Espresso Cups - 1989Design

cups of coffee

(but with these manners, oh bridget, you look like a cup of coffee. underneath you hide the sugar and on top instead you are bitter, roberto murolo, a tazza ‘e café).

Reading: Italian coffee cup

These are the words of one of the great composers of Neapolitan music, one of the most distinctive and ancient sounds of the entire Italian scene, whose main exponents include celebrities such as the late Roberto Murolo and Daniele Pino, in addition to the present – daytime stars like nino d’angelo and gigi d’alessio.

In these short verses, now recorded in the history of the Belpaese song, the beauty and uniqueness of a woman is narrated through a metaphor with an intense and decisive flavor: a cup of coffee. two of the most fruitful sides of naples, poetry and coffee, find the perfect amalgam to support another character that has always belonged to the people of campania: charm and the ability to exalt beauty in all its forms. .

in the center of the notes, between deep voices and vibrating strings, always her, the dish and the drink that resides in the hearts of enthusiasts and simple consumers from all over the world, but above all from the Italian peninsula: the coffee.

here we will deal with the instrument, the vector, through which this “black ambrosia” touches the lips and tickles the palate of everyone every morning, every afternoon and (why not) for some even every night.

the history of coffee cups

For centuries, the cup has been the perfect container for coffee, far more suitable than a simple table glass, a delicate goblet or a small glass inlaid with the most varied motifs. Although coffee can also be served in a glass, the porcelain cup seems to be the ideal key to serving a drink to its full potential, as the intrinsic characteristics of the material allow it to retain heat for longer, thus helping to enhance the taste of the coffee itself as fully as possible. But where did the cup come from? Who was its inventor and what etymology lies behind its name?

The Italian word for cup, ‘la tazza’, seems to have its origin in the Arabic ‘tassah’, an old traditional glass in the Middle Eastern world in which drinks were usually served. arabia, or at any rate the world beyond the mediterranean sea and the natural borders of turkey and the caspian sea, always comes up when talking about coffee. The Arabica variety is one of the main components of the coffee that we all enjoy at our tables today. The diffusion of the cup of coffee in Europe seems to date back to the Middle Ages, more precisely to the time of the Crusades, when armies of subjects of the Pope and of the Christian religion went to Islamic lands to fight against the ‘infidels’.

According to the most contrasted historiographical sources, in fact, tableware in majolica or porcelain already in the 15th and 16th centuries included the beloved coffee cups, with a narrower shape below than the top, with or without a lid, but all without a handle. Decorated in most cases with a variety of motifs, from geometric to floral and landscape, they were the ones who welcomed coffee to our tables when it arrived in Europe during the 17th century.

coffee cups and the strange way to use them

Today we know coffee cups as an integral part of a set that also includes a metal or, for more frugal occasions, a plastic spoon and a saucer, almost always matching the cup in both color and composition of materials . However, this was not always like that. If coffee cups appeared in Europe during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, saucers arrived much later, only during the eighteenth century, and immediately took over, so much so that they became the protagonists of a custom that today, we would think that we are dealing with a madman. in those days, the saucer was used to chill coffee. how? was poured over it to drink from the saucer itself. however, it was not long before this custom was considered inelegant, or even offensive, and it soon fell into disuse. very effective and fast way to cool hot liquids.

Up to this point in history, the term ‘cup’ has always been used to refer to the container of coffee. why? The reason is that the coffee cup as we know it today was not invented until the mid-eighteenth century in England by the Briton Josiah Wedgwood, who perfected the use of majolica. and the name tazzini? It is not a diminutive of ‘tazza’, as many might think at first glance, but rather owes its origin to an Italian, Luigi Tazzini, the true promoter of the modern shape of coffee cups. designed several, each one adapted to a specific use: “the tazzinin” for drinking espresso coffee, “the tazzin” for wine, and “the tazzinetta >” for latte. this led to a meticulous and precise production, made of special materials and techniques intended to enhance a single element: the espresso coffee.

