Advantages of special coffee utensils
Espresso coffee cups belong to the category of specialized products, the capabilities of which coffee lovers will definitely appreciate. First of all, such dishes differ in their appearance, and also outperform analogues in functional terms. Due to the fact that espresso cups are made of porcelain, they perfectly keep the drink hot. They also have a special shape - small height, capacity and bottom diameter, which allows you to experience all the advantages of coffee taste and aroma. Another important point is the appearance of this dish. It is original, attractive and noticeable in comparison with classic cups.
The taste of espresso is based on three main parameters:
1. mass of dry ground coffee in the holder;
2. weight of the espresso received. 3. duration of interaction of coffee with water. The dosage of ground coffee is the main point in creating espresso. Depending on your style of espresso preparation: it varies from five to thirty grams, although in general modern espresso contains 18-21 g.
How much espresso do you want to make?
There is a directly proportional relationship here: more ground coffee, more portion of the drink. It's simple. Let's take an example: cake. By increasing the number of ingredients when preparing a cake, we increase the quantity of cake itself. The amount of ground coffee is the same as the ingredients in this recipe.
Important rules:
- do not adjust the dosage to achieve a balance of taste; - the dosage should not depend on time; — do not change the dosage to make the espresso stronger or softer.
You change the dose solely for the purpose of increasing or decreasing the amount of espresso. Of course, if you increase the dosage, you will also need to increase the size (or yield) of the espresso to match.
Cup size
Let's say you make a lot of high-volume milk drinks. Espresso made with a small dose will be tasty, but as soon as you add 300 ml of milk to the cup, the coffee will no longer be rich and aromatic. A larger dosage will allow you to increase the strength and brightness of the coffee aroma in this drink. If you're making a small black coffee or milk coffee, you may want to choose a smaller dosage since you're not competing with the milk for dominant flavor.
Do not exceed the amount of coffee recommended by the manufacturer
Another reason to change the dosage is the size of the basket in the holder. This must be done to ensure that the coffee machine works correctly. Most baskets have been designed to accommodate a specific weight of coffee from their manufacturer, with a maximum deviation of one or two grams usually producing the best results. The ground coffee in the basket should not exceed the normal level so as not to come into contact with the screen during drying. If you see that it has touched the shower screen, you need to reduce the dose. In this case, the increased dosage will not allow you to make more espresso, it will only make the extract uneven.
Another case is if the coffee grounds are damp and crumbly after removal - this indicates that there is a lot of space between the ground coffee and the shower screen. If you need to change your coffee dosage and go beyond the cart's stated weight, the quality of the espresso could likely suffer. And of course, the taste is affected by the coffee used and its quality. We recommend experimenting with EvaDia brand espresso blends from a Russian roaster. Extra-fresh roasting and a variety of coffee varieties will help you prepare coffee for every taste.
What shape should espresso coffee cups be?
The containers intended for this drink are noticeably different from other products. First of all, this concerns capacity. It is limited to 90 milliliters, and often even 50 ml. The shape of the walls inside is also special. As a rule, it is ovoid, resembling an ellipse. The diameter of the bottom and the height of the container are usually limited to 40-50 mm. Thanks to this, a properly prepared coffee drink retains the foam and the desired density, and this has a positive effect on its taste. You need to buy espresso coffee cups with this particular shape of the inner walls if you want to enjoy all the benefits of good, strong coffee.
Coffee cup volume
A noble drink, which is coffee, requires not only compliance with the exact preparation recipe, but also the appropriate “framing”. That is, worthy dishes that you will be pleased to hold in your hands. In this matter, everything is important: the material of the cup, its design and, of course, volume. This all applies to coffee etiquette, which will help you enjoy your perfect coffee ritual day after day.
In today's article we will tell you what volume a coffee cup should have. And why certain sizes should be used for pouring a particular type of coffee-based drink.
Volume of a coffee cup: pay attention to the type of coffee
All existing coffee utensils differ in their purpose. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that every popular recipe for making coffee has its own utensils.
