What is Latte Art?
Latte art refers to creating decorative designs on the surface of lattes and other espresso-based coffee drinks. To perfect it, you must use the best cups for latte art to accommodate all required factors, including the proper cup movement.
That said, let’s find out more about the best latte cups.
What is a Latte Art Cup’s Size?
Notably, there are no standard guidelines regarding latte mug and cup sizes. But as a general reference, consider this:
- Cappuccino: 5 to 6 fluid ounces (150 to 180 milliliters)
- Cortado: 3 to 4 fluid ounces (90 to 120 milliliters)
- Espresso: 2 to 3 fluid ounces (60 to 90 milliliters)
- Flat white: 4 to 5 fluid ounces (120 to 150 milliliters)
- Starbucks Grande: 16 fluid ounces (475 milliliters)
- Latte: 10 fluid ounces (300 milliliters)
Our Tips for Choosing the Perfect Latte Art Cup
Bowl-Shaped Cups
For simpler latte art pouring, bowl-shaped cups are perfect. These cups for latte have no corners or edges, which makes it simpler to create elaborate designs by allowing the espresso to disperse and level when tilted.
Regular Mugs
Because of their high and narrow design, standard mugs can make creating latte art difficult. However, you can still use them.
Color
White or light-colored cups make the coffee crema and milk most visible for accentuating latte art, while dark cups hide the design.
Our Preferred Latte Art Cup
Although we reviewed some of the best latte art cups and mugs, the Bodum Glass Bistro 2-Piece stood out. Their transparent glass walls make the layered coffee crema and milk highly visible to accent the latte art.
Additionally, these cups feature the best technology to keep your latte cold or hot for a long time. Also, you can use them in a microwave, and cleaning them is easy using a dishwasher.
Our Hot Picks at a Glance
- Bodum Glass Bistro 2-Piece (Best high-tech latte cups)
- notNeutral Lino Porcelain Cup & Saucer (Most optimized cup for latte art)
- Hearth Double Walled Glass Coffee Mugs (Best heat-resistant latte mugs)
- Royal Doulton Coffee Studio Latte Cup & Saucer Set (Best large-sized latte cup)
- Lysenn Iridescent Glass Coffee Mug With Lid (Most durable latte mug)
- Teocera Porcelain Jumbo Coffee Mugs Set (Best freezer-safe latte mugs)
- Norpro My Favorite Jumbo Porcelain Mugs (Most versatile latte mug)
- Coffeezone Ceramic Latte Art Cup and Saucer (Best professional-style latte cup)
- Sweese 407.003 Porcelain Latte Cups (Best stackable latte cups)
- Coffeezone Latte Art Cup and Saucer (Best thick body latte cup)
The Best Latte A Reviewed
Bodum Glass Bistro 2-Piece : Best High-Tech Latte Cups
About This Product
The Bodum Glass Bistro 2-Piece cup-set features two walls of heat-resistant, mouth-brown borosilicate glass that forms an effective insulation layer. So, your latte will remain hot or cold for long. Also, it is safe to use in the microwave and clean in a dishwasher.
In a nutshell, this cup set combines optimal visibility, smoothness, shape, size, and pouring access without insulation fog getting in the way of crafting stunning latte masterpieces. Lastly, because there won’t be any untidy condensation, coasters are unnecessary.
- Brand: Bodum
- Three features: Double-wall, base silicone valve for balancing wall pressure, 15-fluid ounce (443.6-milliliter) capacity
- Color/s: Clear
- Material: Glass
Pros | Cons |
They are lightweight, making them easy to hold and use. | They are quite delicate, and you cannot use either automatic ice dispensers or metal spoons on them. |
The double wall construction creates a highly effective layer of insulation. |
notNeutral Lino Porcelain Cup & Saucer : Most Optimized Cup for Latte Art
Amazon’s Choice in Cup & Saucer Sets by NotNeutral
About This Product
The notNeutral Lino Porcelain Cup & Saucer has an exquisite design and distinctive shape. Each cup’s internal curvature has a design produced in collaboration with award-winning baristas to optimize latte art and thermal insulation. Additionally, the handle, flush with the rim, guarantees comfort and control for both the drinker and the barista.
- Brand: notNeutral
- Three features: Microwave and dishwasher safe, thermal insulation, 12-fluid ounce (354.9-milliliter) capacity
- Color/s: White, matte black, light gray
- Material: Porcelain
Pros | Cons |
The cup fits perfectly in most espresso makers. | Some Amazon customers claim it is too small to hold 12 ounces (354.9 milliliters). |
The saucer has a concave center that holds the cup in place without sliding. |
Hearth Double Walled Glass Coffee Mugs : Best Heat-Resistant Latte Mugs
About This Product
The insulated Hearth Double Walled Glass Coffee Mugs prevent hand burns and prolong the warmth of your latte to keep your artwork in good shape for longer. This set of two glass coffee cups is microwave-safe and scratch-resistant.
They are the ideal glasses for hot beverages because they are made of borosilicate, making them significantly stronger and tougher than regular (soda-lime) glass. So, they can withstand higher temperatures and hold boiling water. Additionally, they are more resilient to acidic beverages and are BPA-free and environmentally friendly.
