Espresso Cups

You might think of them as espresso cups, but the actual name of the small coffee cups that usually hold espresso is the demitasse cup. These tiny white cups can be seen in restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops worldwide.

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Demitasse Cup

Demitasse means “half a cup” in French. This small coffee cup can hold about 2 to 3 fluid ounces (60 to 90 ml). They are only half the size of regular coffee cups, hence “half cup.”

A common misconception is that the demitasse cup can hold (or should hold) half of the circumference (4 ounces). The name refers to a one-half coffee cup.

In addition to denoting half a cup, the term demitasse can also refer to measuring coffee in a demitasse cup or glass.

For example, “I want a Turkish coffee demitasse” will refer to the quantity of Turkish coffee in question. Likewise, “I had a cup of demitasse” will indicate the amount of espresso or coffee, not the cup itself.

Demitasse is French, and the same cup has different names depending on where you are in the world.

Demitasse Cup Size

Most demitasse cups are tiny, only 2 to 2 1/2 inches tall. Some demitasse cups are equipped with saucers. The diameter of the dish is usually about 4 to 4 1/2 inches.

Cup material and color

Demitasse cups are usually made of porcelain, pottery, or ceramics. Sometimes they are made of glass and housed in a metal base with a metal handle. Most demitasse cups are classic white, but you sometimes find demitasse cups with bright colors or patterns.

The purpose of the Demitasse cup

Demitasse cups are most commonly used to serve Turkish coffee, espresso (single cup or “doppio”/double cup), and other highly concentrated coffee beverages (such as Greek coffee). They can also be used for hot chocolate and other hot drinks in cafes, restaurants, and homes, although this is less common.

Demitasse cups are most often seen in restaurants after dinner. They can be seen in many cafes and coffee shops throughout the day.

Some people prefer to use French roasted coffee instead of espresso roasted or Italian roasted coffee when serving espresso in demitasse cups. This makes its French influence more apparent. Because the roasting degree of French roasted coffee is lighter than that of Italian or espresso coffee, its caffeine content will be slightly higher.

Where can I buy Demitasse cups?

Demitasse cups can be purchased from many retailers, including online and physical stores. The vintage demitasse cups are a definitive collection among coffee lovers, as are the cultural demitasse cups.

Demitasse cup accessories

Although they are not required, many demitasse cups come with matching saucers. As with teacups, these are an excellent addition to the cups, making it easier to carry them in social situations and preventing dripping water from staining the tablecloth. They can also be excellent.

Some people also like to buy a demitasse spoon (or espresso spoon) on the plate. They work well when stirred in sugar or milk.

Similar Cups

Demitasse is not the only small cup and saucer you can find. Three cup types are very similar:

What to Consider When Choosing an Espresso Cup

Just ask wine lovers (wine connoisseurs) whether the glasses they use for their wine are essential. They will respond loudly, yes. What type of glass is used to hold wine is very important. The connoisseur of any drink, whether it’s a Scotch whisky or a milkshake, will tell you that the beverage of their choice tastes better when drunk in a suitable container. The same is essential for espresso. However, we see espresso being served in all the wrong containers. Even high-end cafes offer cups of the wrong size, or worse, incorrect materials.

There are six things to consider when choosing your next espresso cup.

The Size

Ideally, an espresso cup should be 2-3 ounces. The foam will disperse, become thinner, and disappear quickly if the cup is too big. In addition, a large cup will affect the temperature of the espresso, and you may risk it getting cold fast. Of course, if you often drink doppio espresso, then 3.5-4 ounces. The cup is better. If you want to maintain the temperature of espresso coffee, here is trick-use boiling water to heat the cups or put them in the microwave with hot water for a few seconds. If the porcelain is hot, the espresso will stay longer.

