Opening system for beverage container

An easy-open beverage container and opening system therefor includes first and second barrier walls having top edges and upper portions of opposite side edges which matingly face one another and which form an open top therebetween. A bifold membrane with a longitudinal fold is located in the open top. A membrane attachment securely attaches peripheral edges of the bifold membrane to adjacent top edges and upper portions of the opposite side edges such that the bifold membrane closes the open top and the facing top edges of the barrier walls are movable away from one another to expose the longitudinal fold for piercing by a straw. In a preferred embodiment, a side attachment securely attaches facing portions of the peripheral edges of the bifold membrane adjacent the upper portions of the opposite side edges so that the facing upper portions of the opposite side edges are not movable away from one another and thus the facing top edges tend to stay together and protect the bifold membrane. In another preferred embodiment, the opening system further includes a peel seal provided between facing portions of the peripheral edges of the bifold membrane adjacent the top edges of the barrier walls. The peel seal provides a tamper-evident and sanitary seal for the bifold membrane which is, easily broken. For easier opening of the peel seal, a respective pull tab or extension is present adjacent to respective peripheral edges of the bifold membrane adjacent the top edges of the barrier walls.