Abstract: The invention consists of a protective sleeve that fits around and protects a paper cup used in the preparation of various confectionary drinks such as malted milk and ice cream shakes. The sleeve is a hollow, tapered cylinder having a substantially smooth inner surface that contacts the paper cup over a portion of the cup's surface area and provides structural support for the cup area contacted and rigidity to the cup area not contacted. This cylinder has an outer surface with a roughened portion which enables an operator to securely grip it.