The Shape

You want a shape that embraces espresso. A cup with a tapered bottom allows grease to float on it. It also allows you to enjoy the aroma of espresso before the first sip. The round base allows the liquid to rotate easily, allowing you to get the last drop. Yes, some shapes are fascinating. For example, we have seen a square espresso cup. Although these may be interesting and aesthetically interesting, they are unsuitable for drinking espresso.

The Material

Porcelain is the kingly and preferred material when choosing the iconic espresso cup. Other materials may be popular, but you will find that espresso can be placed in anything, but the porcelain risks flattening quickly. In addition, porcelain ensures uniform temperature distribution, which is not always the case with other materials.

The Rim

Consider whether it is round or pointed, thick or thin. Espresso lovers will tell you that a thick rounded edge allows their lips to sit comfortably on the cup, allowing the liquid to roll easily into their mouths.

The Colour

Although the exterior can be selected based on color preference or decoration, the cup’s interior must be white. Only the pure white interior can appreciate the creamy caramel tones and the rich colors of espresso. It is no coincidence that Italian cafes serve espresso in white cups inside and outside.

The Handle

This may not seem like a big deal, but the handle can make people want to pick up the cup or just go around it and pick up the cup through the body. The flat handle allows the user to balance the cup in hand comfortably. The size of the handle will let the finger slide over or not. Considering the size of an espresso cup, a too-thin handle feels like it will break when you pick it up.

Therefore, the next time you prepare to update the espresso cup in the cabinet, be sure to consider the size, shape, and materials before buying. Having the right cup will make your espresso experience more enjoyable.

Another thing to consider is the cup you use for entertainment. Understandably, you don’t want to spend time washing cups when you are around you, so consider using a disposable espresso cup. Yes, there is such a thing. Even disposable products take into account important factors such as size and shape. There is nothing worse than drinking espresso in an 8-ounce cup.

Take the time to pour the espresso into the right cup, which will show your guests that you are a true coffee connoisseur.

Best Espresso Cups

What if I tell you that the cup you choose will affect the taste of the coffee?

This is real!

If you have been sipping carefully crafted espresso from any old coffee cup, you are hurting yourself and your espresso.

Check out our selection of the best espresso cups to ensure that your morning brew will taste the best.

How to choose the best espresso cup

Believe it or not, choosing the right cup for your espresso is a science. I’m not kidding. Actual scientists have already studied it. The size, shape, and even color or pattern of the cup will affect your perception of the taste of coffee.

So please read through this buyer’s guide to learn how to choose an espresso cup for the most delicious morning brew.

Ceramic Espresso Cup

Want something more basic and affordable? There are 8-piece white cup and saucer espresso packages that will not disappoint you. There are no fancy colors or complicated structures, only simple and elegant designs at low prices.

But low cost does not mean low quality

They are made of food-safe glazed porcelain, guaranteed to be lead-free and non-toxic. They can be used in dishwashers and microwaves and safely placed in ovens and refrigerators.

Their shape is perfect for installation under the nozzle of any espresso machine, and their 3-ounce capacity is ideal for single or double brewing. The handle ensures that you can put the espresso into your abdomen as quickly as possible, even if the espresso cup is hot.

The 8-piece package is very suitable when having company because the plate is included, this price is a surprise. You can impress your guests with the cookies next to them without dealing with their clumsy spills.

Stackable Espresso Set

A stackable set of espresso cups and saucers in a messy kitchen is the perfect choice to save space in a kitchen. These espresso sets are like four espresso cups in counter space.

In addition, these sets are equipped with a stand so that you can move them quickly.

They are made of thick, high-quality porcelain, which keeps your coffee longer and is quite durable, but I would avoid them falling off the counter. Porcelain can be washed in a dishwasher. It is also safe to use in a microwave, oven, and refrigerator. I like that they are microwave safe because they can easily double as cute baking tins.

They are available in three sizes, suitable for ristretto and latte lovers, and come in various pleasant colors. Brightly colored espresso cups are a great way to add a touch of fun to a dull morning, but for all traditionalists, classic white is also an option.

