Coffee lovers across the East and Midwest are ditching their usual cups for something way bigger in 2025—coffee buckets. These oversized, clear plastic containers, complete with handles and straws, are filled to the brim with iced coffee or lattes, and they’re taking coffee shops by storm. From Connecticut to Missouri, these massive drinks are popping up everywhere, driven by social media buzz and a growing appetite for bold, shareable beverages.
The coffee bucket craze is all about going big. Forget the standard 12-ounce latte or even a 20-ounce iced coffee. These buckets hold anywhere from 32 to 50 ounces of caffeinated goodness, making them perfect for a long day at the beach, a road trip, or just showing off on TikTok. Videos tagged #coffeebucket are racking up millions of views, with one clip from a shop in Mississippi hitting 4.3 million views in just six seconds. Coffee shops are cashing in on the hype, and customers can’t seem to get enough of the oversized drinks, even if they come with a hefty price tag—sometimes as much as $15.
In Connecticut, the trend is booming. Last Drop Coffee Shop in Monroe introduced their coffee buckets in mid-June, and owner Alaina Roberto says it’s been a game-changer. “We wanted something fun that would grab attention,” she told local media. The buckets, filled with specialty lattes like cookie butter, s’mores, and cookies and cream, are as much about the look as the taste. Customers line up for the photogenic drinks, and Roberto reports selling up to 200 buckets on busy days. Over at TJ’s Burritos in Bloomfield, owner Tricia Martin says they’re moving at least 1,000 buckets a week. Their cinnamon churro latte bucket is a fan favorite, and they’ve been selling out since they started offering the drinks in late May. Even before coffee, TJ’s was no stranger to buckets, having served margaritas and rum punch in them for years.
Wicked Southern Coffee in Salem, Connecticut, jumped on the trend in early June, and owner Kaylee Shilosky says they sold out the same day they launched. Their Caramel Banana Latte and Tiramisu Latte buckets are flying off the menu, with customers drawn to both the flavor and the Instagram-worthy vibe. “People went wild for it,” Shilosky said, noting the buckets’ appeal as a bold, shareable treat.
The trend isn’t limited to Connecticut. In Missouri, Noctua Coffee, a small coffee cart at a local farmers’ market, is seeing huge demand for their buckets. Co-owner Brittany Stier explains that any of their iced lattes can be turned into a bucket, typically made with four shots of espresso, eight to 10 ounces of milk, ice, and flavored syrups, often topped with cold foam. Their Blueberry Muffin bucket, featuring blueberry syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold foam, is a standout, blending the line between coffee and dessert.
So, what’s driving this bucket mania? For one, it’s the social media factor. TikTok and Instagram are flooded with videos of people sipping from these giant containers, often showing off the drinks’ vibrant layers and toppings. The buckets’ clear design and handles make them perfect for showing off, whether it’s a solo sip or a shared drink with friends. Comments on viral videos range from excitement—“I’d drive an hour for this!”—to playful warnings about the caffeine overload: “That’s a bucket of pure anxiety!” Some even joke about the practical downsides, like one user who admitted they’d be “on the toilet for days” after downing one.
Beyond the social media hype, coffee buckets reflect a shift in how people enjoy their coffee. These aren’t just drinks; they’re experiences. The flavors lean toward indulgent, dessert-like creations, appealing to those who want more than a plain black coffee. Shops are experimenting with syrups, spices, and toppings to create drinks that feel special, like a treat you’d savor on a summer outing. While the buckets are marketed as shareable, plenty of people are seen online drinking them solo, embracing the over-the-top nature of the trend.
The buckets also tap into a broader move toward bold, extravagant coffee creations. As coffee culture evolves, customers are looking for drinks that stand out, both in size and flavor. The buckets’ dessert-inspired profiles, like tiramisu or blueberry muffin, cater to this craving for something unique. Plus, they’re practical for long summer days—whether you’re heading to the beach or need a caffeine boost to power through a road trip.
Of course, the trend comes with challenges. The high price—up to $15 for a single bucket—raises eyebrows for some. And then there’s the question of where to put it. Most car cupholders can’t handle the buckets’ size, though one customer noted they fit in an open glove compartment. Still, for many, the novelty and social media clout are worth it.
While no one’s sure exactly where the coffee bucket trend started, it’s clear it’s here to stay—at least for the summer of 2025. From small coffee carts to local shops, businesses across the East and Midwest are embracing the oversized drinks to stand out in a crowded market. For coffee lovers, it’s a chance to indulge in something fun, flavorful, and just a little bit wild. Whether you’re sipping a s’mores latte in Connecticut or a blueberry muffin bucket in Missouri, one thing’s for sure: this summer, coffee buckets are the ultimate way to make a statement.
