Memorial Day is around the corner, and that means one thing: cooler season is officially here. Whether you're heading to the beach, hosting a backyard BBQ, or just chilling on your porch, here's everything you need to stock the perfect summer cooler.
There's something magical about reaching into a packed cooler on a hot summer day and pulling out an ice-cold drink. This is your complete strategy for building a cooler that makes everyone happy and stays cold all day.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Cooler
The ideal ratio:
- 50% – Non-alcoholic beverages (everyone needs to hydrate)
- 30% – Core beverages (whatever your crew drinks most)
- 20% – Special picks and variety
Pro tip: Freeze a few water bottles solid before packing. They'll act as ice packs AND become drinkable as they melt.
The Hydration Heroes (Essential for Every Cooler)
Water
Pack at least 2-3 waters per person for a day trip. Dehydration is the fastest way to ruin an outdoor day.
Enhanced Waters and Hydration Drinks
When plain water isn't cutting it:
- Liquid IV – Electrolyte powder packets that actually work
- Electrolit – Serious hydration with great flavors
- Pedialyte – Not just for kids; it's the hangover helper everyone needs
- Coconut water – Natural electrolytes, no artificial anything
- BodyArmor Water – Sports water with electrolytes
Sports Drinks
For active summer days: Gatorade, Powerade, BodyArmor. Best cooler picks: Fruit Punch Gatorade, Orange BodyArmor, Mountain Berry Blast Powerade.
The Refreshment All-Stars
Iced Tea and Tea Drinks
Nothing says summer quite like cold tea: Pure Leaf, Gold Peak, Arizona, Brisk. Don't forget Half & Half (Arnold Palmer style)—the lemonade-tea combo is universally popular.
Lemonade and Fruit Drinks
Simply Lemonade, Minute Maid, Tropicana, and Hubert's Lemonade are all great choices. Try pink lemonade, strawberry lemonade, or mango lemonade for variety.
Sodas
Essential cooler sodas: Coca-Cola, Sprite, Dr Pepper, Root Beer, Ginger Ale. Pro tip: Include diet/zero sugar versions—more people drink them than you'd think.
The Energy and Pick-Me-Up Section
Energy Drinks
Best for summer: Celsius, Alani Nu, ZOA, Red Bull Tropical. Important: Energy drinks + extreme heat + alcohol = dangerous combination. Be smart about mixing.
Iced Coffee Drinks
Starbucks Frappuccino bottles, High Brew Cold Brew, La Colombe Draft Latte, Dunkin' Iced Coffee. Pack these at the bottom—they need to be COLD.
The Mocktail and Fancy Drink Section
Premium Sparkling Waters
Topo Chico, Spindrift, San Pellegrino, Waterloo—way more interesting than regular water.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Athletic Brewing, Heineken 0.0, and craft sodas like Jarritos and Jones Soda make everyone feel included.
Building Coolers for Specific Occasions
Beach Day Cooler
Focus on hydration: tons of water, electrolyte drinks, coconut water, iced tea or lemonade. Skip anything that's gross warm.
BBQ/Cookout Cooler
Variety is key: regular and diet sodas, iced tea (sweet and unsweet), lemonade, sparkling waters, energy drinks for the grill master. Plan for 2-3 drinks per person for 4 hours.
Pool Party Cooler
People drink more in the water: maximum hydration options, fruity refreshing flavors, lots of sparkling options.
Cooler Packing Tips
- Pre-chill the cooler – Put ice in it the night before
- Pre-chill all drinks – Don't put room-temperature drinks in
- Use block ice + cubed ice – Blocks last longer; cubes fill gaps
- Frozen water bottles – Double duty as ice packs and drinks
- Keep the cooler closed – Every open = lost cold
- Keep in shade – Direct sun kills cooler temps
FAQ: Summer Cooler Drinks
How many drinks should I pack per person?
For a full day outdoors, plan for 3-4 drinks per person minimum. In extreme heat, bump that to 5-6.
How long will drinks stay cold in a cooler?
A well-packed, quality cooler can keep drinks cold for 2-3 days. For single-day use, drinks should stay cold 8+ hours.
What's the best drink for really hot days?
Electrolyte drinks like Electrolit, Liquid IV mixed with water, or coconut water are best for extremely hot days.
Should I use ice or ice packs?
Both! Block ice lasts longer. Cubed ice fills gaps. Frozen water bottles are a great hybrid solution.
Stock Up for Summer!
Stock up before Memorial Day hits, and you'll be ready for every beach trip, BBQ, and backyard hangout the summer throws at you.
Visit StackCart in Granby to grab everything on this list. We're at 77 West State St, and we've got the best selection of drinks in the area. Let's make this summer legendary. ☀️