10 Best Espresso Cups [For Cappuccino and Latte Too]

The journey of the sweet taste of your favourite cup starts with the type of bean and the ground type. But just before it gets to your lips, the cup that it is served with goes a long way into affecting the taste of your coffee.  

You may have the best coffee beans harvested from the fertile Ethiopian highlands, then grind on the best grinders and then through the best espresso machine but one thing still matters…The cup that it is being served on.

If you think that the cup plays a vital role in the overall taste of the coffee, then you are right. This post will guide you to the right choice for your perfect cuppa coffee.

This article is going to take you through the best espresso cups, the best cappuccino cups and the best latte cups in the market.

You are also going to be informed about what you need to check for when buying a coffee cup by the specially made coffee cup guide.

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Espresso Cups

The Best Espresso Cups: Our Top 3 Picks

Here is a breakdown of the best cups for espresso:

1. JoyJolt Savor Double Wall Insulated Glasses Espresso Mugs

These espresso cups are sold in a set of two. They are double-walled Thermo mugs with an impressive holding capacity of 5.4 ounces. The double-wall feature gives the visual impression that the drink is suspended. That engaging visual optical effect makes it not just a beverage holder but a thing of beauty.

The cups are made of borosilicate glass. How is this better than ordinary glass?

Here are a few reasons:

  • The glass is heat and condensation resistant. This functions to keep your liquid hot while not burning your hands.
  • It is stronger and more durable and on top of that, has a smooth finish and crystal bright look.

The cup’s shipping box is a work of art. The elegantly colored printed box is so beautiful that it would be a perfect idea to give it to that espresso lover friend or family as a gift.

The beautiful cups are versatile to be used for use with Lungo, Cappuccino, Macchiato, Latte, Demitasse, Tea, Smoothie and Juice, apart from Espresso.

Because others are made of the borosilicate glass material, using them on a microwave or dishwasher is the least of your worries. It is not for use with metal utensils, though.

JoyJolt Savor Double Wall Insulated Glasses Espresso Mugs

2. Sweese 401.001 Porcelain Espresso Cups with Saucers

These espresso cups have a capacity of 20 oz with a little room left to the brim. This makes it work well with most espresso machines.

The cups also hold the temperature of your espresso for the longest that it can take you and your friend to enjoy your beverage.

The cups are bright white-colored. They have the contours that are industry- favorite traditional. It is ideal to suit all dining environments. The cups are sure to create an unforgettable dining experience for your guests.

These sweese espresso cups are made from pro-grade porcelain. This boosts its durability as it is chip resistant and stronger than stoneware.

The nontoxic lead-free ceramic takes it safe to use on a dishwasher, microwave, freezer or oven. The above qualities have made the knick come up with cheaper imitations. You better watch out for these.

Sweese offers a replacement or refund in case anything happens to your order.

Sweese 401.001 Porcelain Espresso Cups

3. Espresso Cups Shot Glass Coffee Set

The double-walled thermos-insulated design of the cup prevents side heat transfer. This prevents your hands from getting burnt.

They are built from the highest quality borosilicate glass. This type of glass is more durable from strikes and impacts. It is also easy to clean as it does not retain stain.

The cups are built to serve more than one occasion apart from that which involves an espresso. On them, you can still serve Spirits, Lungo, Latte, Cappuccino, Dessert or Tea.

This cup is large enough to contain a double shot of espresso to the brim and small enough to fit under most espresso machines.

It has worldwide trust by coffee lovers. The manufacturer gives a 100% money-back guarantee on warranty.

Kitchables Espresso Shot Glass

The Best Cappuccino Cups: Our Top 3 Picks

Here is a breakdown of the best cups for cappuccino:

1. Sweese 403.002 Porcelain Cappuccino Cups with Saucers

These fancy cups come in a variety of three assorted colors. The colored saucers and cups brighten up your morning. Every coffee time will be a pleasant experience, and for your guests, it will be an unforgettable experience.