Espresso cups
This type of classic, standard coffee requires special treatment. To use it, use very small cups. As a rule, these are tiny dishes, the volume of which ranges from 30-45 ml.
It can also be served in slightly larger cups, which have a volume of 50-70 ml. If you like to enjoy a coffee drink at home, then you can easily use dishes with a capacity of 60-90 ml.
Why should you choose cups of this size?
This recommendation should be followed in order to preserve the taste and aroma of traditional espresso as much as possible. According to this recipe, coffee should be made in small portions. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that it maintains its temperature for the longest possible period of time.
This is useful to know: in modern coffee shops in our country you can increasingly find espresso served in 90 ml cups. This allows establishment owners to save on the purchase of coffee utensils. After all, other types of espresso can be served in a cup of this size. For example, lungo or ristretto.
Let's talk about oriental coffee utensils
This drink has a strong, unique taste. Therefore, in order to preserve its taste characteristics, temperature and aroma, it is recommended to serve it in cups designed for a volume of 70-90 ml.
Our baristas often pour the drink into Demitasse cups. Inside they are ovoid in shape and have significant wall thickness. This allows the oriental coffee to remain hot for as long as possible. This cup option is also suitable for most coffee recipes that involve brewing the drink by hand.
Why exactly this volume?
Oriental coffee is characterized by a fairly rich, strong taste. One serving of the drink contains a considerable “dose” of caffeine, so it should be served in small containers.
Good to know: some oriental-style coffee recipes have a very pronounced strength. Therefore, it is recommended to use ceramic or porcelain cups with a volume of 50 ml for them.
Choosing a cappuccino cup
This type of coffee drink is prepared with a large amount of milk and high milk foam. Therefore, it is necessary to use a much larger cup than for espresso or oriental coffee.
That is why the standard volume of a cappuccino cup is considered to be 170-220 ml. Not worth it anymore. After all, with regards to cappuccino, coffee etiquette says the following: a portion of the drink should be flush with the edges of the cup or even protrude slightly beyond them.
Why is this volume ideal for cappuccino?
The classic variation of the drink is prepared on the basis of espresso and milk (in a ratio of 1 to 2). Do not forget that the drink has a high foam, which will also require a lot of space. Among other things, this cup can be used to serve lungo or espresso with the addition of cream. Therefore, this version of the coffee cup can be called almost universal.
Features of cup volume for Americano
Highly diluted espresso has a volume of 180 to 200 ml. And most often during the day they select dishes whose capacity ranges from 200-220 ml. In some establishments, it is quite common for the barista to pour Americano into a cappuccino cup. Preliminarily making the volume of coffee-based drinks the same.
Why such a volume? Traditionally, highly diluted espresso has a volume of 180 ml. But it is believed that the surface of Americano should not reach the edges. Therefore, experts pour the drink into a larger cup.
Latte cup
The peculiarity of this drink is the large volume of liquid. To prepare a classic latte, you need at least 150 ml of milk. That is why the volume of the cup for this coffee drink must be much larger. As a rule, the drink is served in glasses with a volume of 220 to 300 ml. However, there is also a 360 ml version.
What size should a Frappuccino cup be?
This coffee cocktail has one of the largest volumes. Therefore, barista etiquette states that it should be poured into containers with a capacity starting from 350 ml. It is known that a large portion of Frappuccino can easily reach half a liter. It is the volume for this type of coffee that should be as large as possible.
Attention: Frappuccino is more considered a coffee dessert, so you should use special dessert glasses to serve it.
Advice: if you choose a cup for alternative brewing coffee (using a French press, geyser coffee maker, etc.), then it is recommended to pay attention to dishes that have a volume of 200-220 ml.
Choosing a coffee cup for home, office and coffee shop
Drinking coffee at home
In this case, you should pay attention to cups that have a volume of 170-200 ml. For most traditional drink options, this volume will be more than enough. This type of dishware is also ideal for preparing coffee in a cezve.
