Espresso Cups and Demitasse Cups Glossary


Here is a short glossary of terms commonly associated with espresso cups. I am sure that I am missing a few other important terms, but these are the core terms and should help you find what you are looking for. I could certainly go crazy and start adding an entry for all of the espresso based drinks out there, but I think I would go banana long before getting that list done! Enjoy…

    Bar Sets – Usually more rugged and durable construction with slightly less finishing details. Bar sets are often what you will be served with at your local restaurant.

    Cup tray – the tray where you place your espresso cup when you begin to brew

    Cup Warmer – the part of the espresso machine where you place the espresso cups to warm them prior to brewing the espresso.

    Demitasse – Another name for espresso cups. Typically 2-3 ounces in size.

    Demitasse Spoons – A demitasse or espresso spoon is smaller than a teaspoon.

    Designer Sets – These are the high quality porcelain cups that usually have a name brand designer’s artwork on them. Certain patterns have become very highly collectable.

    Dosage – The amount of coffee used to product an espresso

    Cappuccino Cup – These are very similar in style to espresso cups except that they are usually around 6 ounces in size.

    Espresso Cup Sets – The word sets refers to many groupings of espresso cup items. A set can refer to a cup and a saucer. Sets also refer to more than one pairs of cups and saucers. Sets can come in 2 pairs of cups and saucers up to 6 pairs of cups and saucers.

    Materials that espresso cups are made from

    • Glass Espresso Cups – a good choice in double walled construction that improves thermal properties

    • Porcelain Espresso Cups – the traditional material used to make espresso cups. The art or designer models have become very collectible.

    • Stainless Steel Espresso Cups – a good choice in double walled construction that improves thermal properties

    Pods – a self contained single serving of ground coffee. Often come in standard configuration called ECS (Easy Serve Espresso). Pods can also be found as “single serve coffee”.

    Thermal Insulated – Thermal Insulated is a term used to describe a cup that has been designed to aid in heat retention. The most common method of thermal insulating is the double walled designed used in glass and stainless steel espresso cups.