How does the shape of an espresso cup affect the flavor?

How does the shape of an espresso cup affect the flavor? - Chocolate Sprinkles on Bread and a Cup of Coffee

Similar to the question:

Why do drinks drunk from a glass instead of a bottle taste differently?

Where the top answer notes the logic behind each glass for a particular drink:

Wine glasses, for example, are optimal for giving the nose an opportunity to experience the wine. They enclose a volume that allows you to swish the wine in the glass (without spilling it) to impart the aroma to air in the glass. The usually tapered opening keeps the aroma from dissipating before your nose can sense the wine.

Champagne flutes, keep the effervescent champagne or prosecco bubbly and cold long enough to enjoy the drink without it going flat.

Different beer glasses are optimal for showcasing the "head" and are tall for the same reason as champagne flutes (to keep the effervescence going as long as possible).

How does the shape of the typical (see below) espresso cup affect its flavor?

CC image used with permission: Credit to Flickr user davharuk.



Best Answer

As I see it, the typical espresso cup shape and material (Thanks JAIL!) does three things for espresso:

  1. the thick ceramic insulates the coffee, helping it retain heat as well as protecting your fingers from being burnt;
  2. the shape is compact rather than wide or tall, minimizing the ratio of surface area to volume, to further retain heat;
  3. the tapered cup and round bottom allow you to easily mix sugar and/or chocolate into your espresso, getting an even distribution in the liquid.

The round bottom of the typical espresso cup also makes it easy to clean. I have some very decorative square-bottomed espresso cups, and the inner corners are pretty much permanently stained.




Pictures about "How does the shape of an espresso cup affect the flavor?"

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How does the shape of an espresso cup affect the flavor? - From above of clear glass cup with hot aromatic drink placed near black metal spoon on beige table for coffee break
How does the shape of an espresso cup affect the flavor? - From above of geyser coffee maker pouring freshly brewed beverage into ceramic cup placed on white table



Quick Answer about "How does the shape of an espresso cup affect the flavor?"

A wider liquid surface, like with the rounded shape of the Excite, will give the coffee more air exposure, enhancing sweetness and body (but not acidity) due to faster coffee oxidation.

Does the shape of a cup influence coffee taste expectations?

Conclusions. The results of the survey reported here demonstrate that the shape of the mug influenced people's expectations of the taste and qualities of coffee that would be served in such a mug. Shape, or more likely 'volume', also influenced the amount participants were willing-to-pay for a coffee.

Does coffee taste different in different cups?

Did you know coffee cups often change the way that your coffee tastes? The colour of the mug itself can make the coffee taste different, and each colour has its own taste attributes! The colour of the mug itself can make the coffee taste different, and each colour has its own taste attributes.

What is the best shape for a coffee cup?

The correct mug shape is: Cylinder. No exceptions.

What type of cup is most appropriate for an espresso?

Ceramic/ Porcelain Ceramic or Porcelain is perhaps the most common type of material used in espresso cups. They are available in a wide range of colors and designs to suit any decor. Ceramic retains heat well ensuring your shot stays warm for longer. Ceramic is also safe in the microwave and dishwasher.



All Espresso Drinks Explained: Cappuccino vs Latte vs Flat White and more!




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Images: Cristiano De Luca, Engin Akyurt, Karolina Grabowska, Elle Hughes