Summer is peak season for iced drinks, whether it’s a frosty iced coffee on the morning commute, a colorful smoothie packed with tropical fruit, or a refreshing matcha latte on a hot afternoon. Cafés, juice bars, and foodservice operators know that presentation is just as important as flavor. Customers want drinks that look as good as they taste, especially in today’s social-media-driven world. That’s where the right cold cup packaging makes all the difference. Clear PET cups with dome lids and straws showcase layered beverages, colorful blends, and toppings like whipped cream, fruit chunks, or tapioca pearls. They’re sturdy enough for takeout, reliable for busy shops, and transparent so customers can admire the vibrant drinks inside.
At WholesaleFoilPans, we’re proud to feature Dart Container's cold cups and lids, a trusted American-made option that foodservice operators nationwide depend on. In this blog, we’ll cover the latest summer iced coffee and smoothie trends, share DIY recipes for popular drinks, and highlight why PET cups with dome lids are the best way to serve them.
Why Packaging Matters for Cold Drinks
While recipes fuel demand, presentation fuels sales. A great iced drink in the wrong cup won’t have the same appeal. Here’s why packaging is critical:
- Clarity for presentation → Customers want to see colorful layers of matcha, fresh fruit, or whipped toppings.
- Durability → PET cups are strong and crack-resistant, ideal for smoothies and bubble tea.
- Convenience → Dome lids make room for toppings like whipped cream, boba, or fruit chunks.
- Portability → Straws and tight-fitting lids make drinks spill-resistant and easy to take on the go.
- Perception value → High-quality cups show customers you care about their experience, not just the drink.
For late-summer sales, clear PET cups with dome lids and straws are a must-have for iced coffees, bubble teas, frappes, and tropical smoothies.
Related Blog: Why Cold Cups Are Your Secret Weapon This Summer
| Trend #1: Iced Matcha Lattes
Matcha has become a summer sensation, thanks to its earthy flavor, bright green color, and health halo. Customers love its antioxidants and calming properties, making it a popular alternative to coffee.
Why It Works in Clear PET Cups
The vivid green of matcha layered with milk looks stunning in a transparent cup, especially with a dome lid to showcase foam or whipped cream on top.
DIY Recipe: Iced Vanilla Matcha Latte
- 1 teaspoon culinary-grade matcha powder
- 2 ounces hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla syrup
- 1 cup cold milk (dairy or oat milk)
- Ice
Whisk matcha powder in hot water until smooth. Fill a cold cup with ice, pour in milk and vanilla syrup, then layer matcha on top for a photo-worthy drink.
👉 Pro Tip: The 12 oz. plastic cold cups highlight the striking two-tone layers of green matcha and creamy white milk.
| Trend #2: Bubble Tea (Boba)
Bubble tea continues to dominate drink menus, with tapioca pearls, fruit jellies, and popping boba making drinks both flavorful and interactive.
Why It Works in Clear PET Cups
The beauty of bubble tea lies in the pearls at the bottom, the milky tea in the middle, and foam or cream on top. A clear cup lets customers see it all. Dome lids make room for toppings, and wide straws ensure pearls can be enjoyed with each sip.
DIY Recipe: Brown Sugar Milk Tea with Boba
- ½ cup cooked tapioca pearls
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar syrup
- 1 cup strong black tea, chilled
- ½ cup milk or non-dairy creamer
- Ice
Add pearls and syrup to the bottom of a cold cup, then layer with ice, chilled tea, and milk. Stir gently and enjoy with a wide straw.
👉 Pro Tip: The 16 oz. cold cups are sturdy enough to handle the weight of pearls and ice without collapsing.
| Trend #3: Tropical Fruit Smoothies
Tropical flavors dominate August menus, bringing a refreshing escape from the heat. Mango, pineapple, coconut, and passionfruit blends are customer favorites.
Why It Works in Clear PET Cups
Smoothies are all about vibrant color, bright orange mango, sunny yellow pineapple, or layered fruit blends.
DIY Recipe: Pineapple Mango Coconut Smoothie
- 1 cup frozen mango
- ½ cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Ice cubes
Blend until smooth, pour into a 32 oz. plastic cold cup, and top with shredded coconut and a pineapple wedge.
👉 Pro Tip: These smoothies not only taste tropical but look like summer in a cup, perfect for Instagram-worthy sales.
| Trend #4: Cold Brew & Nitro Coffee
Coffee lovers are increasingly choosing cold brew or nitro coffee for a smoother, less acidic caffeine fix. Cold brew has a rich, bold taste, while nitro coffee is infused with nitrogen for a creamy, stout-like texture.
Why It Works in Clear PET Cups
Nitro coffee in particular creates cascading layers of bubbles and foam that customers want to see. A transparent cup showcases the texture beautifully.
DIY Recipe: Vanilla Cream Cold Brew
- 1 cup cold brew coffee
- 2 teaspoons vanilla syrup
- Ice
- 2 tablespoons cream (float on top)
Fill a 7 oz. plastic cols cup with ice, pour cold brew and vanilla syrup, then slowly add cream on top for a layered effect.
👉 Pro Tip: Flat lids keep drinks secure while making stacking and transport easier.
| Trend #5: Layered Fruit Teas
Fruit teas, like strawberry hibiscus or peach green tea, are a refreshing, low-caffeine alternative to coffee and smoothies. These drinks often feature fruit chunks, syrups, and tea bases layered for maximum visual impact.
Why It Works in Clear PET Cups
Fruit teas are colorful and photogenic, making them ideal for transparent cups. Dome lids allow for fresh fruit garnish, and straws make sipping easy.
DIY Recipe: Strawberry Hibiscus Iced Tea
- 1 cup brewed hibiscus tea, chilled
- 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup
- Ice
- Fresh strawberry slices
Fill a 9 oz. plastic cold cup with ice, pour in hibiscus tea, add syrup, and top with strawberry slices for a drink that’s both refreshing and eye-catching.
👉 Pro Tip: Clear Dart cups showcase the ruby-red color of hibiscus and the freshness of fruit garnish.
Why Dart Cold Cups Are a Foodservice Essential
When it comes to cold drink packaging, Dart Container Corporation stands out as a trusted American manufacturer. Their PET cups are designed with:
- Crystal-clear presentation → Perfect for showcasing layers and vibrant colors.
- Strength and durability → Sturdy enough for smoothies, bubble tea, and iced coffee.
- Dome lid compatibility → Extra space for toppings and garnishes.
- Versatile sizes → From 12 oz. iced coffees to 24 oz. smoothies, there’s a Dart cup for every drink.
- U.S.-made reliability → Consistent quality and dependable supply chain.
For operators, using Dart PET cups means fewer broken cups, happier customers, and drinks that look as good as they taste.
Conclusion
As summer peaks, iced drinks are more popular than ever, from matcha lattes and bubble tea to tropical smoothies and cold brews. But beyond great recipes, foodservice operators know that packaging drives presentation, customer satisfaction, and repeat sales.
Clear PET cups with dome lids and straws make drinks photogenic, portable, and enjoyable. For late-summer sales, they’re a must-have for cafés, juice bars, and restaurants. And with Dart Container’s U.S.-made cups, you get strength, clarity, and consistency you can count on. Whether you’re stocking up for your business or mixing drinks at home, the message is clear: the right cup transforms a good drink into a great experience.
Serve it in Dart. Show it off in style. Keep customers coming back.