Hey latte lovers, listen up! The type of cup you’re drinking from has an impact on your drink. If you’re looking for the best latte cups to use at home, keep reading!

The right mug will enhance the look and taste of your drinks. For the best cappuccino, use cappuccino cups. For a shot of espresso you’ll want an espresso mug.

A latte? That’s right, it needs the right latte cup.

And let’s be real, drinking lattes from small, bowl-like cups is all part of the ritual!

White mugs and saucers is a common staple for any cafe serving up traditional lattes, and baristas know that a traditional latte cup is the best possible vessel for both serving and drinking them. 

If you’re making espresso and milk drinks at home, it’s helpful to understand that not all latte cups perform equally. The wrong cup will make it nearly impossible to make art with, and others might not retain heat for as long as you’d prefer.

The good news is that, regardless of your skill level and the types of drinks you’re creating, there is a latte cup to match your needs!

As a professional barista of a decade, I’ll share my experience on what makes a great latte cup for different situations. And how to pick based on your budget, experience level, and how the cups will be used.

For the cliff notes version of the best cup and to see my top pick check out this first table. If you want more details, keep reading!

Best Latte Cups: Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Royal Doulton Coffee Studio Latte Cup & Saucer Set

Royal Doulton Coffee Studio makes the best all-around latte cup for most situations. The combination of affordability, ease of use, and durable ceramic are why you’ll fall in love with these cups!

These cups are simple and well-made. They come in a few different colors, but you can’t go wrong with the classic 15 fl oz white porcelain cups.

These ceramic mugs are light enough to hold steady while you’re pouring latte art but sturdy enough to survive drops and knocks. That’s why they work so well in a cafe or your local coffee shop. If you’ve got kids or pets at home, similar durability principles probably apply.

The traditional size and shape make them perfect latte art cups. The size and shape provide a wide canvas for pouring a rosetta, tulip, or swan.

This simple latte cup set complements any home-brewing system. It’s like bringing the coffee shop home to your kitchen.

Pros

• The classic style matches any kitchen aesthetic.
• These mugs are dishwasher friendly with a reputation for durability.
• Perfect for practicing latte art.

Cons

• Great for traditional lattes, less so for cappuccinos or larger-sized lattes.
• Slow sipper? You may need a cup that prioritizes heat retention over style and practicality.
• $24 per cup is a little hefty of a price tag.

2. Best Insulated Mug: Double Wall Glass Coffee Mugs by Hearth

These double-wall glass mugs from Hearth are the best choice for heat retention and style. The double glass structure is not only pleasing on the eyes, but it will also keep your palms from burning, and your latte from getting cold.

Hearth uses borosilicate glass which is resistant to high temperatures for those who like hot beverages and their lattes piping hot. 

If you have limited space for your home barista station, it’s worth getting cups like these that don’t need saucers. It’s an easy space-saving decision. 

And, if most of your coffee gear is black and white, you can rely on these latte cups to add color and character to the mix. 

While the 12oz size is a classic latte size, the 8oz size is especially great for a shorter latte. Personally, a full 12oz has always been a tad too much milk for me.

Pros

• Excellent heat retention from the double-glass walls.
• The smaller 8-oz size is a space saver, and great for a short latte.
• Cute color options like smoke and amber.
• Translucent glass for a classy, modern feel.
• Perfect for those who prefer less milk in their latte.

Cons

• Narrow structure is not ideal for those new to pouring latte art.
• Not dishwasher safe.

3. Barista Favorite: notNeutral LINO Cup & Saucer

This is an excellent pick for anyone looking to up their barista game, bring the coffee-shop aesthetic home, or simply enjoy the feel of a classic latte cup with a modern twist.

notNeutral is best known for its collaboration with award-winning baristas. They make well-designed, creative coffee cups for baristas–and we love them for it. Spend a few minutes on their online store, and it’s impossible to resist the colors and unique shapes of their cups and accessories.

The notNeutral LINO latte cup is a barista favorite because baristas helped design it. The unique shape is perfect for pouring latte art. 

It’s incredibly lightweight.  

The handle has a flat top for your thumb, providing optimum control – not to mention it’s easier on the hand and wrist. The mouth of the cup is wider, so the barista has a decent canvas for any latte art shape they choose to pour.

It’s a bit more expensive than the Ancap Verona, but the little details make it my favorite latte cup.