the importance of the right cups of espresso

Espresso cups are the first thing a true Italian Espresso lover sees when he or she wakes up, and they are the perfect companions for every moment of break and relaxation, alone or in company, at work or in leisure time. From the inside, they release the taste and aromas of a boiling blend of exotic beans, ground and extracted at high temperature. The result of this harmony gives a tasty and elegant break, the right step to start the day with sprint. Be careful though, all this is only possible if you use the perfect espresso cup for your needs. Espressocups are not only used to hold the drink but also to enhance its taste, color, aroma and flavor. The right cup has a balance between design and practicality, which is why it is essential to use the perfect cup, to make the most of this heavenly moment.

the perfect cup of espresso

Like many other kitchen objects used around the world, coffee cups are the product of Italian passion and ingenuity. they are simple only in appearance; in fact, their shape is carefully studied to enhance the drink they contain. their ideal shape makes them narrower at the base, with a curved bottom to facilitate the lifting of the cream, wider at the top to release and amplify the aromas and with a well-proportioned handle to facilitate a firm grip without inconvenience. each cup, of course, must be accompanied by the appropriate saucer, which is used to collect spilled coffee drops and to hold the spoon. the important thing is that each cup has the right properties.

The best espresso cups are those made of thick glazed ceramic, perfect because they do not alter the flavor of the coffee and because they maintain the optimum temperature of the beverage contained for as long as possible. each cup of coffee can contain 40 to 50 ml of drink: the ideal size considering that the classic espresso is only 25 ml. the extra space serves to prevent the coffee from spilling when the spoon is dipped or when a larger quantity of drink is poured, for example for a long coffee or a macchiato.

a new set of espresso cups for a new experience

There are several ways to drink coffee. There are those who prefer a small espresso, those who prefer to stretch it with a little milk or boiling water, those who enjoy it bitter and those who need sugar. Coffee is love, and we know that the heart is not in command, so everyone has the freedom to taste it as they wish. Coffee cups are also designed to meet different needs. They can be larger, smaller, colorful, white, decorated, round, or square. The important thing is that the character of each cup reflects the personality and character of the person who uses it. A set of new coffee cups is the ideal gift, for yourself or for friends and relatives who love coffee. We must not underestimate the value that a new service can bring to our tables.

From the beautiful, discreet, soft and rounded lines of the classic mug to the more extravagant lines of modern mugs, a new set can add that touch of originality, art and color that our kitchen needs. can break the monotony and renew the coffee experience. can finally replace the old set that we don’t even have all the parts for anymore. In conclusion, we can say that having the perfect cup brings advantages in many ways: it will make your coffee break more enjoyable, it will decorate and complete your kitchen, and it will capture the attention of your guests.

espresso cups & espresso cups

The espresso is a popular coffee drink worldwide, which is part of the daily life of millions of people. With espresso, hot water is pressed through the finely ground coffee powder at high pressure, resulting in an enjoyable coffee with a delicate golden-brown cap. Every good espresso comes with a suitable espresso cup.

In the following text we will go into all the important points you should know about a cup of espresso.

cup of espresso: is it important or not?

The taste of espresso, which has characterized the coffee market for years, also depends on the right cup of espresso. The correct espresso cup of the mystery espresso not only makes a visual impression, but also plays an important role in later enjoyment.

The preparation, as well as the shape of the cup, are fundamental to the flavor of the espresso, which is also simply called “coffee” in the country of origin, Italy. Since there are so many cups to choose from, we have exclusively made available the highest quality espresso cups in our range.

Which cup to choose? We have compiled some points for you.

espresso cups – everything you need to know

Finding the right cup of espresso isn’t always that easy due to the sheer number of options available. We have listed some criteria that can help you choose the cup that best suits your needs.

We invite you to take a look at the espresso cups in our assortment, we are sure that there is something for your taste.

the production of porcelain espresso cups and saucer sets

Have you ever wondered how these porcelain mugs are made? Why are they different from other mugs? What raw materials are these mugs made of? we would like to answer these and other questions in the following text.

what do espresso cups consist of?

