Keep Your Cool This Summer With The Best Insulated Cup for Cold Drinks
Finding You the Best Insulated Cup for Cold Drinks
Although Summer is arguably the best season, it has its days. You know the kind. Out of control humidity, no wind, endless sweating, sticky clothes… Usually all you need is something cold, whether that be a dip in the lake or a refreshing bottle of beer. With this in mind, we went on a mission to find the best insulated cup for cold drinks.
After researching and testing, each of us chose a different type. That’s because, of course, everyone’s personalities and interests are so different. Since this is no “one size fits all” kind of thing, we’re here to help each of you find the best fit for you.
The Best Insulated Cup for Cold Drinks Overview
Only the best cups made the cut because we held them up to some tough scrutiny. They had to pass our construction, ice retention, ease of use, and durability tests.
For many people, the best insulated cup for cold drinks might not even be a ‘cup.’ It could be a bottle, drink sleeve, mug, or tumbler. Here you’ll find our favorites in each category.
Naturally, you should have your favorite cold drink in hand as you read these reviews. Get ready for it, because this is the coolest insulated cup review you’ll read all year. (Anyone catch the cooler geek pun?)
The Most Durable Best Insulated Cup for Cold Drinks
The Insulated Klean Kanteen Classic 20 oz
The Insulated Klean Kanteen Classic made the cut because of its superior performance, extra safe construction, and ice holding ability.
Superior Qualities:
- Food-Grade 18/8 Stainless Steel Body
- 1.75 inch opening
- Double-Wall, Vacuum-Sealed Walls
- BPA-Free Polypropylene Loop Cap
- Electropolished Interior
- Compatible with Other Klean Kanteen Caps
Amazon Rating: 4.6
Cooling Abilities: Up to 50 Hours
Heating Abilities: Up to 20 Hours
Capacities:
Even though the Klean Kanteen Insulated Classic 20 Ounce is our go-to, you have plenty more options. These sleek canteens are available in capacities ranging from 12 to 64 ounces.
Durability:
Klean Kanteen backs up their bottles with a lifetime “Strong-as-Steel” guarantee. You can’t go wrong with this type of stainless steel!
A Klean Kanteen insulated water bottle won Outside Online’s durability test, which involved hits from a golf swing.
Ease of Use:
It does very well in terms of portability because of its slim design, which makes it easy to grip. Another helpful feature is the loop cap, which can be used to fasten the bottle in place with a Klean Kanteen S Biner.
And the cap’s truly leak-free!
Price: About $25
Recommended for:
- Everyday use
- Short hikes
- Hunting
Bonus Points:
- Klean Kanteen incorporates sustainability, safety, and fair trade into its business practices.
- The Klean Kanteen Classic is available in 10 colors.
>>Click Here for Current Discounted Price
Yeti’s Best Insulated Cups for Cold Drinks
It’s hard to go wrong with any product from the Yeti Rambler collection. In fact, we couldn’t narrow it down to a single best insulated cup for cold drinks…there are two fabulous winners.
#1: The Yeti Rambler Colster
The Yeti Rambler Colster is truly one of the best cups for keeping drinks cold; we aren’t including it just for the brand name. Unlike a bottle or thermos, it’s a “bottle hugger.” This is perfect for easily sliding drinks in and out…especially on those days when the drinks are flying fast and loose.
Superior Qualities:
- Made from 18/8 Stainless Steel
- Rust-Resistant
- Double-Wall Vacuum Insulation
- No-Sweat Design
- Locking Gasket
- BPA-Free
Amazon Rating: 4.3
Cooling Abilities: 2-4 hours
Heating Abilities: N/A
Capacity:
This drink jacket is designed to hold standard 12oz drink cans and bottles.
Durability:
Just like Yeti Coolers, the Yeti Rambler Colster is tough as nails. Sure, it’ll show some wear and tear if you let two bears throw it around for awhile. But despite small dents or scratches, you’ll still have an awesome Colster when they’re done playing.
Ease of Use:
- The wide base and low center gravity point prevents any tipping over.
- The “No Sweat” design keeps condensation away. As a result, you won’t have to worry about losing grip of a slippery drink hugger.
Recommended For:
- Bonfires
- Boating
- Fishing
Price: It’s $29.99 directly from Yeti, although it’s currently cheaper on Amazon.
