April 20 is National Cold Brew Day — the perfect excuse to keep things cool and caffeinated at your property. Whether your residents are hardcore coffee fans or just here for the vibes, this day is an easy win for community building.

Cold brew’s been having a moment for a while now. It’s smooth, it’s strong and it looks great in a clear cup with oat milk and ice. The cool twist (pun intended)? You don’t need a trendy café setup to join the party. With SipWithMe, a cold brew celebration is just a few taps away.

Coldbrew’s cool backstory

Cold brew might feel like a new trend, but it’s been around for a long time — like, 1600s Japan long. The original version wasn’t even coffee — it started with tea! People used cold river water to steep tea slowly over time, creating a smooth, refreshing drink without any heat. Eventually, Dutch traders picked up the idea and started using it to brew coffee on their ships — no fire needed, and way easier to store on long trips.

When they brought it back to Japan, the method evolved into what we now call Kyoto-style cold brew, made one drip at a time through fancy glass towers. Over the years, cold brew kept catching on because it’s smooth, easy to make in batches and perfect for hot weather (or anytime, really).

By the 1800s, France started adding chicory root to stretch their supply, which eventually made its way to New Orleans — and cold brew with chicory is still a thing there today.

Then in the 1960s, an American engineer named Todd Simpson turned cold brew into a household staple by inventing the Toddy system. That kicked off the version we know and love now: strong, smooth and easy to enjoy cold or hot.

These days, cold brew is everywhere — from corner coffee shops to your apartment lobby. It’s smooth, bold and totally perfect for sunny mornings, chill afternoons or anytime you need a cool caffeine fix.

How to host a National Cold Brew Day event (no barista required)

Looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing way to engage residents on National Cold Brew Day? A cold brew event is easy to set up, low-maintenance to run and a guaranteed hit — no barista necessary. Here are a few creative ways to make it memorable:

Cold brew creation station

Turn your lounge or lobby into a self-serve cold brew bar. Set out pitchers of classic cold brew alongside a variety of flavored syrups (vanilla, caramel, hazelnut), milk and creamer, milk alternatives (oat, almond, coconut), and fun add-ons like sweet cream, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings. Provide ice, cups, stirrers, and signage with mix-and-match ideas to inspire creativity.

Bonus tip: Branded cups or sleeves make great photo ops for your social feed.

Sip and paint

Combine the energizing power of cold brew with the calm of creativity. Set up a painting or coloring station with mini canvases, coloring pages (bonus points if you use PrintWithMe), and art supplies. Invite residents to craft their own artwork while sipping their personalized cold brew creations. This format works well indoors or outdoors and is perfect for winding down after work or encouraging a little weekend fun.

Chill and connect

Create a laid-back lounge experience in your common area. Set up comfy seating, string up a few lights, and play mellow lo-fi or acoustic playlists to set the mood. Offer cold brew and let residents help themselves as they mingle. Add a few board games or card decks to spark conversation — it’s a low-effort setup that encourages organic connection.

Cold brew and conversation cards

Place fun, thoughtful conversation starter cards on tables to prompt resident interaction. Great for new move-ins or properties with lots of remote workers who crave community without pressure. Add a light snack bar with trail mix, granola bites or mini muffins to round things out.

Cold brew flight tasting

Offer small “flights” of different cold brew flavors — classic, vanilla, mocha, maybe even a seasonal option like cinnamon maple. Include a voting card or quick poll to crown the community favorite. It’s a fun twist on a tasting event and lets residents try something new.

Cold brew and candles

Set up a cold brew bar next to a DIY candle-making station. Residents can pour their own soy wax candles using pre-scented oils and wicks. It’s a great blend of hands-on fun and relaxing vibes, and everyone goes home with a personalized keepsake.

Wake up and wind down bar

Offer both cold brew and herbal iced teas (like chamomile or hibiscus) to cater to early risers and those avoiding caffeine. Add a station for customizing drinks with fruit infusions, mint and honey for a health-forward feel. This dual approach keeps the event inclusive and encourages residents to linger.

Cold brew and compliments 

Set up a compliment wall or “take what you need” notes display where residents can write positive affirmations or pick up a kind message while they sip. It’s a small touch that creates a meaningful, feel-good experience with zero extra cost.

The coffee matters (always)

Not all cold brews are created equal. Harsh, bitter, watery coffee? That’s a quick way to kill the vibe. But with SipWithMe, you get consistently great-tasting coffee — barista-level flavor without the barista-level effort. 

Already serving SipWithMe? You’re halfway to cold brew. Just brew a stronger cup (smaller size = more concentrated), then either:

  • Let it chill in the fridge (for the purists) for 12–24 hours for smooth, mellow perfection.
  • Shake it over ice if you’re short on time and in a “need it now” kind of mood.

Either way, you get smooth, barista-quality cold coffee without breaking a sweat. Top it off with milk, sweet cream or syrup if that’s your thing — and boom: cold coffee that’s smooth, bold and built to impress.

If your property already offers SipWithMe, celebrating National Cold Brew Day is a no-brainer. If not, consider this your sign to join the cool crowd.

Coffee & connection

Looking for more ways to celebrate coffee all year long? Our Coffee Holiday Calendar highlights all the dates worth celebrating:

…and many more.

📩 [Download the free calendar here]

And if you're ready to go all-in on community coffee moments, check out our free e-book, Brew Better Communities, packed with event inspo and expert tips to help you make the most of every sip.

Coffee holidays like National Cold Brew Day are the perfect excuse to gather your residents, create great memories and spotlight the amenities that make your community stand out.

If your coffee setup could use a jolt, we’re here to help. Let’s talk!