The assorted colour adds a touch of style as it brightens up your morning.

These cups hold 60z of coffee without filling it to the brim. This size is ideal, and its thickness easily keeps your espresso warm.

The cups are made of durable porcelain. The ceramic has the following good qualities: lead-free, non-toxic, anti-chip, and stronger than stoneware.

The very qualities that make it proudly tick off all the FDA boxes.

The prograde quality porcelain makes it safe to use with a dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer.

Sweese will freely replace or refund your order if anything goes wrong with it.

Sweese 403.002 Porcelain Cappuccino Cups

2. Glass Cappuccino Cups Double Walled Coffee Glasses Set

The glasses are insulated to ensure that the coffee maintains the temperature that it was served with for the longest possible. This is a good deal to enjoy your hot delicious cappuccino.

The unique double-walled glasses design keeps your fingers safe from the heat of the cappuccino. The glass is specially made to be heat resistant. This is a tough material but still easy to clean. The glass is shatterproof and scratch-resistant.

The other great quality of the material is that it is safe to use on the microwave and dishwasher. The durable quality will see to it that you don’t buy another set soon.

Glass Coffee Cups Without Handle

3. Le Creuset PG8000-0567 Stoneware Cappuccino Cups and Saucers

The Le Creuset products are guided by the philosophy that less is more. They come as a set of two cups and saucers.

They are made of a non-porous enamel finish. This quality makes it resistant to odors and staining. It is also robust against shock, chipping and cracking.

The stoneware that is used to make it is fire fried to make it durable. The high firing makes it glossy and glazing which adds to its aesthetic features.

The cups are also dishwasher safe.

The cups match other Le Creuset stoneware and they (Le Creuset) give a lifetime warranty on the cups.

The cups come in an array of colors that are bold on the palette to ensure that the tones are consistent for mixing and matching other Le Creuset products.

Le Creuset Stoneware Set

The Best Latte Cups: Our Top 3 Picks

Here is a breakdown of the best cups for latte:

1. Bodum Bistro double wall Latte Cup

These bright masterpieces come as a pair. They are mouth-blown by expert artisans.

The cups feature two walls of borosilicate glass separated by a layer of trapped air in between. The air layer is useful for insulation.

At the base of the cup, there is a silicone valve to allow for the changes in pressure. Apart from coffee, these cups are perfect for serving ice-cream and soups.

The insulation quality goes a long way into ensuring that the latte remains warm for longer.

These cups are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe.

Bodum Bistro

2. Norpro My Favorite Jumbo Mugs

These jumbo cups are made of white porcelain. They have a capacity of 2 ordinary sized cups (16 ounces). The comfortable handle and shape make it very easy to enjoy every sip and spoonful.

The cup is ideal for your latte but not exclusive to the drinks and brews. It is also suitable for fruit and berries with ice-cream. It is also suitable for single servings of pasta, salads and rice dishes. For those who enjoy hot sips of hot soup, chowder and chili, the Norpro will get you covered.

The material of the cup makes it safe for use in a dishwasher or microwave. The comfortable design of the handle mentioned earlier goes a long way into making it easier to put the cup in the microwave without the unnecessary mess caused by spillage or the hazard of burns.

Norpro My Favorite Jumbo Mugs

3. Teocera Porcelain Jumbo Mugs with Handle

Have you ever sat down to enjoy a cup of latte only to be served by the cup that has a small handle? This takes away the excitement of your coffee to some degree right.

Well, Teocera improved the design of the cups to allow for your finger to fit and get a good grip on your cup.

The top of the handles is squared off to enable a more comfortable hold of the cup. This allows a natural process of taking it in and out of the microwave without the risk of scalding oneself or messy spillages.

The shape of the cups is just excellent. The full top and the rounded bottom allows for holding and warming of both hands. The height also allows for it to work well with an espresso machine.

The bowl-like mugs have a large capacity. The Teocera jumbo mug holds about twice the cups of the ordinary-sized cups. This is about 16 oz or 18 oz if filled to the brim. This large capacity allows it to be used in more diversity. It can be used for soups and even small portions of food like spaghetti.

