We all love coffee. The enjoyment of this wonderful drink is enhanced when sipped from the right mug.
Yes, that's right. You can't serve a latte in an espresso mug—the drink won't even fit in the container.
The article is intended for those who drink cappuccino or know people who prefer it. We have carefully researched all the offers on the Internet and created a comprehensive guide for those who want to buy a cappuccino mug.
First, let's discuss why it is important to choose the right container for the drink.
Demitas, mug, cup... What's the difference?
Many people have an old favorite mug or cup in which we usually make coffee. But let's think: is this vessel chosen correctly? Each coffee drink has certain characteristics that can be emphasized or, conversely, completely ruined depending on the container used.
Espresso
Classic espresso is the basis for almost all coffee drinks. According to the famous World Barista Competition (WBC), an espresso shot should be served in a 60-90 ml demitase with a handle. When it comes to espresso, mug size is especially important. Small cups in which espresso is served help maintain temperature and the drink is less exposed to air. As you can see, many demitases (espresso mugs) are narrow at the base and widen at the edges. This design is ideal for maintaining the richness of the shot. It is also more convenient to add cream to a mug of this shape.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino is made by mixing equal amounts of espresso and frothed milk.
According to WBC standards, to serve it correctly, you need to use a mug with a handle with a volume of 150-180 ml. To make the drink look more beautiful, the volumes of coffee and mug must match. As with espresso containers, cappuccino containers are narrower at the base and wider at the edges. Cappuccino mugs should always be served with suitable saucers. If you use a mug of this volume, the foam that is on top of the drink will take the correct shape - in the form of a dome. This is also part of the charm and tradition of serving cappuccino.
Latte
Latte should be served in a wide cup-shaped container with a volume of 325-440 ml. The volumes of the vessel and its contents must be equal. In other words, it should be filled to the brim. A wide container is needed to make it easier for baristas to pour steamed milk into espresso, creating latte art.
Coffee mug
A regular, old-fashioned coffee mug should hold 295-470 ml of drink. In addition to espresso, latte and cappuccino, you can add anything to it and prepare coffee in any way you like: pour over, French press, etc.
Features of volume and shape
Cappuccino is prepared on the basis of espresso, complementing the base coffee with lush and high milk foam. Due to milk, the volume of the dishes increases three times compared to a classic espresso cup.
But the basic requirements here are similar:
- Trapezoidal shape - widening upward. The cup should not be high, but wide. This shape is necessary for the drink to cool properly. However, the important rule here is: the larger the volume, the higher the walls. Manufacturers do not always follow the trapezoid standard; there are squat, round and cylindrical shapes on sale, tapering downwards.
- The egg-shaped bottom prevents coffee foam from breaking. For delicate coffee, sharp corners are not allowed.
- Thick walls and a thickened bottom, otherwise the contents will cool too quickly.
- Rounded edges to help you taste all the notes of the cappuccino correctly.
- A comfortable handle that does not force your fingers to rest on hot dishes. In the modern version, there are models without handles in the form of bowls or cups.
- The presence of a saucer. A large saucer is not required, as sugar and spoon do not fall into the cappuccino. Small enough to protect the table from hot water and drippings. Tall cups with large volumes and cappuccino glasses are sold without saucers.
The popular cup size for cappuccino is 170 ml, but 120 ml is considered , that is, two volumes of espresso. If you like different coffee preparation options, then choose from 140 to 300 ml (for a double serving). These dishes can be used for lungo, Americano, latte or espresso with cream. However, keep in mind that the milk cap should reach the edges!
Aesthetics or practicality?
We have shown you various interesting cappuccino mugs. At least one of these models will definitely appeal to you. Before you make your final choice and place your order, it is worth considering what is more important: aesthetics or practicality.
Practicality
From a functionality perspective, consider the following factors:
- Size and volume.
- Form.
- Thermal insulation.
Size and volume
We have already mentioned this a little. If you didn’t remember or went straight to the tips for buyers: the cup volume should be 150-180 ml. The drink should fill the mug to the brim, and milk foam should rise on top, like a dome.
Form
Shape is important when choosing a cappuccino cup, at least according to WBC and Istituto Nazionale Espresso Italiano standards. Yes, we did not come up with the last name, such an institution really exists (National Institute of Italian Espresso).
Both of these authoritative barista organizations believe that the ideal cappuccino cup should meet the following criteria:
- Be made of porcelain.
- Have thick walls.
- Have a narrow base in the form of an ellipse.
- Be wide at the edges, have a thin rim.
The base of the mug should be thicker than the rest of the vessel to retain heat.
Thermal insulation
It is very important to choose a cappuccino cup with good thermal insulation. After all, no one wants their drink to go cold quickly.
The best material to ensure a well-insulated cappuccino mug is bone china. Ceramics are also good. The main thing is that it is of high quality, for example, like Le Creuset. Glass looks stylish and modern, especially if the layers in your drink are clearly visible. The key is to choose a double-walled mug made from borosilicate glass, as it is strong and retains heat well.
As for aesthetics...
They say that appearance should please the owner, not others. It's right. However, traditional cappuccino cups always have a bright white finish. But it all comes down to personal taste.
