Looking for the best mugs for latte art? You've come the the right place!
There's so much that goes into making amazing latte art.
Good espresso is one key element, and of course the frothy milk is another.
But one important aspect in making the perfect latte, and enjoying it, is the coffee mug!
Maybe I'm just picky, but hey, looks affect taste. 😉
And anyway, have you ever had a cup of coffee in a mug that just didn't have a comfortable hold?
Or maybe the lip of the mug was just too thick?
It left you with coffee everywhere and probably a hand cramp, right?
Not ideal when I'm trying to indulge in a delicious latte during a break in the day.
There's just something super satisfying about an over-sized mug that's filled to the brim with frothy milk-espresso goodness.
The best part is always the latte art that's decorated on top.
It always makes me feel like I have my life together, because that's what great coffee equals, right?
In this article I've reviewed some of the best cups for latte art!
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My Top Pick | My Top Pick | Teocera Porcelain Jumbo Mugs
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| View on Amazon |
Norpro Jumbo Mugs
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Bodum Large Double Wall Glass Latte Mug
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| View on Amazon | ||
Jumbo Extra Large Ceramic Coffee Mug
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| View on Amazon | ||
Espresso Parts Porcelain Large Latte Cups
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| View on Amazon | ||
Revolution Mod Latte Cup
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| View on Amazon |
Best Cups for Latte Art in 2020
I love these affordable latte art cup options, and you will too. From big lips and spouts to tall glasses for extra froth, these are my favorite picks for latte art mugs!
What is Latte Art?
So you probably already know that latte art is the awesome frothy pattern that comes with your local barista's signature latte and the best coffee, but you might not know what actually goes into that amazing piece of art.
Latte art happens when microfoam and espresso mix.
The mixture allows baristas to freestyle a pattern on the top of the frothy latte as they combined espresso with milk.
From my experience, the prettier the pattern, the better even the best coffee tastes.
If a barista can create a precise design on the top of your drink, chances are they can also create the perfect combination of milk and espresso.
How To Do Latte Art
A great latte shouldn't just be for visits to fancy coffee shops.
If you have the right gear, you can perfect your latte art cupping skills and treat yourself more often, you at-home-barista you.
Key Aspects of Latte Art:
- Microfoam: Creating the perfect foam is essential in making awesome patterns.
- Espresso: No matter the type of espresso machines out there, fresh espresso is ALWAYS important but especially when it comes to creating latte art. The better the quality, the smoother the espresso and foam will combine.
- Pouring: Even with the different cups available, the pouring action is the most important part and will probably require the most practice in perfecting. That's where the perfect mug comes in handy.
Key Aspects of Pouring The Best Coffee
Honestly, latte art is still something that I'm still trying to perfect.
The pour is usually what gets me, especially when I was first learning. And you have to practice to get good at it.
Once I got the right tools, here are a few tips that have helped me create latte art at home:
- After frothing the milk, let it sit for a few seconds before pouring. This lets the milk settle and cool down just a little bit, and will help you create the perfect pattern.
- When pouring the milk, the mug needs to be at an angle... at. all. times. Seriously, consistent pouring and the consistent angle makes a huge difference.
- Start by pouring the milk at a pretty decent height above the mug. Once the mug is about halfway full, lower your height and begin the pattern.
Watch this video to learn how to make perfect latte art:
How to Choose The Right Coffee Mugs
To pick the right latte art mug, there are three things that you need to keep in mind: size, material, and shape.
These three are all really important to getting the perfect latte design, and honestly a comfortable mug just makes indulging in a latte even better.
Best Size Coffee Mugs for Latte Art
Personally, I like coffee mugs that are 12 oz., 16 oz., or 18 oz. for latte art.
Anything smaller than 12 oz. is just too small a cup of coffee, and anything over 18 oz. is way too big to hold.
When you're a newbie barista, it's a lot easier to learn how to do latte art in a bigger mug, like the 16 oz. or 18 oz. options.
Best Coffee Cup Material for Latte Art
Porcelain or ceramic are the best cup material for artfully pouring lattes.
