Are you a home barista looking for new coffee cups? Then this blog is just for you! As fellow home baristas, we’ve personally tested countless cups and know exactly what to look for before making a choice. Our focus is on the home barista, so this blog is especially relevant if you have an espresso machine at home.
How Coffee Cups Enhance Your Coffee Experience
Why do you need a special coffee cup? Can’t I just grab the first mug I find? You might think a cup is just a cup, but believe us, that’s far from the truth!
I (Hugo) have searched long and hard for my ideal coffee cup, and there’s much more to it than I expected! The right material to retain heat, the color, the perfect size for flavor, and enough space for latte art—all while being practical (stackable and dishwasher safe). Of course, there’s also personal preference to consider.
All of this impacts how you enjoy your coffee!
Different Types of Coffee Cups
As home baristas, we categorize coffee cups into three types: the espresso cup, the cappuccino cup, and the latte cup. These are the most popular coffee drinks, so chances are you’re looking for a cup for one of these beverages!
- Espresso Cup: Ideal for a single or double shot of espresso.
- Cappuccino Cup: Perfect for a delicious cappuccino, flat white, or even an Americano (black coffee).
- Latte Cup: Enjoy a latte or double cappuccino from this spacious cup.
These barista coffee cups are specifically designed for different coffee types, so you can savor every sip!
Material and Color
Ceramic or glass? The choice of material isn’t just about looks! Ceramic is our favorite; there’s a reason your favorite café chooses it. Ceramic is fantastic at retaining heat, which is a priority for many coffee lovers. Glass cups are stunning but can cause your coffee to cool down faster.
Additionally, ceramic offers many design and color options that also impact flavor. Studies show that the color of a cup can influence taste perception. Pink hues accentuate sweet notes, green brings out more complex flavors (spicy, floral), while yellow tones highlight rich, warm flavors.
Shape and Design
A well-designed cup does wonders for your coffee experience. As home baristas, we focus on a few key aspects: the coffee should take center stage, it must be suitable for latte art, and it should be practical for home use.
Pay attention to a wide opening; this not only allows for latte art but also releases more aromas when drinking. Aroma plays a huge role in your taste experience, making this a must.
Volume is the second factor we consider. The right ratio of coffee to milk makes a significant difference! You don’t want to drown your coffee in milk, but you do need enough space for beautiful latte art.
So, what’s the right volume? In our experience, here are the perfect proportions:
- Espresso Cup: 60 ml.
- Cappuccino Cup: 180 ml.
- Latte Cup: 250 ml.
Finally, it’s important to check if the cups are stackable! This saves a lot of storage space and allows you to stack them on your machine so they stay warm. The thickness of the cups also matters; we prefer thinner cups as they warm up well on any machine.
Buying Coffee Cups
With this information, we hope you can make the right choice for your coffee cups! If you align with our priorities, then our coffee cups are probably exactly what you’re looking for!
We’ve combined all our experiences into our own coffee cups:
- The right volume: enough space for latte art without sacrificing flavor.
- Ideal curve: to catch espresso and stackable.
- Baked at 1250°C: extra strong and dishwasher safe.
- Each cup is unique: lovingly handcrafted in Vietnam.
Thanks for reading! We hope you now have a better understanding of what to consider when choosing your ideal coffee cups. If you have any questions, remember: at Barista Essentials, we’re here to support you on your journey as a home barista. So, what are you waiting for? Get inspired, pick your favorite cups, and savor every moment with your perfect coffee!
Warm regards,
Jasper & Hugo
Your friends at Barista Essentials