Bonus Points:
Well, it’s a Yeti. So get out there and strut your stuff, if you get a kick out of brand names.
>>Click Here to Check Current Amazon Prices
#2. The Yeti Lowball Rambler Cup with Lid
Unlike the Colster, the Yeti Rambler Lowball is designed to keep drinks both cold and hot. In fact, the Yeti Lowball Rambler is already in a post with our favorite best camping coffee mugs. >>Read More
It’s so much more than a mug for hot coffee, though. This mighty little cup will do just as good a job of keeping your Bloody Mary nice and chilled.
Stupendous Characteristics:
- Kitchen-Grade Stainless Steal
- Dishwasher Safe
- “No Sweat” Design
- Double-Wall Vacuum Insulation
- BPA-Free
- Transparent Plastic Lid
- Amazon Rating: 4.5
Cooling Abilities: 12 hours to 3 days
Heating Abilities: 1-5 hours
Capacity:
Yeti’s Rambler Lowball holds 10 ounces.
Durability:
Just like the rest of the Yeti Rambler Collection, the Lowball is a robust little cup. In fact, its unbreakable stainless steel is rust and puncture resistant.
Ease of Use:
- The “No Sweat” design really makes a difference in comfort. No more slippery, freezing cups.
- Plus, “No Sweat” prevents rings from forming on counter tops.
- Small size makes it easy to pack and carry.
Recommended for:
- Bonfires
- Working around the house
- Backyard Barbecues
Price: Even though the price is $19.99 directly from Yeti, Amazon frequently has deals and discounts.
>>Click Here to Check Current Amazon Price
Bonus Points:
- Not only does it keep drinks cold without ice, but it also keeps beverages hot.
- Additionally, it’s a Yeti; this company’s branding is legendary. >>Read More
The Best Insulated Cup for Cold Drinks with Lifetime Warranty
HydroFlask Tumblers
Outstanding Charactaristics:
- Made from 18/8 Stainless Steel
- No BPA or philates
- Straw Lid (although a Hydro Flip Lid)
- Powder Coating
- Wide Mouth Opening
- Created from recyclable polypropylene
- Built for safe disposal
- Lifetime Warranty
Amazon Rating: 4.5
Ice Retention: Up to 24 hours
Heating Abilities: Up to 6 hours
Capacity:
There are two capacities: 32 ounces and 40 ounces.
Durability:
Because of its quality stainless steel, this thing is damn near indestructible. It can hold its own next to a Yeti Rambler any day.
Ease of Use:
Due to two ultra-convenient features, a Hydro Flask is truly the best insulated cup for cold drinks. (At least in terms of usability.) First, its sleek design and slip-free exterior makes it seem natural.
Also, the versatility of the lids is amazing. In addition to its straw lid, you can use a Hydro Flip Lid interchangeably.
>>Click Here to Check Current Amazon Price
Walmart’s Best Insulated Cup for Cold Drinks
Next we have Walmart’s Ozark Trail line of of coolers and tumblers, the ‘Ozark Trail’ brand. Walmart’s products seem to be a direct mimic of Yeti’s original products. In fact, they’re so identical that Yeti sued Walmart for mimicking their brand. >>Read More
Considering the cheapness of Ozark Trail’s insulated cups for cold drinks, it’s worth taking the time to look at the facts.
Ozark Trail Insulated Tumbler 20
Awesome Features:
- Double-Walled
- Vacuum-Sealed
- 18/8 Stainless Steel
- Powder Coating
- BPA-free
- Rust-Proof
- Dishwasher-Safe Lid
- Plenty of Colors Available
- Lifetime Warranty
Amazon Rating: 4.5
Cooling Abilities: Up to 50 hours
Heating Abilities: 5-7 hours
Capacity: 20 oz
Durability:
Despite being practically free, Ozark Trail tumblers are incredibly tough. Like most popular insulated cups, the 18/8 stainless steel, double-walled construction means this tumbler is shatter-proof and puncture-free.
Ease of Use:
The outer layer of powder coating on this inexpensive Yeti-like tumbler means it’s sweat-proof and easy to grip, just like the Yeti Tumbler 20oz.
The only problem with wider insulated cups is that they get in the way more than slim bottles like a Klean Kanteen or S’well S’ip. For that reason, think about where you’ll be using the cup most often.
