The perfect espresso cup
From Milan to the World
Complex in aroma and rich in enjoyment – espresso continues to fascinate coffee fans from all over the world with its intense taste in a small format. But without the accompanying cups, these Italian classics would only be half as iconic.
We all agree: espresso tastes best when freshly brewed. The ideal espresso cup must keep the drink warm and at the same time bring together the complexity of aroma and taste. But what characteristics make the perfect espresso cup? Whether glass, porcelain, thick-walled or thin - we'll get to the bottom of the matter in this article.
The History of Espresso Cups
Before we turn to the science, let's take a quick look back at the history of the small espresso cups. In Venice, there was already a flourishing trade with the Arab countries in the early 17th century - that's how coffee came to Europe. The word for "cup" (Italian tazza) also comes from the Arabic طاس, DMG ṭās , also ṭās(s)a , which means a small bowl.
The Italian term tazzina for "small cup" is not a diminutive of tazza , but rather comes from Luigi Tazzini, who is believed to be the father of the modern espresso cup. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, he invented the small cup with a handle. This is how the espresso cup got its classic shape.
What makes a good espresso cup? – Full-bodied enjoyment in a small format
The espresso cup is an interplay of shape and material : that's why most of them are made of porcelain and curve upwards in a tulip shape, while the cup opening is small to keep the coffee surface small - this means the crema lasts longer. The slight curve of the base also influences the formation of the popular head of foam.
However, espresso cups made of glass are now also appreciated for their modern design. Here, too, the shape is crucial. To keep the heat in the vessel for a long time, we recommend espresso cups made of double-walled glass.
Why are espresso cups so thick-walled?
The thick walls of espresso cups are striking. This is no coincidence and has to do with the functional design of the cups.
One of the main reasons is heat retention . An espresso is prepared at high temperatures and should ideally be served hot. However, thin-walled cups lose heat quickly, which means the coffee cools down quickly. Thick-walled porcelain cups, on the other hand, insulate better and ensure that the espresso stays at the ideal drinking temperature for a long time.
How many milliliters fit in a cup of espresso?
A shot of espresso usually contains 30 ml. A classic espresso cup holds 60 ml , fits perfectly under any portafilter machine and still offers enough space for milk and sugar.
For Ristretto fans who want to enjoy the purist espresso taste, there are special cups with a capacity of 50 ml.
Since the Espresso Doppio is known to contain twice the amount of espresso, it is usually served in a cappuccino cup. But there are now also special cups that are tailored exactly to the Doppio.
How much caffeine is in a cup of espresso?
Espresso contains about 60-80 mg of caffeine . The exact amount depends on the type of bean and the blend. Arabica beans contain less caffeine, while Robusta beans can contain more.
For comparison: a cup of filter coffee with a volume of about 200–250 ml contains about 80–120 mg of caffeine due to the longer extraction time.
How is espresso drunk in Italy?
In Italy, when you order a caffè or caffè liscio , you get the espresso that you know in Germany. There, the espresso is drunk quickly and standing at a bar from a porcelain or ceramic cup - so it does not have to be transported in a paper cup and retains its full flavor.
A digression – What is a demitasse ?
An espresso can also be served in a demitasse. The name of this special type of cup comes from French and means something like "half cup". Its size is usually between 60 and 90 ml , making it ideal for smaller coffee specialties.
While espresso cups are primarily used for espresso, the demitasse is more versatile. It is used as a serving vessel for traditional, highly concentrated coffees such as Greek or Arabic coffee and is therefore also known as a "mocha cup".
espresso cups from Espresso Perfetto – Stylish with every cup
At Espresso Perfetto We offer you a large selection of espresso cups in our range. Thick-walled and equipped with matching saucers , you can buy cups made of high-quality porcelain from various suppliers.
Whether colorful, plain or with the motifs of your favorite brand – with the right cup your espresso tastes twice as good!