Glass Espresso Cup

Delonghi is world-renowned for their home espresso machines, so it’s no surprise that they are well known for their glass espresso cups. Their espresso sets come with two double-walled espresso cups made of BPA-free borosilicate glass (aka Pyrex).

It is the same glass that scientists use for beakers because it is heat-resistant, ultra-durable, and completely inert. If you use these to drink espresso, you can only taste espresso.

What is striking about these cups is their elegant design. In the living room of a billionaire, those sleek lines will not look out of place, and next to it is an espresso machine operated by a butler, pulling out the best civet poo coffee.

They will add a touch of elegance to your kitchen.

One disadvantage of double-walled espresso cups is that they tend to be thick-walled, which helps keep them warm, but they are uncomfortable to drink. Delonghi solves this problem by reducing the thickness, making the upper rim ideal. This is a small detail that can improve your espresso experience.

Stainless Steel Espresso Cup

First, let’s talk about hot coffee.

There are 3-ounce cups that are made of food-grade double-walled stainless steel, so the beverage stays hot, and your hands stay cool.

Durable? This espresso cup is almost indestructible. You can put them off the counter, take them on a camping trip, or use them as small cups for your kids. But in this case, maybe don’t fill them with espresso. The powder-coated finish is as strong as stainless steel.

The powder-coated finish is the style. These cups are available in four colors, blue, black, white, and natural stainless steel, suitable for decoration. Because of the mirrored stainless steel interior, I also like how easy these cleaners are. As everyone knows, I just rinse it with water quickly during the camping trip. For home cleaning, they can be washed in the dishwasher.

If you are looking for an affordable and straightforward cup in the market, some stainless steel espresso cups have a classic design.

Some of them have a double-wall construction that ensures that your espresso stays hot and fingers cool, so there is no need for a handle. No handles make them stackable and space-saving, making them an excellent choice for throwing backpacks into backpacks during camping trips.

These cups can be used as a drinking vessel for coffee drinkers with other bad habits. The smaller size can make exquisite shot glasses, while the larger ones are perfect for cocktails. The same vacuum layer that keeps your espresso hot will keep your mixed drinks cool, and it won’t cause any harm if you are a little drunk and put them down.

The Size of Espresso Cups

Choose a suitable material.

Espresso cups usually use three materials: stainless steel, ceramic, and glass. There is also porcelain, a type of ceramic made of fine materials with a glass-like appearance.

Stainless steel is the most durable, so it is an excellent choice for travel, or if you were awkward before your first exposure to caffeine, it is a good choice. Since metal is an intense heat conductor, choose a double-wall design. Otherwise, you will eventually burn your fingers and sip cold espresso. Cheap stainless steel cups can sometimes give your drink a metallic taste, so avoid affordable basement options. In addition, cups made of this material can usually be washed in a dishwasher!

Ceramic and porcelain espresso coffee cups are classics and have been favored by baristas for a long time because they will never infiltrate any unwanted flavors into your drink:

For flavor, ceramics are the best choice. It neither absorbs nor imparts flavor, giving the coffee its proper taste.

In addition to flavor, ceramic cups are generally cheaper because the fired clay is thermally insulating and does not require a double-wall structure. Of course, ceramics are more fragile than steel, so they are better for home use.

A glass espresso or latte cup allows you to see your drink, which is especially good if you make a layered milk drink. Like stainless steel, glass is not a good insulator, so we recommend a double-layer espresso cup.

We also recommend looking for the most durable borosilicate glass, although you still want to treat the glass gently. Like ceramics, the glass will not bring any flavor to your drink.

What is your preferred drink?

Your favorite beverage should determine the size of your espresso cup. You would not use a 3-ounce demitasse to make a latte, but there are also good reasons not to drink your ristretto in a 12-ounce cup.