The origin of porcelain production: For the production of porcelain espresso or cappuccino cups, three main components are used: kaolin, quartz, and feldspar.The kaolin constitutes 50% of the materials used for the cup and is also known as aluminum silicate, porcelain clay, or porcelain earth. It consists of silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, and also silica. Depending on the country of production and the cultivation area, different amounts of “impurities” are contained.

the proportion of quartz is 25%. From a chemical point of view, quartz is silicon dioxide. In rural areas, quartz is also known as quartz sand, which is used to produce porcelain and ceramics, as well as for the cement and glass industry.

feldspar also contributes its share of 25%. It is a silicate mineral, in which other elements such as aluminum, sodium, barium, calcium, among others, can be found.

how are espresso cups made?

sometimes raw minerals need to be purified to remove disturbing substances. they are then pulverized and mixed in drum mills. Depending on the company, other substances are also added as casting materials. these are an important factor during processing and for the subsequent final product, in our case the espresso cups.

espresso cup saucers

An automatic lathe is used for the saucers, while the casting process is used for the cups. this means that the liquid raw porcelain is filled in a negative impression of the espresso cups, which gives them their shape. After a sufficient rest period, the cups are removed from the printing process. now only the handle is missing, which is also glued with a thick porcelain paste.

The saucers can also be manufactured with the raw porcelain in a negative mould. After the finished saucer has rested enough, it is carefully removed from the mold. This requires a steady hand because the saucer can wobble if it fails.

Cymbals that have their support surface in the middle are easier to make than those that don’t have their support surface exactly in the middle.

the handle of the cup

The part where the most can go wrong and where the most hands are needed is the handle of the mug. the procedure to make sure the handles are straight and in the correct position requires a lot of practice and concentration. finally, the transition between the hilt and the handle must be smooth. if the handle is not applied firmly enough, gaps may appear that look unattractive and carry the risk of the handle breaking relatively soon.

During the process, the inside of the handle is carefully checked and reworked.

the burning of the cups

After removing the cups from their molds, the next step is the pottery kiln. The first firing is carried out at a temperature of almost 900-1000°C, which can last from 17 to 20 hours. after this process, the surface is still somewhat rough and brittle.

The next step is the glaze firing. For this, enormous temperatures up to 1500°C are required. The cups are sometimes in the oven for up to 30 hours and the porcelain sinters, meaning that it is heated just below melting temperature, so the pores are reduced which also leads to contraction, but the shape remains stable. After the glaze firing, the cups have a much smaller volume.

images, motifs and colors on cups – espresso cups

Cups that have different drawings, patterns, or colors are made from foil or hand-painted. These cups must undergo another firing at a temperature of up to 900° c. it is often observed that the colors of the motifs often change during firing. the final color can only be seen after the last firing. To be able to estimate color changes requires a lot of time, a lot of experience and discipline.

what is the difference between espresso and mocha cups?

mocha cups have a long tradition, and the preparation of mocha coffee is different from other coffee drinks. especially in turkey or greece, this preparation is very popular. mocha is made from special beans, which may have a chocolate note, usually boiled with a little sugar a couple of times in a special mocha pot. Because the coffee grounds remain in the pot during the boiling process and transfer, choose mugs with a narrow bottom. this allows you to slightly tilt the cup as you drink, allowing you to enjoy your drink without disturbing the coffee grounds.

Since the coffee grounds do not remain in the base of the classic espresso, you can also use cups with a slightly wider base.

turkey/greek mocha cups

The Turkish mocha cups are usually very thick-walled, as the mocha is served very hot. In Turkey, the mocha has a high caffeine content of about 130mg. Most of the time, Turkish mocha cups have inscriptions with oriental designs. Porcelain cups can also be set in a cage made of zamac, an alloy of zinc and copper, or made only of this alloy. They can be served with a lid modeled after an oriental dome.