The capacity allows room for milk foam and froth to form at the top when you make a cappuccino.

The cup is ideal for food, as mentioned earlier; It is suitable for Coffee, Cocoa, Cereal and Cold Soup, Stew, Ice-cream, Spaghetti. The porcelain cups can also be used to make mug cakes.

Imagine curling up and watching TV as you folk out noodles from the black mugs? Or watching the snow as you sip cocoa from the giant cup.

Teocera takes full responsibility for any way that you are not satisfied or if there is any damage to the product.

White Porcelain Jumbo Coffee Mugs

The Best Demitasse Cups

A demitasse is a unique small coffee cup that is used to serve Turkish coffee, espresso or highly concentrated coffee drinks. The little mug has a capacity of approximately 60-90 ml (2-3 Oz). They are commonly served with matching saucers.

The name demitasse is french for “half cup.”

The cups are usually made from porcelain, pottery or ceramic. Other times, they are made from glass and framed in metal base and with a metal-like handle.

Aozita Espresso Cups

Practical Considerations When Buying Demitasse Cups

Size

A demitasse is ideally a tiny cup that is 2-3 oz in size. A big cup has the disadvantage of the cream spreading and then disappearing. A big cup also cools faster because of the surface area that is exposed.

Shape

There are many fancily shaped demitasse cups out here, but at what cost?

A good shape of a demitasse cup is that which slightly tapers. This allows for the crema to float at the top.

It further allows tor the opportunity to enjoy the aroma as your nose hovers over the surface with every sip. A round bottom allows for the coffee to swirl easily and all of it to empty to your tongue. 

Material

On this, porcelain is the undisputed champion. Many other materials may have the aesthetics going for them, but they come with the risk of going flat soon after.

Porcelain as a material is almost the only one that ensures that the temperature is evenly distributed. 

Rim

The rim of the demitasse in front of you will have the following attributes: Rounded R sharp, thick or thin.

A combination of thick and rounded (thick rounded) is what ensures that the coffee will smoothly roll off your lips; just how you like it. 

Colour (demitasse)

On this, white is domination. The formation of caramel tones of crema in the white backdrop adds to the sweetness of the espresso drinking experience.

If you would prefer any other color as the exterior, it is okay as long you maintain the inside to be white.

Handle

The handle is a delicate balance of the size and its thickness. The flat handle allows for a comfortable grip of the cup. A big handle provides for a comfortable grip of the cup. A big handle arc allows a finger to slip through for a better grasp of the cup.

Handles that are too thin give the psychological impression that they may break.

Latte, Cappuccino and Espresso Cups [Buying Guide]

Here we have described individually, how to choose the best set for you:

Buying Guide of Espresso Cups

  • Check If the Cup is Suitable for Hot Drinks- Since espresso is mostly served hot, the cup may crack into pieces if it was not designed to handle hot fluids.
  • Size of the Handle- The handle of the espresso cup needs to be of a good size to allow for a comfortable hold. A small handle will result in the likelihood of the cupping falling off your hands.
  • Side Thickness- A thick side ensures coffee isolation and heat retention (minimal heat is lost).
  • Stability- A wide top or a bottom too small can result in the cup falling to the sideway easily.
  • Size to Fit- The cup should be of the appropriate size to fit into an espresso machine. It shouldn’t be too big bearing in mind that an espresso shot is just 1-3 oz.
  • Material- Porcelain is the default and right choice for an espresso cup.

 The shot glasses on the other side give a good view of the dark coffee and crema.

Buying Guide of Cappuccino Cup

The critical factors to look at are; Size, shape and heat retention.

