National Cold Brew Day, celebrated annually on April 20, has become a significant promotional event for coffee brands and a highly anticipated day for consumers seeking chilled caffeine fixes. The day is characterized by a variety of offers ranging from completely free beverages to discounted pricing and bonus loyalty points. Based on information derived from recent promotional coverage and brand announcements, the following guide details the specific deals, eligibility requirements, and participation methods for the 2025 observance of the holiday.
The Landscape of National Cold Brew Day Offers
Unlike National Coffee Day, which typically falls in late September, National Cold Brew Day focuses specifically on the cold coffee extraction method that has gained immense popularity in recent years. The offers associated with this holiday generally fall into three categories: free beverages with or without purchase requirements, discounted pricing on cold brew items, and enhanced loyalty point accrual.
The promotional strategies often require consumers to engage with brands through specific channels. A recurring requirement across many offers is the use of a mobile application or enrollment in a digital loyalty program. For example, the 2024 data indicates that major chains such as Dunkin’, Scooter’s Coffee, and Dunn Brothers Coffee utilized their proprietary apps to distribute rewards and process transactions for these limited-time deals.
Brand-Specific Deals and Requirements
Based on the available data from 2024 and projections for 2025, consumers can expect participation from a mix of national chains and regional coffee houses. The following breakdown highlights specific offers and the conditions attached to them.
Major National Chains
Dunkin’ Dunkin’ consistently utilizes its "Dunkin’ Rewards" program to facilitate National Cold Brew Day promotions. * 2024 Offer: Rewards members received a free medium cold brew with any purchase made through the Dunkin’ mobile app. The offer included customization options such as cold foam, flavor shots, and swirls. * 2025 Expectation: Industry coverage suggests similar mechanics will likely apply, requiring app-based ordering and a rewards account to redeem the offer. * Additional Promotions: In some years, Dunkin’ has offered 4x points on cold brew purchases rather than a free beverage, incentivizing high-volume spending over immediate freebies.
Dutch Bros Dutch Bros approaches the holiday with a focus on merchandise and brand engagement rather than beverage discounts. * The Offer: On National Cold Brew Day, Dutch Bros provides a free, limited-edition sticker to customers who order a cold brew. * Collectibility: These stickers are a fan-favorite tradition. The 2025 design is reported to be a scratch-and-sniff variety, adding an interactive element to the giveaway.
Tim Hortons Tim Hortons focuses on rewarding existing loyalty members with accelerated point accumulation. * The Offer: Tims Rewards members receive 200 bonus points with the purchase of any size cold brew on April 20. * Value Proposition: While not a free beverage, 200 points represent a significant step toward a future free item within the Tims Rewards ecosystem.
Denny’s Denny’s typically offers a discount rather than a free item, targeting its rewards program members. * The Offer: Rewards members receive 20% off one Sweet Cream Cold Brew. * Eligibility: Members must sign up for the rewards program prior to the holiday to access the digital coupon.
Regional and Specialty Chains
Dunn Brothers Coffee Dunn Brothers Coffee has historically hosted an extensive multi-day celebration with a mix of instant gratification and contest elements. * 2024 & 2025 Context: The brand offers free sips of Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew all day on April 20. * App Integration: They utilize an app-based contest where every purchase made through the app serves as an entry to win "Free Cold Brew for a Year." * Social Engagement: The brand has previously distributed free 12-ounce cold brews to fans engaging with them on social media.
Scooter’s Coffee Scooter’s Coffee offers a straightforward discount accessible via their mobile platform. * The Offer: Customers can redeem a medium cold brew for $1 (or 50% off in some contexts) through the Scooter’s Coffee mobile app. * Limitations: This offer is typically limited to one per customer on the specific holiday and is subject to supply availability.
La Colombe La Colombe’s promotion often bridges the gap between cafe visits and retail grocery shopping. * Cafe Offer: Customers can claim one free 11-ounce can of a Draft Latte (a cold brew-based beverage) with any purchase at participating cafes. Additionally, $1 cold brew on tap is often available while supplies last. * Retail Offer: The brand has extended the free can offer to local grocery, mass, and convenience stores, allowing consumers to redeem the freebie at retail outlets without a cafe purchase.
Playa Bowls This chain incentivizes the purchase of food alongside the beverage. * The Offer: Playa Rewards members can get a free 16oz Sweet Cream Cold Brew with the purchase of any Acai bowl. * Exclusivity: This offer is exclusive to members and must be redeemed in-store, online, or via the app.
Pilot Flying J A travel center chain, Pilot Flying J targets travelers with a specific flavor launch. * The Offer: To launch a new Toffee Cold Brew, the brand gave away free small cups on National Cold Brew Day via the myRewards Plus app.
Emerging Trends and Retail Partnerships
A notable trend in the National Cold Brew Day landscape is the inclusion of direct-to-consumer (DTC) coffee brands and non-cafe retailers.
Rise Brewing Co. This oat milk cold brew brand utilizes the holiday to drive subscription growth. * The Offer: New subscribers who sign up by a specified date (April 26 in recent data) receive a $10 cold brew starter pack shipped to their door. This represents a "free trial" or deeply discounted entry point into a subscription service.
Grocery and Convenience Stores The expansion of La Colombe’s Draft Latte can giveaway into mass retail channels indicates a shift toward making National Cold Brew Day relevant beyond the cafe environment. Consumers may find free products on shelves at grocery stores, provided they act quickly while supplies last.
Essential Tips for Consumers
To maximize the benefits of National Cold Brew Day deals, consumers should prepare in advance.
- Download Apps Early: Most major offers require the use of a brand-specific mobile app for ordering or redemption. Accounts should be created and logged in prior to April 20 to avoid technical delays.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure that loyalty accounts are active. For offers like Denny’s 20% off or Dunn Brothers’ contest entries, active membership is a prerequisite.
- Read the Fine Print: Offers are frequently "while supplies last" and may be limited to specific locations. For example, La Colombe has a limited number of participating cafes, and Pilot Flying J offers are specific to travel centers.
- Understand Purchase Requirements: Some "free" items require a purchase (e.g., Dunkin’s free cold brew with any purchase, Playa Bowls’ free brew with a bowl). Others, like Scooter’s Coffee or La Colombe’s retail can offer, do not require a secondary purchase.
Conclusion
National Cold Brew Day on April 20 serves as a major promotional engine for the coffee industry, offering U.S. consumers a variety of ways to enjoy cold brew at reduced costs or no cost. The landscape of deals is heavily reliant on digital engagement, specifically through loyalty apps and mobile ordering platforms. While specific offers vary by brand—ranging from Dutch Bros’ collectible stickers to La Colombe’s retail can giveaways—the common thread is the requirement for consumers to stay informed, join loyalty programs, and act quickly to redeem limited-supply offers.