Winter is one of the most demanding seasons for those who manage events, catering services, food stalls or take-away operations. Hot drinks become the real protagonists—coffee, hot chocolate, teas or seasonal specialty beverages—and the choice of the right cup directly influences the attendee’s experience. It is not only about serving the drink: it is about offering comfort, safety and a presentation aligned with the level of the event.
In this context, double-wall paper cups stand out as the most recommended option. Their design is created specifically for very hot beverages, offering excellent thermal insulation and a more resistant structure compared to standard cups. They allow the user to hold the cup without burning their hands, maintain the temperature for longer and project a much more refined image in professional environments.
Over the past years, these cups have become essential for outdoor events, Christmas markets, trade fairs and high-turnover coffee services. In this post, we analyse why they are the ideal choice for the winter season, what benefits they offer and how they can be used as an effective branding tool in any type of event.
1. Why double-wall paper cups are perfect for hot drinks in winter
Double-wall paper cups are specifically designed for very hot beverages. Their structure includes an inner wall that contains the liquid and an outer wall that acts as thermal insulation. This double layer creates an air chamber that reduces heat transfer to the outside of the cup.
This results in a much more comfortable experience for the consumer: the cup can be held without the need for an additional sleeve and without risk of burns. In addition, the double wall provides greater rigidity, preventing deformation when serving high-temperature beverages.
For winter events—where cold weather and fast service require a reliable product—double-wall paper cups are the safest and most professional option. They ensure comfortable handling, keep the drink hot for longer and offer a practical solution for both mobile events and coffee-to-go services.
2. Key technical features of double-wall paper cups
Double-wall paper cups are manufactured using materials specifically selected to withstand high temperatures and provide a comfortable user experience. Their main features include:
2.1. Double-wall structure
The double wall is the key to thermal performance. The air trapped between the two layers acts as a natural insulator, reducing heat transfer to the user’s hands. This structure also provides higher firmness, making the cup ideal for dense beverages such as hot chocolate or café latte.
2.2. Food-grade materials
The cups are made from food-grade paperboard with an inner PE coating or, depending on the model, a water-based coating. This ensures the cup remains leak-proof and safe for hot liquids without altering their taste.
2.3. Recommended capacities
The most common formats for winter hot drinks are:
- 8 oz double wall: ideal for short coffee or long espresso.
- 12 oz: highly demanded for corporate events and coffee breaks.
- 16 oz: perfect for large beverages such as latte, hot chocolate or teas.
2.4. Structural resistance
The cup maintains its shape even with freshly served hot beverages, preventing deformation. This improves handling for the user and reduces risks in high-turnover environments.
2.5. Heat retention
The double wall helps keep the drink hot for longer compared to single-wall cups, ensuring a better experience at outdoor or long-duration events.
3. Personalisation: turning the cup into a branding asset
Double-wall paper cups are not just a technical solution—they are also a powerful branding tool. Their firm outer surface allows high-quality printing and full-colour CMYK designs.
This means the cup becomes a visual support that accompanies attendees throughout the entire event. Personalised cups act as a high-rotation advertising medium, especially in busy spaces.
3.1. Benefits of customising double-wall cups
- They project a coherent and professional image.
- They act as a visual reminder of the event or brand.
- They reinforce branding at coffee breaks, fairs and public spaces.
- They allow seasonal designs (Christmas, winter, promotions).
- They bring uniformity to hot beverage service.
3.2. When to use personalisation
- Corporate events: include the logo and corporate colours.
- Christmas markets: add seasonal or winter themes.
- Catering and foodtrucks: eye-catching designs that attract customers.
- Trade fairs: personalised cups to complement presentations and meetings.
- Promotional actions: specific designs for brand campaigns.
Personalisation transforms a functional cup into a communication asset that adds value to the event.
4. Double wall vs. standard single-wall cups
Although both types serve the same basic function, the consumption experience is very different. Below are the most relevant differences:
4.1. Thermal insulation
- Double wall: far superior insulation, perfect for high-temperature drinks.
- Single wall: often requires a sleeve to avoid burns.
4.2. Rigidity and resistance
- Double wall: maintains its shape even with hot beverages.
- Single wall: may deform under heat.
4.3. User comfort
- Double wall: safer and more pleasant to hold.
- Single wall: can be uncomfortable without a sleeve.
4.4. Professional image
- Double wall: conveys quality and attention to detail.
- Single wall: more basic option for simple services.
4.5. Cost vs. value
Although double-wall cups have a higher unit cost, their advantages in comfort, performance and perceived quality make them more suitable for premium events and services.
5. Situations and events where double-wall cups work best
The versatility of double-wall cups makes them essential in many environments. Here are the most common use cases:
5.1. Christmas markets
Perfect for hot chocolate, mulled wine or teas. Their rigidity and insulation ensure a pleasant experience even in cold climates.
5.2. Outdoor winter events
Any outdoor activity—concerts, fairs, food routes—benefits from a resistant and comfortable cup.
5.3. Professional trade fairs
Frequent coffee breaks require cups that maintain service quality throughout the day.
5.4. Mobile coffee and foodtrucks
The double wall speeds up service and reduces the need for additional materials.
5.5. Offices and corporate events
Companies appreciate offering attendees a refined experience with thermal and personalised cups.
5.6. Hotels, ski resorts and winter tourist areas
Ideal for hot drinks served outdoors or in transit areas.
Double-wall cups adapt to any situation in which hot beverages play a key role.
6. Benefits for companies, caterers and event organisers
From a B2B perspective, double-wall cups offer clear advantages for professionals:
6.1. Risk reduction
They prevent burns and improve safety during service.
6.2. Easier logistics
No need for additional sleeves, reducing time and materials.
6.3. Professional image
The cup conveys care and quality, especially when customised.
6.4. Improved attendee satisfaction
A better consumption experience strengthens the overall perception of the event.
6.5. Suitable for high volumes
They perform well at events with large crowds or continuous service.
7. Sustainability: eco options and customer perception
Double-wall paper cups remain a more sustainable alternative compared to plastic options. Many models now incorporate more environmentally friendly coatings, such as water-based ones, further reducing environmental impact.
Paperboard is perceived as a warmer and more natural material—an important factor in winter events where eco-friendly decisions enhance the brand message.
Choosing recyclable, certified paper cups helps companies reinforce their environmental commitment.
In the winter season, offering a hot drink should always be accompanied by a safe, resistant and comfortable format. Double-wall paper cups meet all these requirements: they maintain temperature, ensure a pleasant experience and project a professional, well-cared image.
They are the ideal option for outdoor events, high-demand coffee services, Christmas markets, catering operations, offices and any situation where users will hold a hot drink. In addition, their value as branding support makes it possible to turn a simple everyday gesture into an opportunity for communication.
For more information or to place an order, visit thebrandcompany.net or contact info@thebrandcompany.net.