Recommended for:
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Car Camping
Bonus Points:
The Ozark Trail Tumbler 20oz costs a fraction of a Yeti Tumbler 20. And it works just as well! >>Click Here to Check Current Amazon Prices
The Most Highly Rated Insulated Bottle
Swell is one of those companies whose charm is enough to win over rugged hunters and dainty pool-goers alike. Its motto is “S’ip Joyfully,” need we say more?
With its ergonomic design and huge variety of patterns and colors, this is definitely the best insulated cup for cold drinks to give as a gift.
S’ip by S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle 15 oz
Awesome Features:
- BPA-Free
- Double-Walled
- Vacuum Sealed
- Food-Grade, 18/8 Stainless Steel
- Leak-Free Cap
- Sweat-Proof
- Wide Base
Amazon Rating: 4.9
Cooling Abilities: Up to 24 Hours
Heating Abilities: 12 hours
Capacity: 25 oz (Also available in 15oz)
Durability:
For daily use, the S’ip by Swell Water Bottle is immune to wear and tear. This isn’t intended for extended backcountry hiking trips, although it’s stainless steel construction can handle some abuse…it just won’t look as pretty on the other side.
Ease of Use:
The Sip by Swell Water Bottle is extremely easy to use! The wide base keeps it grounded and stable, while the thin top is perfect for gripping. Due to its svelte design, it’s easy to pack.
And, since this is editor’s choice, we can vouche personallhy…the company isn’t lying. This best insulated cup for cold drinks is certainly leak proof!
Price:
S’well has collaborated with Target, who sells the S’well Water Bottle 15oz for about $25. But, as always, you’ll save by going through on online marketplace. >>Click Here to Check Current Amazon Prices
Recommended for:
- Everyday use
- Day hikes
- Picnics
Bonus Points:
- Kids and adults alike love receiving patterns tailored to their likes, and patterns like “Sugar Skull” and “Top Dog.” Just check out the complete color and pattern availability, and you’ll have gift ideas for nearly everyone in your life!
RTIC’s Best Insulated Cup for Cold Drinks
RTIC is another brand that fell in Yeti’s bad favor. In fact, they just reached a settlement not long ago. Yeti’s biggest threat to business is excellent, affordable products. It’s like their big secret has been blown: you don’t have to blow your savings for a cooler/tumbler of high quality.
In fact, RTIC’s redesigned coolers and drinkware, as ordered by the court, aren’t available yet. But there are still plenty of the original RTIC products available on Amazon.
RTIC Stainless Steel Lowball with Lid
Stupendous Characteristics:
- 18/8 Stainless Steal
- Sweat-Proof Exterior
- Double-Wall Vacuum Insulation
- “Easy Grip” Base
- Transparent Plastic Lid
Amazon Rating: 4.6
Cooling Abilities: Up to 24 Hours
Heating Abilities: 5-7 hours
Capacity:
RTIC’s Lowball has a capacity of 10 ounces.
Durability:
The RTIC Lowball is incredibly strong, due to its stainless steel construction. Don’t expect punctures in this thing…unless you use it for target practice, maybe.
Ease of Use:
- Just like all the best insulated cups for cold drinks, it’s important to have a condensation-free beverage holder. The RTIC Lowball won’t get that annoying film of moisture.
- It doesn’t fit in most car cup holders, so keep this in mind.
Recommended for:
- Campfires
- Outside Parties
- Around the house
Price:
You can buy a single RTIC Lowball (the original version) for less than $20. >>Click Here to Check Current Amazon Price
Conveniently, you also have the option of getting a pack of two. >>Click Here to Check Current Amazon Price
Bonus Points:
- RTIC Lowballs are available in Camo, Pink, White, Black, and Teal.
- Another asset is the versatility of these insulated “drink huggers;” they keep both beverages hot and cold.
Best Insulated Cups for Cold Drinks: Final Thoughts
Have you ever heard the phrase “Summer should have a speeding ticket?” Well, it should!
It’s such a fleeting, happy season that everyone gets excited far in advance. It’s time to start searching for your personal best insulated cup for cold drinks.
When you’re lounging at the beach with the most refreshingly cold beer in hand, you’ll be so glad you did.
Cheers!
Chuggie