To the office
For the office, it is recommended to choose a cup with a universal capacity of 150-170 ml. By the way, psychologists recommend choosing a neutral color scheme for office coffee cups.
Choosing a cup for a coffee shop
Experts recommend getting three types of cups at once:
- 70-90 ml – for espresso and drinks prepared on its basis;
- 180-220 – for Americano and classic cappuccino;
- 280-360 – for latte and frappe.
It is recommended to purchase all types of cups from the same manufacturer. The uniformity of the dishes will emphasize the style of the establishment. Plus, don't forget that if you buy in bulk, you can save some money by getting a discount.
Which drink requires cups?
- Strong coffee. It is believed that the stronger the drink, the smaller the container should be. If you prefer this type of coffee drink, we recommend sticking to 100 ml cups.
- Coffee drinks. If you drink coffee in large volumes or prefer to dilute it with dairy products or all kinds of toppings, then you should pay attention to coffee cups with a volume of 200-300 ml.
Remember: it is better to purchase a product with thick walls. While thin-walled porcelain cups look nice, they won't keep your drink warm.
Selecting a coffee pair
If you decide to buy a coffee pair, you have to make a difficult choice. Such items are produced regularly and in large volumes, so it may be difficult for you to decide on the necessary, suitable volume.
When choosing a coffee pair, it is recommended to follow several rules:
- Small cups with a volume of up to 90 ml are recommended for those who love and know how to cook it.
- Cups of 180-220 ml are considered an ideal option for those who like to drink coffee in large volumes. Or he prefers to add dairy products to the drink.
A volume of 150-170 ml has long been considered universal. After all, it is suitable for coffee prepared according to any recipe. By the way, this version of the cup is considered an excellent gift for a person whose tastes you know very little or not well enough.
Remember that choosing the size of a coffee cup is a purely personal matter. However, with a few tips, you can buy coffeeware not only for yourself, but also as a gift.
Coffee cup volume
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For whom and what is such utensils needed?
One single container or a set of espresso cups is a great gift for real coffee lovers. The appropriate utensils will come in handy both at home and in the office.
These products are also in great demand in catering establishments. Espresso glasses are often offered here, and we are not talking about disposable plastic products, but about special accessories made of heat-resistant porcelain. They imitate disposable containers and are also available in a “creased” design. Such products can easily become the specialty of a coffee shop.
Espresso based drinks
Espresso
It is a coffee drink that is small in volume, strong and made from finely ground beans under high water pressure. Also, espresso should have crema. The ratio of the weight of ground coffee to the weight of the finished drink should be approximately 1:2... © "World Atlas of Coffee", James Hoffman
Americano
Interesting fact: filter coffee vs Americano! It all started with American soldiers and their love for black filter coffee.
The drink, which is prepared in an espresso machine, received the name “Americano” during the 2nd World War during the occupation of Italy by US troops. American soldiers, missing their homeland and missing black coffee, ordered unusually strong “Espresso” from Italian cafes and diluted it with hot water to make the drink look like filter coffee. Then the Italian baristas nicknamed him “Americano” (which means: American), and wrote down the recipe: “divine Espresso diluted with boiling water beyond recognition.”