  • Size- 160 ml or 5.4 oz. Anything slightly different is still okay. You just have to have your milk and espresso ratio right. Getting the right cup size enables you to fill it to the brim and then top classically and aesthetically to have it domed nicely.
  • Shape- The top should be broader but with thinner walls, while the bottom should be a bit narrower but with thicker walls. The inside of the base should curve elliptically. The thick but narrow bottom allows for the milk and espresso to mix properly. The wide top acts as the canvas or display are for the crema.
  • Heat Factor- An average glass cup loses heat quickly. A double-walled glass cup would retain the much-valued heat for your coffee.
  • Materials- The materials used for the cappuccino are stoneware, ceramic, double-walled glass, porcelain, bone china and feldspathic china.
  • Dishwasher safe- If you are a bunch of caffeinistas, it would be a grumbly task to hand wash a large number of cups when you are locked out of the option of using a dishwasher. It is a good idea to check the situation of your home and know what you’re getting yourself into as far as the dishwashing ability of the cup is concerned.

How to Choose the Right Coffee Mugs for Latte Art

Three factors will govern what to look for when choosing the best cup for latte art. They are size, material and shape.

  • Size- 12 oz, 16 oz, and 18 oz cups are good for latte art. Less than 12 oz is too small, and more than 18 oz is too big. When you are starting in your latte art practice, it is more comfortable to work with the bigger mugs (16 and 18 oz)
  • Material- Porcelain or ceramic is best for artfully pouring latte. They are durable and classy. Their good insulation quality keeps the coffee hot and also protects your hands from burns.
  •  Mug Shape- The shape better is like that of the demitasse cups. This means that they should be tapering at the bottom.

The wide top gives a broader room for experimentation and error. It also gives room to layer in the milk foam or crema.

Let’s Do Some Latte Art

What is the Latte Art?

Latte art is the pattern that is the work of your barista, which is always at the top of your favorite cup. It is the result of microfoam and espresso mixture into a beautiful frothy pattern.

It is the deliberate expression of art by the barista using the mixture of espresso and microfoam/milk.

How to Do Latte Art

Do you want to try your hand at latte art? It is by no means hard.

Have the milk sit for a few seconds before pouring. You may shake and swirl it a little bit. This is to get rid of any bubbles that may interfere with the design.

Then pour the milk at a decent angle.

When the mug is halfway full, then you can lower the upper cup and make your design.

Latte Art Designs

There are many art latte designs to choose from. They are all unique in how they are in terms of complications. Here are five options that may are basic and okay for starters:

  • Heart
  • Rosetta
  • Etch spirals
  • A bear
  • Tulip

Coffee Cups FAQs

Here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about espresso, cappuccino and latte cups. I hope these will make everything more clear:

What Is The Standard Size Of An Espresso Cup?

The little mug has a capacity of approximately 60-90 ml (2-3 Oz) would be perfect.

What Is The Standard Size Of A Cappuccino Cup?

160 ml is the standard size. This is broken down to be the composition of a 25ml shot of espresso and 125ml of foamed milk. In the US, the cup capacity is 5.5 ounces (1-ounce espresso + 4.5 steamed milk)

What Is The Standard Size Of The Latte Cup?

A cup between 5 and 7 ounces is good for latte because of the steamed milk that is always dense and at a higher ratio occupying a more significant volume of the cup.

What Is The Standard Coffee Cup Size?

Anywhere between 6-12 ounces is okay.

Conclusion

Just ask any Caffeinista if the cup that they are served in matters, and they will reply with a resounding “yes.” It does really matter what type of cup your coffee is being served in, as we have seen in the article.

We are now armed with the names of the best cappuccino, latte, or espresso cups in the market. We have the buying guide to make you be in the know of what is to be considered when buying a cup of your favorite coffee types.

“Happy time with coffee”

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A. I. Moon

A.I. Moon, an experienced SEO Pythonista, spends his days coding and developing web applications to help business owners. A passionate coffee enthusiast, he believes that drinking coffee fuels his creativity and productivity. His day isn't complete without the rich aroma and invigorating warmth of a perfectly brewed cup. This love for coffee inspired him to found EspressoRivo, a platform dedicated to sharing his coffee knowledge and fostering a community of passionate aficionados.

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