coffee and cold brew sold on its Iced Coffee Day to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation [1].
- Iced coffee and cold brew are not the same drink, the brewing method, flavor, and caffeine profile differ meaningfully.
- Starbucks, Dunkin’, and independent cafés often run promotions around late May tied to the start of iced coffee season.
- Making iced coffee at home takes under 10 minutes and costs a fraction of café prices.
- Iced coffee contains roughly the same caffeine as hot coffee but may feel smoother because it is served diluted over ice.
- For those who skip coffee entirely, several cold-brew alternatives deliver a similar ritual without the caffeine.
What Is National Iced Coffee Day?
National Iced Coffee Day is an informal food holiday observed on May 25 each year to celebrate iced coffee as a cultural staple and beloved cold drink. It is not recognized by the U.S. government or any official culinary body, but it has grown through social media, coffee brand marketing, and food-holiday calendars into a widely acknowledged date.
The day gives coffee drinkers a reason to try a new recipe, visit a local café, or share their favorite iced coffee order online. Brands use it as a marketing moment, and many independent coffee shops offer discounts or limited-edition drinks to mark the occasion. For a broader look at coffee-themed food holidays throughout the year, see the National Gourmet Coffee Day guide for January 18.
When Is National Iced Coffee Day, and Does the Date Change?
National Iced Coffee Day is observed on May 25 each year. The date is consistent across most food-holiday calendars and has been associated with May 25 for well over a decade [10].
However, it is worth separating two things that often get confused:
- May 25 National Iced Coffee Day, the informal, community-driven food holiday observed on May 25.
- Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day, a branded charitable event run by Dunkin’ that changes date annually. In 2024, it fell on June 20 [1]. In 2026, it is scheduled for May 27 [1].
So if someone is searching for “when is National Iced Coffee Day 2024,” the answer for the informal holiday is still May 25. Dunkin’s version that year moved to June 20, the first day of summer [1].
“Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day is a charitable event, not a fixed calendar holiday, its date shifts each year based on Dunkin’s campaign calendar.”
Why Is May 25 National Iced Coffee Day?
May 25 was chosen because it sits at the front edge of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, right as temperatures start climbing and demand for cold drinks surges. No single organization has claimed official credit for founding the date, which is common among informal food holidays that grow organically through social media and food-calendar aggregators [10].
The timing makes practical sense: Memorial Day weekend falls in the same week, Americans are transitioning from hot to cold beverages, and coffee chains are launching their summer menus. The date also gives brands a natural hook for early-summer promotions before the heat of July.
How to Celebrate May 25 National Iced Coffee Day
Celebrating May 25 National Iced Coffee Day does not require much planning. The simplest approach is to swap a hot coffee for an iced version and share it on social media using the hashtag #NationalIcedCoffeeDay.
Practical ways to celebrate:
- Make iced coffee at home using the method below and experiment with a new flavor syrup or milk alternative.
- Visit a local independent café and order something off-menu or seasonal, many small shops run May 25 specials.
- Host a coffee tasting with friends, comparing cold brew, classic iced coffee, and Vietnamese iced coffee side by side.
- Gift a coffee subscription to someone who drinks iced coffee year-round.
- Share a recipe on social media, original iced coffee content tends to perform well on Instagram and TikTok around this date.
If you enjoy celebrating food holidays in general, the National Food Days tag on stillcooking.com is a good resource for planning the rest of the calendar year.
Where Can You Get Free or Discounted Iced Coffee on National Iced Coffee Day?
Free iced coffee deals on May 25 vary by year and brand. No single chain guarantees a standing free-drink offer on this specific date every year, so checking brand apps and loyalty programs in the days leading up to May 25 is the most reliable approach.
What to look for in 2026:
- Dunkin’: Dunkin’s branded Iced Coffee Day in 2026 is May 27, not May 25. On that day, $1 from every iced coffee and cold brew sold at participating U.S. locations goes to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation [1]. Check the Dunkin’ app for any additional loyalty rewards.