One of the reasons is the headspace, which is the space between the top of the drink and the edge of the cup:

The headspace is an essential factor in creating space for aromas. The headspace is critical because it makes a place for the nose to participate.

Anyone who drinks wine knows all this. This is why red wine and white wine use different styles of wine glasses.

Since the taste of coffee is more complex than wine, it only makes sense for coffee drinkers to follow suit. Manufacturers are offering many types of coffee cups.

To make a long story short, make your cup size match your drink:

Finally, most espresso cups come in sets of 2 to 8 or more, which you should choose according to your family situation. The 2-pack is not practical for a thirsty family of four, and the 8-pack is meaningless for singles who are rarely accompanied.

Suitable for your style

Choosing the style of an espresso cup is the fun part! Do you want exciting colors to brighten your morning, the look that suits your kitchen decoration, or something classic and timeless?

Consider the design as well as colors and patterns. Do you want a cup with a handle? If the outside of your espresso cup is hot, the handles are helpful, but only if they are large enough for use. The handle also means that your cups will not stack well and may take up more cabinet space. If space is tight, buying a stackable suit with a stand is an excellent idea to save space.

Cups with saucers are also a practical option, primarily if you often serve guests. The dish can be easily added with a spoon or a bite of biscuits while avoiding overflow.

The real reason the espresso is so small

In Italy, espresso is part of everyday life. You can sip at any time: in the afternoon when you are hanging out in a cafe or the evening when you finish a great dinner. Italian coffee is to be sipped on the spot-so ordering take-out coffee in the birthplace of the espresso is usually not an option (through food and wine).

Of course, nothing can be called “espresso” better than a small, delicate cup of coffee. Why? Why is the supply of espresso so small and in such a cute container?

You might think you know the answer: a cup of espresso contains more caffeine than a cup of coffee, right? Incorrect. As NPR reported a few years ago, a cup of espresso has less caffeine than regular drip coffee.

Espresso and drip coffee

If you have ever seen long lines in your favorite high-end cafe, you may have noticed that espresso is made differently from drip coffee. According to The Kitchn, espresso is brewed with a combination of hot water and tremendous pressure.

If you want to make an espresso, you must grind the coffee beans into a fine powder-without the granular, grit-like substance that you pour into the drip irrigation machine. Then, the ground espresso beans must be compressed into a small, compact mass. The combination of fine grinding and physical pressure can produce a delicious cup of espresso. In other words, it is not just “espresso,” but a completely different preparation method.

Solve the caffeine problem

According to the Mayo Clinic, a typical espresso coffee—one ounce—contains approximately 64 mg of caffeine. The standard serving size of brewed coffee-8 ounces-contains 96 mg of caffeine. Therefore, although espresso is inherently more robust, the single cup of coffee you order from a friendly local barista may not be as strong as the more American coffee—especially when you start collecting 12 ounces and 16 ounces of joe for your Monday morning when preparing.

So why is the supply of espresso so small?

Espresso, as its name implies, is to press coffee. It is thicker than a cup of drip coffee and has less water content. According to the Mayo Clinic, drinking 8 or 12 ounces is obviously unhealthy.

Even if espresso does not contain caffeine as you think, it still has a lot of flavor and caffeine in a small serving. This is why coffee shops in the United States and Italy usually offer a small glass of still or soda next to the espresso: it is a taste cleanser (through a cultural journey).

Watch Out After Crema

There is also the problem of Crema: the lovely foam layer formed on the espresso. According to Business Insider reports, Crema is a symbol of freshly ground coffee beans, which can lock in the aroma of espresso. You want to see it decorate the top of your espresso. According to Espresso Machine Experts, choosing a large and wide cup will cause the fat to dissolve.

Therefore, the importance of crema is another reason why small cups are very suitable for espresso, as if the cup is too big-such as a typical coffee cup-this cream disappears quickly because it spreads out and becomes too thin.

To be honest, when you want to drink espresso, you want to see the authenticity, and espresso in a small cup is the best choice.