Cappuccino
An espresso-based coffee drink with the addition of heated foamed milk. A thick layer of rich, creamy foam combined with sweet, warming milk and the rich flavor of a well-brewed espresso is an absolute delight... © The World Atlas of Coffee, James Hoffman
Flat white
Flat white - a coffee drink prepared by adding steamed milk with a small amount of foam to a double shot of espresso. Flat White was invented in the 1980s and there is still an ongoing debate about where Flat White was invented - in Australia or New Zealand, but undoubtedly somewhere there! A roaster and barista through experiments to find the balance between the flavors of coffee and milk. The barista eliminated the large amount of foam in the drink, reduced the proportions of milk (110 ml) and increased the amount of coffee (60 ml). ©Wikipedia
Latte
This drink was not invented in Italy. When espresso was tasted around the world, it was bitter, rich, and for many a completely new sensation. Some people didn't like the bitterness and added milk to make the drink smoother. Latte coffee was invented for such consumers. Typically, more milk is added to a latte to soften the taste than a cappuccino, but less cream. Many people know that if you order a latte in Italy, you can end up in an awkward position, because they will bring you a glass of... regular milk. ©The World Atlas of Coffee, James Hoffman
Raf
A purely Moscow invention. It was invented in 1996–1997 at Coffee Bean, the first coffee shop in Moscow opened according to the American model. When one of the regular guests, Rafael, asked to come up with something for him, three baristas - Gleb Neveikin, Artyom Berestov and Galina Samokhina - prepared coffee with cream and vanilla sugar. The drink began to be called “raf”. ©the Village
A complete list of espresso-based drinks can be found here: “39 Types of Coffee Drinks”
Filter coffee or espresso: which is better?
There is no clear answer to this question.
Filter coffee is sometimes the best way to taste all the flavors of unique coffee varieties that cannot be prepared in espresso. The process of making pour-over coffee is slow and soothing, sometimes called slow coffee.
However, the brewing time for filter coffee is not comparable to making espresso. Espresso is prepared completely differently, using completely different techniques, and is an incredibly fast way to get a quick caffeine fix.
Something else to take into account is your own preferences. Due to its thick, creamy consistency, espresso works well with milk. The creaminess of frothed milk usually adds even more sweetness to espresso, and the combination can be enjoyed in drinks like lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites.
Filter coffee, in comparison, tastes cleaner, smoother and less acidic, which means it's more likely to be drunk without milk. This allows you to more clearly appreciate the balance of coffee taste, its flavor shades from floral, citrus to caramel and chocolate.
In the end, your best choice will be whatever suits your preferences. Remember that each method of preparing coffee can produce completely different results depending on the type and origin of the coffee, degree of roast, processing methods, etc.
And that's the most amazing thing about coffee, isn't it? This drink always has a lot of variety to offer. So what do you choose?
Differences between Americano and espresso coffee
Many consider espresso and Americano to be similar recipes. They are indeed similar in composition, however, different methods of preparation turn them into two drinks with different tastes and properties.
- Americano is prepared on the basis of espresso, which is diluted with hot water to a volume of 150-180 ml. That is, for 40 ml of espresso add three times more hot water.
- Americano has a mild flavor and low caffeine content per serving.
- When strong and rich espresso is diluted with water, the sourness comes out much brighter, and the bitterness and strength of the taste are washed out. Therefore, in Americano you can feel fruity and woody flavors, which clearly appear in diluted espresso.
- Americano is served in large cups; it is traditionally served with milk and sugar, which enhance the weak taste of the drink.
- Espresso is much stronger, more expressive, richer. It has a small volume, unlike Americano.
What about brewing equipment?
When it comes to equipment, most basic filter coffee equipment (pour overs) are cheaper than buying a full-size espresso machine. This makes it less cost effective if you are not a professional or just starting to learn the coffee craft.
To filter coffee, all you need is a dripper, paper filters and a cup (although devices like a scale and thermometer will help you be more precise). There are different variations of drippers: Chemex, pour-over clover, Kalita, V60 and so on.
Each is made from different materials (plastic, glass, porcelain, etc.) and the difference between them is the size of the spill holes, the angle of inclination, the structure of the dripper, and so on.
Brewing Chemex
An espresso machine can cost you anywhere from a hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on your needs. An espresso coffee maker for home use will cost much less, but due to insufficient water pressure, it is unlikely to be able to prepare the correct espresso, for example, the same as what a barista prepares in a coffee shop using a professional espresso machine.
And of course the dimensions! An espresso machine takes up a lot of space and requires a lot of electricity. You will also need additional gadgets to operate the espresso machine (tamper, portafilters, dispersion screens, baskets for them, etc.). This list can be replenished with new innovative cool devices, and they will also not be cheap.
Espresso machine La Marzocco.