- Starbucks: Starbucks periodically offers happy-hour promotions on cold drinks during late May. Rewards members typically get early access. Check the Starbucks app around May 20-25 for any announced deals [4].
- Independent cafés: Many local shops run their own May 25 specials. Following local coffee shops on Instagram is the fastest way to find these.
- Grocery and convenience stores: Bottled iced coffee brands sometimes run digital coupons through apps like Ibotta or Fetch around food holidays.
Common mistake: Assuming Dunkin’s Iced Coffee Day always falls on May 25. It does not, the date changes annually, and in 2026 it is May 27 [1].
Does Dunkin’ Participate in National Iced Coffee Day?
Yes, Dunkin’ runs its own version of Iced Coffee Day, but it is a branded charitable event rather than a direct tie-in to the May 25 food holiday. In 2026, Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day is May 27, with $1 from each iced coffee and cold brew sold at participating U.S. locations donated to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation [1].
In prior years, the event has supported children’s hospitals and hunger-relief programs. In 2022, for example, Dunkin’s Iced Coffee Day raised funds benefiting Children’s Hospital of Orange County [7]. In 2024, the event moved to June 20, the first day of summer, following the same charitable model [1].
The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation focuses on bringing joy to kids battling hunger or illness, so the event doubles as both a consumer promotion and a fundraiser [1][3].
Starbucks National Iced Coffee Day Deals
Starbucks does not consistently brand its promotions around “National Iced Coffee Day” by name, but the chain regularly offers cold drink discounts in late May through its Starbucks Rewards program. Members have historically received bonus stars or half-price happy-hour deals on cold beverages during this window [4][6].
How to maximize Starbucks deals around May 25:
- Download the Starbucks app and enroll in Starbucks Rewards if not already a member.
- Enable push notifications, limited-time offers are often sent 24-48 hours in advance.
- Check the “Offers” tab in the app on May 24-25 for any active promotions.
- Order through the app to stack any available bonus-star challenges with the drink discount.
Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew: What Is the Difference?
Iced coffee and cold brew are not the same drink. Iced coffee is brewed hot and then chilled or poured over ice, while cold brew is steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours without any heat.
| Feature | Iced Coffee | Cold Brew |
|---|---|---|
| Brew method | Hot-brewed, then cooled | Cold water steep, 12-24 hrs |
| Flavor profile | Brighter, slightly acidic | Smooth, low-acid, sweeter |
| Caffeine | Standard (varies by brew) | Often higher (concentrate) |
| Time to make | 5-10 minutes | 12-24 hours |
| Best for | Quick prep, bright flavor | Sensitive stomachs, strong flavor |
Choose iced coffee if you want a quick drink with a familiar, bright coffee taste. Choose cold brew if you have a sensitive stomach, prefer a smoother flavor, or want a stronger concentrate to mix with milk or cream.
How to Make Iced Coffee at Home
Making iced coffee at home takes about 10 minutes and costs a fraction of café prices. The basic method works with any drip coffee maker, French press, or pour-over setup.
Classic iced coffee (serves 1):
- Brew a strong cup of coffee, use about 1.5 times the normal amount of grounds to compensate for ice dilution.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes, or brew directly over a cup half-filled with ice (flash-chilling method).
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour the coffee over the ice.
- Add milk, cream, or a milk alternative to taste.
- Sweeten with simple syrup (sugar dissolves better in cold liquid than granulated sugar).
Three easy variations to try on May 25 National Iced Coffee Day:
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee: Brew strong dark roast through a Vietnamese phin filter directly over sweetened condensed milk and ice. Rich, sweet, and creamy.
- Vanilla Oat Milk Iced Coffee: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and oat milk for a dairy-free, café-style drink.
- Mocha Iced Coffee: Stir 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup into the hot coffee before chilling, then pour over ice with whole milk.
For more beverage inspiration, the coffee holidays tag covers additional coffee-themed occasions throughout the year.
Best Iced Coffee Brands to Try
Several bottled and canned iced coffee brands have earned strong reputations for quality and convenience. These are worth picking up at a grocery store for May 25 celebrations without making anything from scratch.