The traditional Greek mocha cup is typically white and has no hole in the handle. It has a matching saucer and a small spoon. Of course, there are also models with motifs and writing on the Greek mugs, in which the plain white corresponds to the Greek standard.

espresso cup sets for what occasion? your call…

To enjoy the perfect coffee, we have a wide variety of cups in different shapes and with different motifs. there are the typical porcelain cups with round or square handles, but also glass espresso cups, which give us an optimal view of the content of the coffee. many companies that previously only sold coffee have also ventured into the production of coffee cups.

so it is possible to buy individual cups and saucers or even complete sets from the most exclusive brands such as lucaffè, essse masini, la tazza d’oro, pellini, lavazza and many more. if you are looking for a set with a retro look, the caffè mauro vintage cup set is a perfect choice.

set of gift espresso cupsin the image you can see the mauro set. a great gift for any coffee break, whether at home or in the office.

There is a wide selection of white espresso cups, brown espresso cups and designer espresso cups.

If you don’t care too much about the “thickness” of the cups, you can choose between those with a more exclusive design. If you prefer colorful motifs, you should take a look at the high-quality mugs from Lucaffè. the most important factor is that the top has more surface area than the bottom so that the golden cream can develop. we recommend ordering the cup and saucer from the same manufacturer. they fit and don’t wobble.

From the beautiful, understated and smooth rounded lines of the classic mug to the more whimsical lines of modern mugs, a new set can add that touch of originality, artistry and color a kitchen needs. can break the monotony and renew the coffee experience. can finally replace the old set that we don’t even have all the parts for anymore.

the mug must please you personally and therefore we hope to help you with this wealth of information and advice.

different types of coffee cups

In addition to its own coffee blends in all specialties, each brand also produces its own assortment of coffee cups, accompanied by saucers and spoons, some of which are truly unique. simple, monochrome or even achromatic, showing the natural appearance of porcelain. or painted and enriched with special decorations, dedicated to a particular historical period, a time of year or inspired by vegetation, geometric patterns and fantasy shapes. the coffee cups available in the market can really satisfy all tastes, even the most demanding.

One of the most characteristic products is undoubtedly the ceramic coffee cup that sant’eustachio manufactures and offers. With its characteristic bright yellow color, it has ribs on the outside that vaguely resemble the plastic containers of vending machines, thus combining practicality with aesthetic taste. A company-designed spoon is also available, with a unique curved shape that allows it to perch on the rim of the cup like an owl waiting to find its prey. Less futuristic on the outside, but the guardians of avant-garde design and craftsmanship, are the coffee mugs offered by club house. don’t be fooled by its simple and frugal appearance. 15 years of experience and 3D rendering techniques are hidden behind the monochrome packaging, even capable of guiding the customer in the preparation itself. available in blue, violet, gray or yellow, they can also be customized directly from the company’s website with decorations above and below the glaze.lucaffè, on the one hand, is a collector’s item . the firm from Brescia creates designs on its coffee cups with excellent style and quality, specifically designed for lovers of detail. Here are some mugs inspired by and dedicated to the great cartoonist Milo Manara, author of famous manga and comics, as well as one inspired by The Godfather: Brown, featuring the protagonist in white in the act of having a delicious coffee. classicism and innovation, on the other hand, are the pillars on which a julius meinl glass is built. created by designer matteo thun, the austrian company’s products help coffee preserve all its aroma and delicate flavor. tradition, avant-garde techniques, contemporary ideas. a cup of coffee encompasses all this, combining the art of taste with the art of design, from the ceramic elaboration of the case itself to the creation of drawings and vignettes on its walls. because each mix requires its own personal cup.

the cup must please you personally and therefore we hope we have been able to help you with this wealth of information and advice.

In conclusion, then, we can say that having the perfect cup brings benefits in more ways than one: it will make your coffee break more enjoyable, it will decorate and complement your kitchen, and it will catch the attention of your guests. .

customer service will help you with your questions about espresso cups.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 040 822 4567 90. We are at your service from Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. .

the most important points in conclusion

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