Big Gulp, Move Over: Dunkin’ Is Dropping Viral 48-Ounce Beverage Buckets Nationwide
If your “emotional support water bottle” isn’t cutting it anymore, get ready to level up your caffeine game. The internet’s favorite oversized obsession is finally hitting the mainstream: Dunkin’ is officially launching its viral 48-ounce iced beverage buckets nationwide, and yes, they are exactly as ridiculous (and glorious) as they sound.
Starting May 22, just in time to fuel your Memorial Day weekend shenanigans, participating Dunkin’ locations across the country will begin serving up these massive, retro-branded vessels. Whether you’re heading to the beach, gearing up for a long road trip, or just want to make a statement at your next appointment, these buckets are designed to keep you hydrated—or, more accurately, extremely caffeinated—for the long haul.
Why Is Everyone Obsessed?
If you feel like you’ve seen these giant cups all over your social media feeds lately, you aren't imagining things. The concept first made waves back in February during a quiet test run at select locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The internet, being the internet, immediately fell in love with the absurdity of a 48-ounce bucket of iced coffee. Videos of customers carrying the oversized containers went viral on TikTok and Instagram, drawing comparisons to everything from novelty movie theater popcorn buckets to, well, just pure “beverage maximalism.”
It hit the sweet spot of internet culture: it’s impractical, it’s highly “photogenic” for content creators, and it screams summer energy. It’s the kind of accessory that turns a standard morning coffee run into a full-blown event.
The Details: How to Get Yours
Here is the catch: because these buckets are already a cult favorite, they are expected to fly off the shelves. Reports indicate that stores will receive a limited supply—some locations are slated to carry just 25 buckets—and they will not be restocked once they sell out. This is a true first-come, first-served situation.
The buckets are available with the purchase of a Dunkin’ Iced Coffee or a Dunkin’ Refresher. You can fully customize your order with your preferred flavors, sweetness levels, and caffeine add-ins. Want an iced coffee with enough espresso shots to fuel a small army? You can do that. Prefer a refreshing, fruit-forward Refresher to beat the summer heat? That works too.
The retail price for the buckets is reportedly set at $12.99, making them a relatively affordable way to join the viral trend.
Is This the Peak of Summer?
The timing of this rollout is no accident. As temperatures rise and the unofficial start of summer approaches, consumer demand for novelty, shareable, and “extra” drink options hits an annual high. By turning a standard 48-ounce cup into a collectible, retro-branded bucket, Dunkin’ has effectively tapped into the same energy that turned Stanley tumblers and viral fast-food merch into status symbols.
Whether you genuinely need 48 ounces of liquid energy or you just want to carry a bucket around like the main character of a summer comedy, one thing is for sure: Dunkin’ has successfully made sure your Memorial Day weekend is going to be unforgettable (and probably very, very jittery).
Set your alarms for May 22 and check your local store early. If you see one in the wild, you’ll definitely want to snap a photo—because these won't be around for long!