- Chameleon Cold-Brew: Organic, smooth concentrate made with fair-trade beans. Mix with milk at a 1:1 ratio.
- Califia Farms Cold Brew: Widely available, dairy-free options, low-acid profile.
- La Colombe Draft Latte: Canned, nitrogen-infused, creamy texture without dairy in some varieties.
- Stumptown Cold Brew: Single-origin options, strong flavor, available in most grocery chains.
- Dunkin’ Bottled Iced Coffee: Widely distributed, sweet and mild, good entry-level option.
Edge case: If caffeine sensitivity is a concern, several brands now offer half-caf or decaf cold brew options. Check the label carefully, as “cold brew” does not automatically mean high-caffeine, concentrate dilution matters.
What Is the History of Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee has roots going back to at least the 1840s. A cold coffee drink called “Mazagran” was reportedly consumed by French soldiers in Algeria around 1840, mixing coffee with cold water, often considered one of the earliest documented iced coffee beverages.
In Japan, iced coffee (known as “iced coffee” or “aisu kohi”) became mainstream in the 20th century, and Japanese flash-chilled brewing methods influenced specialty coffee culture globally. In the United States, iced coffee grew steadily through the 1990s as coffee chains expanded, and cold brew surged in popularity during the 2010s as specialty coffee culture spread.
By the mid-2020s, iced coffee and cold brew had become year-round staples rather than seasonal drinks, with cold beverage sales making up a significant share of revenue at major chains. The informal designation of May 25 as National Iced Coffee Day reflects that cultural shift.
Iced Coffee Health Benefits and Risks
Iced coffee carries the same basic nutritional profile as hot coffee, with some practical differences worth knowing.
Potential benefits:
- Contains antioxidants (chlorogenic acids) associated with reduced inflammation, according to general nutrition research.
- May support alertness and short-term cognitive performance due to caffeine.
- Lower-acid cold brew versions may be easier on the stomach for people with acid reflux.
Risks and considerations:
- Added sugars and syrups in café-style drinks can significantly increase calorie counts. A flavored iced coffee drink with whipped cream can exceed 400 calories.
- High caffeine intake (generally above 400 mg per day for healthy adults, per the FDA) can cause anxiety, disrupted sleep, or heart palpitations.
- Cold brew concentrate, if consumed undiluted, can deliver a much higher caffeine dose than a standard cup of coffee.
Who should be cautious: Pregnant individuals, people with anxiety disorders, and those with caffeine sensitivity should monitor intake and consult a healthcare provider about appropriate limits.
Iced Coffee Alternatives for People Who Do Not Like Coffee
Not everyone enjoys coffee, but the ritual of a cold, refreshing drink on May 25 National Iced Coffee Day is still worth participating in. Several alternatives replicate the experience without the coffee flavor or caffeine.
- Iced matcha latte: Whisk matcha powder with a small amount of hot water, pour over ice with oat milk. Earthy, creamy, and caffeinated at a lower level than coffee.
- Iced chai latte: Brew strong chai tea, cool it, and pour over ice with milk. Spiced and warming without any coffee bitterness.
- Iced herbal tea latte: Brew a strong hibiscus or rooibos tea, sweeten lightly, and add oat milk for a caffeine-free option.
- Iced barley coffee (Mugicha): A Japanese roasted barley tea served cold, with a toasty, slightly coffee-like flavor and zero caffeine.
- Chicory iced drink: Chicory root brewed and served over ice has a rich, coffee-adjacent flavor with no caffeine.
These options let anyone join the May 25 celebration regardless of their relationship with coffee.
FAQ
What day is National Iced Coffee Day? National Iced Coffee Day is observed on May 25 each year. It is an informal food holiday, not an official government designation.
Is National Iced Coffee Day the same as Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day? No. May 25 National Iced Coffee Day is a general food holiday. Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day is a separate branded charitable event with a date that changes annually, in 2026, it falls on May 27 [1].