Pros

• Excellent size and shape for pouring latte art.
• Well-insulated porcelain for heat retention.
• Classic, latte cup aesthetic available in white, grey or matte black.
• Dishwasher safe and durable.

Cons

• Somewhat expensive. These cups run for upwards of $26 each. (Saucer included.)
• Only available in traditional 8/12oz sizes.

4. Stoneware Staple: Tanner Goods’ Crater Lake Mug

If you’re looking for a homemade feel in your latte cup, look no further than the Tanner Goods’ Crater Lake Mug. This is the perfect cup for a home barista who prefers something homey and simple as opposed to a coffee-shop vibe.

This mug’s feel is smooth with a matte finish. A heavier base makes them sturdy and easy to store or stack should you choose to buy more than one. 

Because the mugs are handmade stoneware, it’s recommended to handwash them with soap and warm water to ensure a longer lifespan. 

For those practiced with latte art, these cups will be easier to pour into than the Hearth, glass cups, because of their wide top and sturdy handle. 

However, I wouldn’t recommend these cups for someone trying to learn latte art for the first time. These cups provide all the aesthetic quality you need to enjoy a good latte with no need for rosettas or swans. (Just deliciously creamy, steamed milk!)

Pros

• Well insulated for heat retention.
• Homey aesthetic.
• Larger, 16oz size is excellent for the modern latte lover who prefers more milk, and makes the cup more versatile for other drinks like pour over or drip.
• Easy to store.
• Does not require a saucer.
• Versatile shape is great for lattes, drip coffee, pour-over, or Aeropress.

Cons

• Heavy bottom makes latte art more difficult for novices.
• 16oz size is best for milkier drinks.
• Expensive.

What To Look For

Size

It’s always best to start with a mug that fits the drinks you’ll be pouring. 

The cafe latte is traditionally served as an 8-12 ounce hot beverage. But, these days, many people prefer them in a larger format with a heavier dose of milk.

If you’re accustomed to 16-ounce to-go drinks, then getting a latte mug that is big enough and travels well should be a top priority.

If you are shopping for a larger-sized cup, be mindful that it isn’t too tall or narrow. Odd dimensions may interfere with drink construction, especially when it comes to latte art.

Traditional bowl-shaped mugs will always be the best option for pouring latte art. The wider structure makes them easier to balance and maneuver. It also provides more space to “draw” art with your milk.

Material

Porcelain, glass, and double-walled glass all have their respective strengths. The best material really depends on personal preference.

Most of your favorite coffee shops use porcelain mugs because they are aesthetically pleasing, sturdy, and affordable. As a home barista, you probably have more flexibility in your decision-making. After all, it’s unlikely you will be running your mugs through an industrial dishwasher all day.

When weighing material options, think about how you want the cup to feel in your hand. Your latte art goals. And the overall aesthetic that brings the most job.

Double-walled glass is translucent, which allows you to see the drink. It’s shiny and classy. Porcelain and glass are traditional, durable choices.

If you like handmade goods with a story to them, then you might also consider stoneware. A stoneware cup made by a real person is a more rustic, unique option.

Shape

A bowl-shaped cup is always going to be best suited for latte art. Heavier, narrow-mouthed cups can be difficult to learn latte art with. 

A bowl shape also gives a great “hand feel.” I, for one, find it pleasing to drink a latte out of a big cup you can hold with two hands.

Always consider the shape of the handle before you buy the mug. 

• Do your fingers fit well in the handle? 
• Is it easy to grip? 

And, if you plan to pour latte art, it’s best to make sure your fingers won’t be stuck in the handle mid-rosetta.

So Which One Should You Buy?

For most people, the Royal Doulton Coffee Studio is going to be the perfect latte cup for a great all-around choice.

The Royal Doulton is set up for easy latte art practice, whether you’re a novice or a pro. And the classic style matches basically any aesthetic.

Personally, I’d splurge for the notNeural LINO. It’s the small barista-designed details that make all the difference in taking your latte art to the highest level.

But, given the extra cost, these cups are probably more than you’d need if you’re just getting started. 

If art isn’t your main priority and you like a homey aesthetic – try the Tanner Goods cups instead. They look incredible and are well-proportioned for a cafe latte. The shape doesn’t lend itself to a creative pour, but then again, that’s not really the point of this product. 

FAQs

Now that you know the best latte mugs, check out our favorite espresso cups and tips for choosing one!

Love regular coffee? We have some of the best coffee mugs, double walled styles, here!

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