When it comes to serving the perfect cup of coffee in a hospitality setting, the type of coffee cup used can make a significant difference in the overall experience for the customer. From espresso to cappuccino, each coffee drink has its own unique cup designed to enhance its flavours and presentation. Let's explore the different types of coffee cups commonly used in the hospitality industry.
Espresso Cups: Small But Mighty
Espresso cups are small in size, typically holding around 2-3 ounces of liquid. These cups are designed to keep the espresso shots hot while showcasing the rich crema on top. The thick walls of espresso cups help in maintaining the temperature of the drink, allowing customers to savour every sip of their intense and flavourful espresso.
Latte Cups: Perfect for Frothy Delights
Latte cups are larger in size compared to espresso cups, with a capacity of around 12-16 ounces. These cups have a tall and narrow design, perfect for pouring steamed milk and creating beautiful latte art on top of the espresso. The wide brim of latte cups allows customers to enjoy the creamy texture of the milk foam with each sip.
Macchiato Cups: Simple and Elegant
Macchiato cups are small cups that hold around 3-4 ounces of liquid. These cups are designed for serving macchiatos, which are espresso shots "stained" with a small amount of steamed milk or foam. The simple and elegant design of macchiato cups allows the contrasting layers of espresso and milk to be clearly visible, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Cortado Cups: The Perfect Balance
Cortado cups are slightly larger than espresso cups, typically holding around 4-5 ounces of liquid. These cups are designed for serving cortados, which are equal parts espresso and steamed milk. The balanced ratio of coffee to milk in cortados is complemented by the size and shape of cortado cups, allowing customers to enjoy the harmonious blend of flavours.
Flat White Cups: Smooth and Velvety
Flat white cups are similar in size to latte cups, with a capacity of around 6-8 ounces. These cups are specifically designed for serving flat whites, which are made with velvety steamed milk poured over a double shot of espresso. The smooth and creamy texture of flat whites is enhanced by the wide and shallow design of flat white cups.
Cappuccino Cups: Classic and Versatile
Cappuccino cups are medium in size, typically holding around 6-7 ounces of liquid. These cups are versatile, suitable for serving cappuccinos with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. The classic design of cappuccino cups with a wide brim and thick walls helps in maintaining the temperature of the drink while allowing for easy sipping through the foam.
Choosing the right coffee cup for each type of coffee drink is essential in delivering a memorable and enjoyable experience for customers in the hospitality industry. By understanding the unique characteristics of espresso cups, latte cups, macchiato cups, cortado cups, flat white cups, and cappuccino cups, baristas and coffee enthusiasts can elevate the coffee drinking experience to new heights.