Glass, painted porcelain, ceramic with colored enamel are all good options. Choose the one you like!
Most cappuccino mugs have handles. This is a traditional and practical element, but also a matter of personal preference.
Traditionally, cappuccino cups come with saucers. They are not that important, but will be useful to place a spoon, cookies, sugar cubes on. Plus, we love the cups and saucers because they look the most appropriate.
What is the best material and color to choose?
Cups for cappuccino and espresso are usually made of porcelain, as it ensures long-term temperature retention. Thanks to porcelain, the walls are quite thick and do not heat up so quickly, and the enamel layer makes the dishes high quality and more reliable.
Check that the enamel is dense and without pores. This is very important because coffee has the ability to remain in even the smallest pores and stain the walls of the cup.
Ceramic dishes are no different in appearance from porcelain, but the cost is much cheaper. An important point to pay attention to is the density of the wall. It should be quite dense, and the enamel coating should be smooth. Ceramics are slightly heavier than porcelain.
If you follow the classics, then the cappuccino cup should be white, without any designs or patterns, so as not to distract from the beautiful foam. This suggests that coffee shops place high demands on clean dishes, because even the smallest dirt immediately becomes noticeable against a white background.
The second reason is the admiration for the incredible and delicate foam, on which small but attractive patterns are often drawn.
But today, cup manufacturers offer to buy mugs in black, beige, brown colors, as well as dishes with decorative patterns on them. And brands that have become very famous print their logos and designs on dishes.
In fact, there are no restrictions on colors. If you want to buy pieces for your home with patterns or, in general, multi-colored ones, then feel free to take them. You will agree that it is much more pleasant to enjoy your favorite drink from your favorite cup.
You can also choose glassware, although those who truly appreciate cappuccino completely refuse such material. Sometimes cappuccino is served in other glasses that are intended for Irish coffee, but the volume is not always suitable.
Reviews of sets from well-known manufacturers
Inexpensive coffee pair for cappuccino Tiziano Bristot with a volume of 150 ml is made of ceramics. The inside is covered with smooth white enamel and the outside is black, decorated with an orange brand inscription.
The classic thick-walled cup ILLY for cappuccino and Americano is made of hard porcelain. The surface of the product is perfectly smooth and glossy, which makes cleaning much easier. Made in Italy.
The ALLEGRO cappuccino cup and saucer from the famous Tescoma brand is made of porcelain. Absolutely white and smooth both inside and outside. Volume – 200 ml.
Danesi's 150 ml ceramic cup and saucer is coated with a smooth white glaze and decorated with the brand's logo. The shape is slightly different from the classic one, but there is an ovoid depression inside.
Coffee pairs from the Wilmax set will appeal to those who do not like simple classic design. Ceramic saucers and cups with a capacity of 170 ml are complemented by an original mesh pattern. The set is designed for six people.
A gift set of two The Star Money cappuccino cups is decorated with a pattern containing real gold in the dye. On the outside there are small golden polka dots on a white background, and on the inside there are unobtrusive stars.
If you want to buy original clear glass cappuccino cups, check out the Delonghi coffee tumbler set. The cups are made of double glass that is resistant to heat and temperature changes, so the outer walls do not heat up from hot coffee.
There is no need for a handle, so they abandoned it completely. The internal shape is designed in a classic ellipse shape . Capacity – 190 ml. Height – 10 cm. No saucer, set contains six items.
Transparent glass cappuccino mugs Cuisivin Caffe Cappuccino are made in a classic shape and complemented with saucers. An excellent option for everyday use. Can be used for tea and cocoa. Volume 210 ml.
The review can be continued ad infinitum. Each brand tries to surprise and attract customers with original design and quality materials.
You will find even more beautiful coffee cups for cappuccino coffee in online stores and shopping centers in your city. Buy for yourself and friends, this is a universal and always needed gift.
Cappuccino cup capacity
How much drink should a cappuccino cup hold? There are several possible answers.
- 120 ml. This is exactly the volume that the first specialized cappuccino cups had. It was believed that they should be twice the size of espresso cups, plus they needed room for the characteristic cap of milk foam from which the drink recipe owes its name.
Cups with a volume of 120 ml are common as homeware, not barware.
- 140-170 ml. Universal volume. These cups serve not only cappuccino, but also other types of coffee - lungo, as well as double espresso - doppio. It is more convenient for owners and baristas to have one glassware option on hand instead of two different ones, which is why classic cappuccino cups have grown slightly in volume.
- 180-220 ml. Another attempt to combine tableware formats and coffee recipes. Previously, only Americanos were prepared in large cups. Then the shape was slightly changed, making the dishes squat and wide, and they began to be used for preparing all the main coffee recipes: cappuccino, Americano, lungo and doppio.
Cappuccino can be served in a cup with a volume of 120 to 220 ml. The main thing is that the volume of the drink is a full cup, and the foam even rises slightly above the edge. This is the traditional ritual of serving the drink.
Why should lattes be served in special glasses?
If you've read how to make a latte, you've probably noticed that this drink includes three main ingredients - milk, milk foam and a shot of espresso. When prepared correctly, the barista is able to clearly separate all three layers. It looks quite impressive. But only if the drink is served in a tall transparent glass.
