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Different Coffee Types and Cup Sizes

While we often focus on the quality of the coffee beans or the way we brew or make coffee, the choice of a coffee cup is often overlooked. However, for those who truly appreciate a good cup of coffee, the cup or mug in which we drink is important.

The right cup can make a big difference in how you enjoy your favourite cup of coffee. It can affect the aroma, keep your drink at the perfect temperature, and even change how it tastes. Whether you're an everyday coffee drinker or a dedicated connoisseur, choosing the right coffee cup can make a big difference in how you enjoy your coffee. It can enhance the experience and turn your simple coffee break into a ritual.

What is the best cup for different types of coffee?

Coffee isn't just about the beans anymore with a range of coffee cups and mugs designed to make a big difference in how your coffee tastes and smells.

Here is a list of different types of coffee cups:
- Travel mugs: These insulated mugs are designed to keep your coffee hot or cold for extended periods of time. They are perfect for taking your coffee on the go.
- Espresso cups: These small cups are specifically designed for serving espresso. They typically have a rounded bottom and a saucer.
- Mugs with handles: These mugs are the most common type of coffee cup and are typically made of ceramic or porcelain. They have a handle for easy holding.
- Mugs without handles: These mugs are often made of glass or stainless steel and are typically used for drinking espresso or other small beverages.

The material and shape of your cup can change how your coffee tastes. So, next time you're getting a new cup, think about what you want your coffee to be like.
An espresso cup filled with coffee

Espresso

The espresso, a concentrated type of coffee known for its intense flavour and rich crema, demands a specific type of cup to appreciate its nuances fully. A small, thick-walled ceramic cup is the traditional way of serving espresso, as it's designed specifically for a shot from an espresso pod. The thick ceramic walls provide excellent insulation, keeping the espresso hot and preventing rapid temperature loss, which can affect flavour.
The small size of the cup, typically holding between 60-90ml, is ideal for a single or double shot of espresso, allowing for optimal concentration of aromas and flavours. This specialised cup is often referred to as a demitasse. Both terms refer to a small cup specifically designed for serving espresso. The word "demitasse" is French, meaning "half cup." So, essentially, a demitasse cup is a half-cup-sized cup perfect for a concentrated espresso shot.
A cappuccino prepared in a café

Cappuccino

The cappuccino, a beloved coffee beverage characterised by its harmonious balance of espresso, steamed milk, and a generous layer of frothed milk, requires a specific type of cup to fully appreciate its unique qualities. Unlike the smaller espresso cup, cappuccino pods are best served in a larger cup, typically ceramic with a capacity of 150-180ml. This size allows for the ideal ratio of espresso to milk, ensuring a balanced flavour profile.
Cappuccino cups are designed with a wide, bowl-shaped design to hold the frothy milk that makes cappuccinos different from other coffee drinks. This layer of foam not only looks good but also feels and smells great, creating a pleasant experience. The wider cup also allows for comfortable sipping, allowing coffee lovers to fully enjoy the combination of flavours and textures that make the cappuccino so loved.
A latte with whipped cream and chocolate on top

Latte

The latte, known for its smooth, creamy texture and visually appealing layered appearance, is typically served in a tall, transparent glass. This choice of glassware serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. The transparency of the glass allows for a full appreciation of the latte's distinct layers, showcasing the rich espresso base, the velvety steamed milk, and the delicate layer of foam.
Furthermore, the glass is tall to fit the extra milk from a latte pod and is also comfortable to drink from, typically around 240ml. This larger volume, compared to a cappuccino, necessitates a taller glass to accommodate the additional milk while maintaining a balanced and visually appealing presentation. The tall glass also allows for comfortable sipping, enhancing the overall enjoyment of this comforting and flavourful coffee beverage.
an Irish coffee in a white and green cup

Irish Coffee

Irish coffee is a delicious blend of coffee, whiskey, and cream. It's best served in a stemmed glass, which allows you to hold the drink without warming the contents too quickly and adding a touch of elegance.
A typical Irish coffee glass is tall and has a wide bowl at the top with the stem usually made of glass or crystal.
Flat white in a glass on a red saucer

Flat White

The flat white, originating in Australia and New Zealand. It has a smooth, creamy texture with a thin layer of foam. A flat white pod is best served in a small ceramic cup. This cup is the perfect size for enjoying this special coffee drink, typically a capacity of 150-160ml.
A flat white is typically served in a small, ceramic cup with a slightly tapered rim. The cup's design is chosen to complement the beverage's characteristics and enhance the overall drinking experience. The tapered rim helps to direct the steam and aroma towards the drinker's nose, while the small size of the cup helps to maintain the ideal temperature of the coffee and prevent it from cooling down too quickly.
Macchiato in a glass

Macchiato

The macchiato, a coffee drink made with espresso and a small amount of steamed milk, typically topped with a dollop of foam. Similar to that of an espresso, macchiato pods generally are served in demitasse cups or espresso cups.
These are small cups, usually made of porcelain or ceramic, with a rounded bottom and a saucer. The small size of these cups is ideal for serving the concentrated espresso and small amount of milk that make up a macchiato.
A cortado in a glass on a green saucer

Cortado

A cortado is a Spanish coffee drink that's all about balance. It's a perfect mix of strong espresso and warm milk.
Cortados are usually served in special glasses that hold around 150-200ml, but sometimes they're served in a ceramic cup without a handle and is a delicious and satisfying coffee drink.
Chart showing coffee types and cup sizes

Coffee cup size guide

Choosing the right cup for your coffee is not just about aesthetics; it's about how your favourite coffee drink tastes and feels. Every detail counts, from the warmth of the cup in your hands to how the rim makes the coffee taste better.
The world of coffee is rich and diverse, and so too are the cups that accompany each drink. So, next time you pour yourself a coffee from your coffee pod machine, consider the cup you're using – it might just transform your coffee moment into something truly special.
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