- Brand: Hearth
- Three features: Double-walled, insulated, 8-fluid ounce (236.6-milliliter) capacity
- Color/s: Smoke, amber, clear
- Material: Glass
Pros | Cons |
They have a rare design, making it a unique addition to your collection. | Some Amazon customers claim the cups are fragile and can break easily, especially when cleaning them. |
Royal Doulton Coffee Studio Latte Cup & Saucer Set : Best Large-Sized Latte Cup
About This Product
The inspiration to make the Royal Doulton Coffee Studio Latte Cup & Saucer Set comes from the laid-back atmosphere of a coffee shop. This chic latte cup and saucer set has a partially dipped glaze design that brings a barista-style coffee into your home. It is also dishwasher, microwave-safe, and chip-resistant.
The set’s large, rounded cup has a capacity that accommodates ample steamed milk for crafting creative specialty coffee drinks, offering more artistic freedom compared to traditional smaller cups.
- Brand: Royal Doulton
- Three features: Partially dipped glaze design for a stylish home experience, 15-fluid ounce (443.6-milliliter) capacity.
- Color/s: Various
- Material: Porcelain
Pros | Cons |
It has a large size that makes it ideal for latte art experiments. | Some Amazon customers claim that this cup is slippery during hand washing. |
Other reviewers claim that its actual capacity is smaller than indicated. |
Lysenn Iridescent Glass Coffee Mug With Lid : Most Durable Latte Mug
About This Product
The Lysenn Iridescent Glass Coffee Mug With Lid is elegant, bright, and non-toxic due to its premium unleaded composition, which undergoes rigorous testing at every production stage. It has a slick, glossy interior glass surface that allows the milk to spread evenly when poured and facilitates the creation of crisp-defined latte art.
Its handcrafted vertical stripe pattern, which enhances the beauty of any table, allows the beverage’s color to shine.
Because it isn’t too big or small, this cup is comfortable for your hand to grip. In addition, the glass cup is durable and less prone to break due to its solid, sturdy shape. Lastly, the bamboo cover prolongs the warmth of your beverage.
- Brand: Lysenn
- Three features: Handmade vertical stripes, sturdy and solid design, 12.5-fluid ounce capacity
- Color/s:
- Iridescent
- Amber
- Amethyst purple
- Brown
- Clear
- Golden yellow
- Lime green
- Pink
- Rose gold
- Sky blue
- Violet gray
- Material: Glass
Pros | Cons |
It comes in various colors for an option that matches your preference. | It is not dishwasher safe, making its cleaning tedious. |
The lid does not have suction to keep it in place to prevent leakage. |
Teocera Porcelain Jumbo Coffee Mugs Set : Best Freezer-Safe Latte Mugs
About This Product
The Teocera Porcelain Jumbo Coffee Mugs Set features big coffee mugs with rounded bottoms, wide tops, and wide handles with a squared-off top. These features make holding the cups more comfortable.
These best latte art cups are perfect for those who enjoy large lattes because of their extra-large capacity. Also, they are dishwasher safe and resistant to both heat and cold, which further enhances their durability and cleaning ease.
- Brand: Teocera
- Three features: Freezer-safe, microwave-safe, 16-fluid ounce (473.2-milliliter) capacity
- Color/s: White, turquoise
- Material: Porcelain
Pros | Cons |
These are some of the few cups in the market you can use to make frozen lattes because it is freezer-safe. | They don’t come with a saucer, making their probability of tipping and spilling your drink high. |
Norpro My Favorite Jumbo Porcelain Mugs : Most Versatile Latte Mug
Amazon’s Choice in Mugs by Norpro
About This Product
The Norpro My Favorite Jumbo Porcelain Mug is a dish and mug combined! Its ergonomic grip and well-formed design make its holding easy and perfect for serving lattes and other beverages. Also, its cylindrical sides give space for symmetrical pouring and etching sharp lines and details.
Additionally, it has a glossy glazed inside that enables the steamed milk to spread smoothly when poured. Lastly, it is versatile and microwave-safe.
- Brand: Norpro
- Three features: Dishwasher-safe, versatile, 16-fluid ounce (473.2-milliliter) capacity
- Color/s: White
- Material: Porcelain
Pros | Cons |
Some Amazon customers have used the cups for over six years, meaning the cups are very durable. | The bottom ring is rough and can scratch the surface when pulled across. |
Coffeezone Ceramic Latte Art Cup and Saucer : Best Professional-Style Latte Cup
About This Product
This cup’s white interior provides contrast for you to see your latte art perfectly. Also, its thick walls keep your latte warm to maintain its flavor. An additional benefit is that the lip’s edge is just the right thickness. Not too thick nor too narrow, making it possible to sip your latte without any spill.
