The Tools Behind the Trends: What’s Driving the Iced Drink Aesthetic

 It's not just a drink 

Iced drink culture isn’t just trending—it’s become a full-blown lifestyle movement. Why are customers obsessed with iced drinks—and more importantly, the tools and trends that come with them? From glass straws to drink decor to countertop-worthy cups, the “drink aesthetic” is a full-on shoppable moment.

According to a survey by Talker Research, 70% of Americans prefer making their iced  coffee at home—a clear signal that shoppers are craving more than caffeine. They want customization, convenience, and a curated vibe that trends on social media can’t get enough of. In 2023, the global drinkware market was valued at over $24 billion and continues to grow, driven in part by TikTok-fueled trends in iced drink culture.

For retailers and shop owners, that craving represents more than just beverage trends—it’s a shift in purchasing behaviour. Consumers want café-style moments at home—and they’re investing in the tools to make it happen. In fact, home beverage accessories have seen year-over-year growth, with Pinterest searches for “coffee bar styling” up 1,125% in 2024. 

 A year-round lifestyle

Gone are the days of iced drinks being a seasonal treat. Today, cold brews, matcha lattes, and sparkling mixers are year-round staples. It’s less about the drink itself and more about the lifestyle it represents.

This shift isn’t just influencing consumer content—it’s reshaping retail shelves. As the iced drink lifestyle takes hold, it’s creating new whitespace for boutique shops, cafes, and lifestyle stores to meet the moment with curated, aesthetic-forward offerings.

The shift started during the Covid era, when at-home drinks became the default. But it hasn’t faded—it’s evolved into a daily ritual and aesthetic statement. Whether it’s a matcha moment or an iced oat latte mid-scroll, customers are using drinks to romanticise their routines.

And the numbers don’t lie:

• On TikTok, the hashtag #icedcoffee has been used over 1.3 million times, with users showcasing their own drink stations, bar carts, and favourite tools.
• Searches for “aesthetic iced coffee”, “glassware”, and “at-home drink ideas” continue to trend across Google, Pinterest, and Instagram.
• User-generated content featuring iced drink recipes consistently drives clicks and conversions.

This isn’t just content—it’s commerce. Consumers aren’t just recreating café drinks; they’re building experiences at home. They want the products that support that: fun cups, reusable straws, frothers, bar tools, and anything that helps them feel like the main character.

For shop owners, this surge in user-generated drink content presents a golden opportunity: every iced drink tutorial, cart reveal, or bar setup becomes a moment to showcase the tools behind the trend—and convert inspiration into sales.

Aesthetic culture is retail currency

In today’s retail landscape, “aesthetic” equals value. Clean glassware, gold-accented bar tools, and dreamy morning routines aren’t just pretty—they sell. Shoppers gravitate toward products that align with their personal aesthetic—and that photograph well. For retailers, stocking items that are both visually appealing and functional isn’t just smart—it’s strategic. It’s no longer just a product, but a way to elevate routines and make moments feel as good as they look. That’s why products like these fly off shelves.

With drinks becoming mini moments of self-expression, the tools around them matter more than ever. And for retailers? That’s where the opportunity lies.

Why it works:

• Products that photograph well are more likely to appeal to consumers motivated by aesthetic and social media
  

• Items that support self-care rituals drive emotional connection—and sales.
  

• Extra tools such as milk frothers or muddler make functional feel aspirational.

How to create appeal in store:

• Bundle by vibe: Create themed sets like “Morning Routine,” “Girls’ Night In,” or “Spa Day Essentials.”

• Cross-merchandise: Place drink tools near beauty, wellness, or self-care items to tell a full lifestyle story.

• Curate for visual appeal: Stock items that match modern aesthetics—sleek, minimal, functional, and photogenic.
  
  

Best-Selling Tools That Drive the Trend

You don’t need to sell beverages to cash in on this trend—you just need to stock the tools that support it. Here are key product categories to watch:

• Cups (glass, double-walled, or ribbed texture)
  

• Reusable Straws (metal, glass, or colourful)
  

• Muddlers & Bar Spoons (stainless steel, gold accents)
  

• Cocktail Jiggers
  

• Drink Mixers (like Luxe Cubes 😉)

• Milk Frothers
  

• Mini Bar Carts or Countertop Organizers 
  
  

The iced drink trend isn’t slowing down. Stock the tools that make it personal, aesthetic, and effortlessly chic—and your customers will keep coming back for more.