If you want to make coffee art in your cappuccino cup the type of cup you use matters. Although you can pour coffee art in any type of cup, there are a few styles that make it a lot easier. In this post we'll be listing the best cappuccino cups and mugs to make coffee art. This blog is called "latte art guide" for a reason, so we know a few things about the topic.
The cappuccino cup I use at home.
I'll start of by listing the three best cappuccino mugs and cups for cappuccino art, before talking about why some shapes are better than others.
Coffee art pick
When it comes to making coffee art, these cups from Coffeezone are great as have the three qualities needed to make coffee art: a nice curve, big surface area, and thick porcelain walls to retain heat. They also come in multiple colors.
Also good
If you prefer a textured look, these cups from KIVY are also good cappuccino cups for coffee art as they also have a nice curve, surface area and thick walls. They come in four different colors.
Great cappuccino mug
If you're looking for a good mug to make coffee art, these ones from Mora are good, as they curve gently cup towards the surface that allows the milk to flow easier to make coffee art.
What makes a good cappuccino cup for coffee art?
There are three main factors that you should look for when buying a cappuccino cup or mug for cappuccino art: a nice curve, a wide top, and good build quality.
1. A nice curve
The most number one factor when looking for a good cappuccino cup is the curve of it. You want the cup to gradually curve from the base to the top without straight vertical lines. Although you can make coffee art in any type of cup, having a cappuccino cup that curves to the top makes it easier. You will find that the milk flows in a uniform pattern that helps you create uniform coffee art.
2. A wide top
Next up you would a wide top with a large surface area. This is because the bigger the top, the more space you have to make your coffee art. If the cappuccino mug or cup is too narrow at the top, you'll run out of space when making more complicated designs.
The wide top of this cappuccino cup helps you fit more coffee art.
3. Good build quality
The final thing to look out for is the quality of the cup. You want to buy one that has thick walls to retain heat well. This is because you want the espresso in your cup to remain hot while steaming your milk to make coffee art. If the espresso goes cold the canvas won’t be as good. You will also find that cappuccino cups that retain heat well allow the coffee art to last longer, too.
What types of cappuccino mugs are good for coffee art?
When it comes to mugs, they are a bit harder to make coffee art in as they break the first rule I've noted above, they don’t have a gradual curve. Rather, they have to by their design be more vertical to fit more liquid in it. That's what makes a mug a mug.
However, there are some designs cappuccino mugs that are better than others. These are the ones that curve outwards rather than straight up like the Mora cappuccino mug we selected above. This will allow the milk to slip and glide easier compared to a mug that is fully vertical.
A good sized cup allows you to make better cappuccino art.
What size and type should a cappuccino cup be?
The bigger the cup or mug gets, the harder it gets to make coffee art as there is more milk to push against. That's why when it comes to making cappuccino art in cups, I find that the best sizes are 6-8 ounces (180-230ml). However bigger cups won’t stop you from making cappuccino art once you get the technique down right, but it is a lot easier with a smaller cup size.
What type of cappuccino cups & mugs do baristas use?
In a cafe setting you will find that baristas use two types of cups and mugs. Typically, a standard 6 ounces (180ml) cup and a 12oz (340ml) mug - at least in Australia where I am from. But it does vary depending on your region.
Conclusion
And there we have it. You now have a good idea on what makes a good cappuccino cup or mug to make coffee art. In summary, I like the one from coffee zone the best for cappuccino art.
Coffee art pick
When it comes to making coffee art, these cups from Coffeezone are great as have the three qualities needed to make coffee art: a nice curve, big surface area, and thick porcelain walls to retain heat. They also come in multiple colors.