Both types of latte cups are classic and durable. I own a few glass mugs and I'm just not a fan when it comes to making lattes in them.
Ceramic and porcelain mugs have a comfortable hold that will keep your coffee hot while your hands don't get burned.
While double wall mugs can keep your espresso drink warm for longer, coffee lovers will find these coffee mugs heavy, sometimes too heavy! Ultimately, double wall mugs won't help you be better at latte art.
Mug Shape For Espresso Drinks
When making latte art, it's important that the mug shape is wider at the top as compared to the short demitasse mugs for espresso or turkish coffee (demitasse cups are those petite mugs with a saucer you see in coffee shops).
Large mug faces make learning how to do latte art a lot easier because you'll have more space for errors and to experiment. You'll also have more room to layer in milk froth or crema (who doesn't love crema).
Plus, there's just something super satisfying about a classic, wide top mug for specialty coffee drinks, right?
While I did not select any tulip shaped mug faces in my recommended list, (I personally don't like them), there are a lot of different cups that are large faced tulip shaped out there that are also great.
Favorite Cups For Latte Art (Great As Cappuccino Cups Too!)
While everyone loves brands like Bodum, Rosetta or Breville, I LOVE these more affordable coffee cups that are a little better in my opinion and more versatile, (links to Amazon here for your convenience!). These are my absolute favorite latte art mugs that you can buy now for your home coffee bar:
Products Reviewed
- 16 oz.
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- Classic design and comfortable hold
These porcelain mugs are great! I really like the versatile design and hold. It’s great for making latte art, but it’s also great for just regular coffee too. It’s dishwasher safe which is awesome – I love an easy clean up! A really great and comfy mug.
- 16 oz.
- Set of two
- Ceramic
These are pretty good mugs. Ceramic, 16 oz., they have handles: they do the job. They are also dishwasher safe, so an awesome plus. The only thing is it’s only a set of 2. Most sets come with at least 4, so that’s a bummer. But still, great mug!
- 15 oz.
- Set of two
- Double-walled Glass
These are the one set of Bodum glass mugs I have on my list. Individually mouth-blown, Bodum is well known. They really are top-notch, and keep your coffee hot, if you're looking for an elevated mug for latte art. Heavy-duty, feel great in your hands, large face for latte art, 15 oz.... They're even dishwasher, microwave and oven safe, despite being fancy and all. These also only come in sets of 2.
- 22 oz.
- Comes in black
- Great price!
So, I know that I said that any latte mug larger than 18 oz. is not wise, but hear me out. I like these mugs because they are great beginner mugs. If you’re a barista who is new at latte art, then a wider mug is actually really helpful. Plus, the price for this set is great! It’s also a good option if you’re not a fan of the classic white ceramic look and just want something a little different.
- 12 oz.
- Comes with matching saucers!
- A lot of color options
If you’re a more experienced barista, I recommend going with these. I really like the look and feel of these mugs. They’re really comfortable, and I love the saucers. It makes me feel super sophisticated. They come in a lot of different colors, are microwave and dishwasher safe, AND are chip resistant. Really awesome set!
- 16 oz., but different sizes available
- Great price!
- Porcelain and includes saucer!
For the price, I really like this mug. These porcelain mugs have different sizes available to choose from. I like the comfortable feel, and that it’s microwave and dishwasher safe. The only downside is it’s only a set of 1, but still pretty good for the latte art barista newbies!
Top Pick: Teocera Porcelain Jumbo Mugs
Picking my favorite was pretty hard, but my top pick is Teocera Porcelain Jumbo Mugs!
Each order comes with a set of 4. They are 16 oz, dishwasher safe, and porcelain.
It’s the perfect starter mug for baristas who are new to the latte art game.
Latte art is an awesome way to impress your guests or just a way to treat yo’ self on self-care Sundays. Say goodbye to your $5 latte, coffee pro!
Being a self-made latte artist will make your Instagram stories way more aesthetically pleasing and keep your wallet happier.
You're welcome.
Happy Latte Sippin’!