- Brand: Coffeezone
- Three features: 10.5, 5, 8.5-fluid ounce (310.5, 147.9, 251.4-milliliter) capacity, round bottom, thick body
- Color/s:
- Glossy black
- Matte orange
- Glossy light blue
- Glossy pink
- Glossy red
- Glossy white
- Matte black
- Matte brown
- Matte white
- Matte yellow
- Material: Porcelain
Pros | Cons |
The wide range of colors makes it easy to find your preferred option. | It’s hand-wash only, making its cleaning tedious. |
It’s not microwave-safe, meaning you cannot use it to warm your latte. |
Sweese 407.003 Porcelain Latte Cups : Best Stackable Latte Cups
About This Product
With a contemporary design, this set of stackable mugs maximizes kitchen storage while saving cabinet space. Also, they have classic shapes perfect for various eating settings, from informal to formal.
In addition, they are more durable than stoneware, chip-resistant, lead-free, and safe for dishwashers, microwaves, and freezers. Also, their bright white interior maximizes contrast with the crema for vibrant popping latte art.
- Brand: Sweese
- Three features: Space-saving design, bright multi-coloring, 10-fluid ounce (296-milliliter) capacity
- Color/s: Assorted
- Material: Porcelain
Pros | Cons |
Their material is stain-free, making their cleaning easy either manually or with a dishwasher. | Some Amazon customers claim that the handle is too high to hold comfortably. |
Coffeezone Latte Art Cup and Saucer : Best Thick Body Latte Cup
About This Product
You can experience the atmosphere of authentic Italian coffee with the Coffeezone Latte Art Cup and Saucer. Its polished style makes it perfect for latte art creations because it allows the steamed milk to spread evenly to create detailed art.
Also, because of its thick body, your latte retains its flavor and warmth. Lastly, its package includes a coaster.
- Brand: Coffeezone
- Three features: Round bottom, thick body, 10.5, 5, 8.5-fluid ounce (310.5, 147.9, 251.4-milliliter) capacity
- Color/s:
- Glossy black
- Matte orange
- Glossy light blue
- Glossy pink
- Glossy red
- Glossy white
- Matte black
- Matte brown
- Matte white
- Matte yellow
- Material: Porcelain
Pros | Cons |
It is short enough to fit under most portafilters. | It’s hand wash only, making its cleaning tedious. |
It has different sizes to match your latte appetite. | Some Amazon customers complain that its handle is too small for their hands. |
What to Look for in Latte Art Cups
Size
The standard serving latte cup size for a cafe latte is 8 to 12 fluid ounces (236.6 to 354.9 milliliters). However, some people nowadays like bigger cups to hold more milk and reduce coffee bitterness.
However, make sure the large-sized cup you choose isn’t excessively tall or narrow when shopping. Inconsistent measurements can cause problems while creating drinks, particularly in the case of latte art.
Material
Glass, porcelain, and double-walled glass each offer distinct advantages. However, the ideal material is largely a matter of personal preference. Importantly, always consider the feel of the cup in your hands when weighing material selections, the goals for your latte art, and the general style that brings in more sales to your cafe.
Shape
The ideal cup form for latte art is always bowl-shaped. It offers an excellent “hand feel” as well, especially when you hold it with your two hands. Additionally, it’s ideal to ensure that your fingers won’t become trapped in the handle mid-rosetta if you intend to pour latte art.
Purpose
You should choose a bowl-style cup if you plan to learn more about latte art. It produces consistent results.
Although challenging, latte art is still doable if you choose a more conventional mug shape. Such a cup allows a thick foam layer to form on top of your latte.
Durability
Ensure the latte mugs you buy have some degree of durability if you plan to use them every day. Undeniably, it’s lovely to use fine china for special occasions. However, for daily use, look for latte cups that are dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and chip-resistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Can’t Lattes Be Served in Standard Coffee Mugs?
If you serve lattes in standard coffee mugs, you won’t have as much comfort or control when pouring latte art. Also, latte art is not prominently featured in standard cups.
What Size is a Traditional Latte?
A standard cafe latte cup has a 12-fluid ounce (354.9-milliliter) capacity.
Can You Make a Latte Without an Espresso Machine?
Yes, you can. One way to do it is to Use an Aeropress or Moka pot to brew a small amount of robust coffee. Two tablespoons of finely ground coffee with about 1 ounce (28.3 grams) of hot water pressed through will create a concentrated shot. Add this coffee concentrate to hot milk.
What is the Best Material for Latte Art Cups?
The traditional choice for latte cups is ceramic or porcelain. However, glass cups are becoming increasingly common for lattes.
How Do I Pour Latte Art Into a Regular Cup?
To pour latte art into a regular cup, do the following:
- To begin, pour one or more espresso shots into your regular cup.
- Steam milk until it becomes velvety and smooth.
- Pour the steamed milk slowly into the center of the espresso shot(s) while holding the cup at a slight slant.
- As the cup fills, lift the pitcher and tilt it from side to side to make patterns.
- Practice pouring while progressively accelerating your speed for simple designs like a heart or rosetta.
Parting Words:
We believe you now know the best cups for latte art to buy and change your latte drinking experience.
If still unsure, get yourself the Bodum Glass Bistro 2-Piece . These cups can keep your latte hot or cold for a long time to maintain your art designs. They also make the layered coffee crema and milk highly visible for accentuating the latte art.