Does size really matter?
Despite the double entendre that may have flashed across your mind when you read that title, today we are talking about coffee cups.
Does it matter what size cup you use? Do you need to think about cup choice?
The answer is yes to both, and you may be surprised how much can be involved in a proper cup selection.
The perfect cup..
In some instances, coffee cup sizes are simply a matter of regional preference but just as many other traditional drinks have their own sizes.
Traditionally most of coffee drinks are served according to the type of drink being consumed. If you are serving shots (or double shots) of espresso, you want to use a cup that allows for a small amount of liquid (1.5-3.0 ounces).
A cappuccino is traditionally served in a 6-ounce cup as the espresso shot is standard, but the cup limits the amount of milk foam that is allowed to be added to prevent diluting your coffee too much.
Most of the ‘to go’ coffee tumblers or cups are 16-20 ounces — so you’re basically carrying around two cups of coffee with you.
Given the status and hype around coffee, most cafes and restaurants are going to be more concerned with the perfect presentation of their coffee drinks and cup size, but there are times when a little knowledge and forethought may help you become a better coffee consumer.
We are keen to share our passion for great food and drink with you, and so we thought that it would be nice to share a few details of what makes us different from your run of the mill coffee shop or chain.
How we serve our coffee matters..
For us, coffee is an important part of our lives. So when friends or family visit, and we make sure our guests enjoy incredible cups of coffee.
Yes, our coffee cups are generally smaller than what you typically find in most places, but size does not guarantee quality or value for money — that is especially true in the world of coffee.
We pack a serious amount of coffee, top quality milk and skill into our little packages.
When we texture our milk, we make it thicker and creamier than it would normally be. This is done by a combination of heating, spinning and adding air to the milk.
Unfortunately the milk only stays in the amazing state for a few minutes, so having a smaller drink is deliberate - it is perfectly balanced for taste and stays creamy right to the last sip.
One size doesn’t fit all..
Most people claim that in many cases they enjoy the first few sips of their coffee and after a certain time or temperature drop they are just drinking it because it is there.
In some ways, society has pushed us into believing that more is better and that bigger is preferable.
The way we like to look at it is as “options.” If a big mug or bigger cup works for you and you are satisfied with what you are drinking, then by all means carry on..
If however, the constant, re-heating, re-filling and lack lusted coffee experience connects with you, one of the many options out there to enhance your experience is to try smaller cups.
So, while it may seem obvious, until someone suggests it, it may never have crossed your mind to use small cups instead of large ones.
If you take anything away from this article, please let it be this — as you move into higher levels of coffee and enjoy the finer flavours and nuance, take a moment to consider the vessel that brings you your brew.
Size, shape, material, design, comfort, and capacity all connect to that moment and experience, and your cup may help your coffee be its best.
If your local to us, visit us instore and discover our in house cafè. Inspired by everyday culture — combining meticulous craft & taste.