A coffee cup is a type of drinkware used to hold hot drinks, such as coffee and hot chocolate. It is often used in cafes and restaurants, but can also be found at home. It can be made from different materials, including porcelain and ceramic, and it can have a handle or not. It can also come with a saucer or not.

There are a lot of different types of coffee cups on the market, from simple, elegant ones to those with patterns that look like they came off a pottery wheel. They can be made of porcelain, glass, ceramic, or even plastic. The size of the cup can vary too, from small to large. Some are also designed to be insulated and to keep the beverage warm for longer.

Traditionally, a coffee cup is a piece of drinkware that comes with a saucer. It is usually smaller than a teacup, and it has a handle that is easy to grip. The rim of the cup is usually wider than the base, and it can be made of different shapes and colors to make it more appealing. The coffee cup is normally the container of choice for espresso and other strong coffee drinks, as they require a little more room to accommodate the foamy crema.

It is worth noting that the type of cup you use can impact the taste of your coffee. A study published in 2018 revealed that the shape of the cup you use affects how much aroma is released and whether it is intense or subtle. A tulip-style cup, for example, creates more headspace and allows you to tilt it more, intensifying the aroma. Wider cups are also better for pouring, because they allow the liquid to cover more of the edges.

The most common types of coffee cups are made of porcelain and ceramic, although mugs are also often used. These cups are generally more expensive than other types of coffee cups, because they have to be crafted in such a way that the glaze and the clay don’t crack or break. Porcelain cups are also more fragile than other types of coffee cups, especially when they are filled with hot liquids.

In general, mugs are more durable and can be used with a variety of hot drinks. They are also more affordable, which makes them popular with consumers. They are also available in a variety of sizes, which is good because they can be used for a wide range of drinks, from smoothies to hot chocolate. The handles on mugs are larger than those on coffee cups, making them easier to grasp.

Mugs are also more likely to be disposable, which is good for the environment. They are ideal for on-the-go coffee drinkers who tend to slurp their joe rather than sip it slowly at work or in the car. They are also suitable for microwaved coffee and other hot beverages that are dispensed in paper cups from restaurants and other vendors.