Last updated: July 4, 2026
There's something deeply wrong about drinking hot coffee when it's 90 degrees outside. Yet we still need our caffeine. Enter the wonderful world of iced coffee and cold brew—the essential summer beverages for anyone who refuses to sacrifice their caffeine habit to the heat.
At StackCart in Granby, MA, we've stocked our coolers with every cold coffee option worth drinking. From nitro cold brews to espresso shots, this guide covers everything you need to know about staying caffeinated when the temperature rises.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: What's the Difference?
Iced Coffee: Hot coffee brewed normally, then poured over ice or chilled. It's quick to make but can taste watered-down as the ice melts.
Cold Brew: Coffee grounds steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, then filtered. The slow extraction results in a smoother, less acidic, naturally sweeter flavor. It's typically 60% less acidic than hot-brewed coffee.
Best Ready-to-Drink Cold Brews
Top Tier: Worth Every Penny
Stumptown Cold Brew ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stumptown pioneered the RTD cold brew market, and they're still the gold standard. Smooth, chocolatey, with just enough edge. Options include Original, Oat Milk, and Nitro.
La Colombe Draft Latte ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Revolutionary canned coffee with naturally frothy texture. Standout flavors: Triple Shot (maximum caffeine), Vanilla, Mocha, and Oatmilk versions.
Chameleon Cold-Brew ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Austin-based, organic, fair-trade beans with caramel notes. Great for organic-minded coffee drinkers.
Mid Tier: Solid Daily Drivers
Califia Farms Cold Brew ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dominates the plant-based cold brew space. Creamy almond milk and oat milk lattes, XX Espresso for pure punch.
High Brew Coffee ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Smaller 8oz cans perfect for moderate caffeine. Flavors include Double Espresso, Mexican Vanilla, Dark Chocolate Mocha.
Stok Cold Brew ⭐⭐⭐½
The mass-market cold brew that doesn't taste mass-market. Available everywhere, reliable, surprisingly good for the price.
Nitro Cold Brew: The Fancy Stuff
Nitro cold brew is infused with nitrogen gas, creating a cascading, Guinness-like effect and creamy texture without dairy. Best canned options:
- Stumptown Nitro - The original and still one of the best
- La Colombe Nitro - Smooth and accessible
- High Brew Nitro - Good value option
Pro Tip: Chill the can well, pour slowly into a glass, and watch the cascade. It's half the experience.
Espresso Drinks for Extra Punch
Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso - The OG of canned espresso. Intense coffee flavor with cream.
La Colombe Triple Shot Draft Latte - 180mg of caffeine. This is the one when you need serious energy.
Black Rifle Coffee RTD - Strong, bold coffee. Their Espresso Mocha is popular.
Protein Coffee: Caffeine + Gains
The fitness crowd has embraced protein coffee—cold brew mixed with protein for breakfast, pre-workout, and coffee all in one.
Super Coffee - Market leader. 10g protein, 200mg caffeine, zero sugar.
Stok Protein Cold Brew - 20g protein, reliable Stok quality, more affordable.
The Caffeine Comparison
Not all cold coffee is created equal:
- La Colombe Triple Shot: 180mg
- Super Coffee: 200mg
- High Brew Double Espresso: 150mg
- Stumptown Cold Brew: 145mg
- Regular home coffee: 95mg
When to Choose What
Morning Commute: La Colombe Draft Latte or Stumptown Cold Brew
Afternoon Slump (2-3 PM): High Brew 8oz can—enough caffeine without ruining sleep
Pre-Workout (5 AM Gym): Super Coffee protein or La Colombe Triple Shot
Weekend Relaxation: Nitro cold brew sipped slowly
Too Hot to Think: Any iced coffee—survival mode activated
Cold Coffee + Snack Pairings
Cold Brew + Chocolate: The natural chocolate notes in cold brew pair beautifully with dark chocolate.
Vanilla Latte + Pastry: Complements croissants, danishes, or cinnamon rolls.
Protein Coffee + Banana: The workout duo. Quick carbs from the banana, caffeine and protein from the coffee.
Stock Up at StackCart
We keep the cooler stocked with all the cold coffee options covered in this guide. Our cold case includes:
- Stumptown Cold Brew and Nitro
- La Colombe Draft Lattes (all flavors)
- Califia Farms varieties
- High Brew selection
- Stok cold brew bottles
- Espresso shots and protein coffee
Plus snacks to pair with your coffee—because caffeine and chocolate are summer essentials.
FAQ: Iced Coffee and Cold Brew
What is the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
Iced coffee is hot-brewed coffee served over ice, while cold brew is coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours. Cold brew is smoother, less acidic, and naturally sweeter.
Is cold brew stronger than regular coffee?
Cold brew concentrate is stronger, but when diluted for drinking, it's typically similar in caffeine to regular coffee. RTD cold brews usually contain 140-200mg of caffeine per serving.
Why is cold brew so expensive?
Cold brew requires more coffee grounds (about 2x as much) and takes 12-24 hours to make, compared to minutes for hot coffee.
How long does cold brew last in the fridge?
Homemade cold brew concentrate lasts 1-2 weeks refrigerated. Once diluted, consume within 2-3 days.
What's the best RTD cold brew brand?
Stumptown and La Colombe are generally considered the best quality. Stok is the best budget option.
Is nitro cold brew better than regular cold brew?
"Better" is subjective. Nitro has a creamier texture and enhanced sweetness without sugar. Some prefer the silky mouthfeel; others prefer straight cold brew.