Does Dunkin’ give free iced coffee on May 25? Dunkin’ does not guarantee free iced coffee specifically on May 25. Its 2026 Iced Coffee Day promotion is on May 27, where $1 from each iced coffee and cold brew sold goes to charity [1]. Check the Dunkin’ app for any May 25 loyalty offers.
What is the difference between iced coffee and cold brew? Iced coffee is brewed hot and cooled. Cold brew is steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours. Cold brew is generally smoother, less acidic, and often stronger in caffeine concentration.
How do I make iced coffee without a coffee maker? Use instant coffee dissolved in a small amount of hot water, then pour over ice with milk. This is called “dalgona” style when whipped, or simply instant iced coffee when stirred.
Can I drink iced coffee every day? For most healthy adults, moderate daily iced coffee consumption (1-3 cups) is generally considered safe. The main concern is added sugar and calorie content in flavored café drinks, not the coffee itself.
What is the best milk for iced coffee? Whole milk gives the creamiest texture. Oat milk is the most popular dairy-free option because it froths well and has a neutral sweetness. Almond milk is lower in calories but thinner in texture.
Is cold brew stronger than iced coffee? Cold brew concentrate is typically stronger, but ready-to-drink cold brew sold in bottles is usually diluted to a similar caffeine level as regular coffee. Always check the label.
When did iced coffee become popular in the U.S.? Iced coffee grew significantly in the U.S. during the 1990s alongside the expansion of coffee chains. Cold brew specifically surged in popularity during the 2010s as specialty coffee culture expanded.
Are there iced coffee deals at Starbucks on May 25? Starbucks does not consistently run a May 25-specific promotion, but Starbucks Rewards members often receive cold drink discounts in late May. Check the Starbucks app around May 20-25 [4].
What hashtag should I use on National Iced Coffee Day? The most common hashtag is #NationalIcedCoffeeDay. Secondary hashtags include #IcedCoffeeDay and #IcedCoffee.
Is there a National Hot Coffee Day too? National Coffee Day falls on September 29, and it covers all coffee types including hot. There is also a National Gourmet Coffee Day on January 18 for specialty coffee enthusiasts.
Conclusion
May 25 National Iced Coffee Day is a straightforward, enjoyable occasion that requires nothing more than a cold drink and a willingness to celebrate. Whether that means stopping at a local café, trying a homemade Vietnamese iced coffee for the first time, or simply upgrading a morning routine with a better cold brew, the day has something for every level of coffee enthusiasm.
Actionable next steps for May 25, 2026:
- Decide in advance whether you are making iced coffee at home or visiting a café, both are valid, but planning avoids a last-minute decision.
- Check the Dunkin’ and Starbucks apps on May 23-24 for any active promotions tied to the late-May window.
- Try at least one new iced coffee variation, the Vietnamese iced coffee or a mocha version are both easy and impressive.
- Share your drink on social media with #NationalIcedCoffeeDay to connect with other coffee enthusiasts.
- If you are hosting or gifting, a bag of quality whole-bean coffee with a simple cold brew recipe card makes a thoughtful, low-cost gift for the occasion.
For more food holiday inspiration throughout the year, explore the food holidays tag and the quirky national days collection on stillcooking.com.
References
[1] Dunkin Iced Coffee Day 2024 – https://news.dunkindonuts.com/news/dunkin-iced-coffee-day-2024
[3] Dunkin Foundation Donate Money 4 Hospitals Iced Coffee Day – https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/dunkin-foundation-donate-money-4-hospitals-iced-coffee-day
[4] WalletHub National Coffee Day Deals – https://wallethub.com/blog/national-coffee-day-deals-freebies-special/24952
[6] National Coffee Day Deals September 2024 – https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/news/national-coffee-day-deals-september-2024
[7] Dunkin Iced Coffee Day Benefits Childrens Hospital Of Orange County – https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/entertainment/story/2022-05-25/dunkin-iced-coffee-day-benefits-childrens-hospital-of-orange-county
[10] Beverage Holidays – https://nationaltoday.com/beverage-holidays/