Hey Guys, welcome back
Today we’re going to talk about something that I feel is very important to the world of speciality coffee and that can increase your love and spark your senses to a whole new level – ceramic design, in particular our coffee cups. How they feel in our mouth, how they change our perspective on coffee tasting and most importantly, how we enjoy that coffee.
So let’s get started.
In the world of speciality coffee, where great attention is paid to bean origin, roast profile, and brew method, one element often remains underappreciated: the vessel from which we drink our coffee. Yet, the cup you drink from is more than a passive container—it’s a sensory tool, and a silent storyteller. As the design of ceramic cups continues to evolve, it’s becoming clear that form, feel, and function deeply influence the way we perceive coffee.
At Caretta Coffee, we believe that every part of the coffee journey should be intentional—and that includes the cup in your hand.
Why Ceramic Design Matters
Ceramics have long been favoured for coffee cups due to their heat retention, neutral taste profile, and ability to be shaped with both precision and creativity. But not all ceramics are created equal, and let’s face it, even if a cup looks nice, we want a pleasant texture in our mouth when drinking, not a gritty clay feel or a rough feeling as we consume our coffee.
The curve of a lip, the weight in your palm, the angle at which a cup tilts – these design choices affect how aroma is captured, how liquid flows, and even how flavour is perceived. In recent years, designers have been revisiting these fundamentals with a sensory-first approach, blending ergonomics, psychology, and craftsmanship to elevate the coffee experience.
Let’s explore how modern ceramic design is shaping a new era of mindful drinking.
The Sensory Science of Sipping
A cup’s shape and colour can influence perceived sweetness, acidity, and aroma. This insight isn’t just theoretical, it’s directly applicable to our experience of speciality coffee.
Shape
Cup shape determines how coffee hits the tongue and how aroma is channelled. A wider rim may allow for more oxygen interaction and aroma diffusion, enhancing complexity. A narrower opening, like in wine glasses, can concentrate aromas and heighten olfactory perception.
Lip and Flow
The rim’s thickness and curve influence the flow of liquid, subtly affecting the drinking experience. A thinner lip can deliver coffee more cleanly onto the palate, while a thicker lip might slow the flow and introduce a more casual, comfort-focused feel.
Two Designs That Are Changing the Game
Bouba by Niwares – Soft Curves, Sensory Warmth
The Bouba cup is a masterclass in tactile design. Inspired by the “Bouba-Kiki” effect—a cognitive phenomenon where humans associate rounded shapes with softness—this cup instantly feels inviting. Its bulbous form nestles perfectly in the hand, radiating warmth and familiarity.
- Functionality: Bouba’s double-wall ceramic body retains heat without burning the fingers. The smooth, pebble-like exterior encourages slow, mindful drinking.
- Flavour Perception: The curved lip and inner surface gently direct the coffee toward the centre of the tongue, balancing acidity and sweetness.
Bouba invites us to slow down. It reminds us that coffee is not just tasted—it’s held, felt, and inhaled.
The 2-Way Cup – Dual Personalities, One Vessel
Designed for versatility, the 2-Way Cup offers two distinct drinking experiences depending on which side is used. One end has a wider opening to accentuate aroma and brightness; the other is narrower, ideal for sipping slowly and concentrating flavour notes.
- Form Meets Function: The dual openings support different brew types or mood-based preferences—perfect for cupping sessions or showcasing nuanced single origins.
- Conversation Starter: Its unique design naturally draws curiosity and conversation, aligning perfectly with speciality coffee’s storytelling culture.
This cup challenges the notion that coffee vessels should be static. Instead, it adapts to the drinker’s intent—whether that’s analytical tasting or a moment of calm.
The Ritual of Touch
There’s a quiet magic in the moment your hands wrap around a warm ceramic cup. It’s where craftsmanship meets ritual. A well-designed cup doesn’t shout; it whispers to the senses. It invites you into the moment and discover the journey of the coffee you’re about to sip.
Great ceramic design isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about intentionality—about matching the integrity of what’s in the cup with what’s holding it.
Choosing the Right Cup for the Right Brew
If you’re a home brewer or a café owner curating an experience, consider how the design of your cups aligns with your coffee philosophy:
- Espresso: Opt for cups with thicker walls to retain heat, and a shape that encourages crema formation and aroma concentration. We recommend the Ni Wares Toto Cups or the OG of espresso, the canary yellow loveramic espresso cup.
- Filter: Use a wide-mouthed cup to open up delicate floral and fruity notes – we use the Ni Wares Bouba and the Origami Kai Sensory Flavour Cup.
- Milk-Based Drinks: Focus on cups with enough volume and a curved inner surface for better milk integration and visual appeal in latte art. We recommend the Origami Kai Latte Bowl or the Loveramics Egg Collection
As speciality coffee continues to evolve, so too must the tools we use to enjoy it. Ceramic cup design is no longer just about what looks good on a shelf—it’s about what feels good in the hand, what tastes better on the tongue, and what connects us to the ritual of drinking.
At Caretta Coffee, we celebrate every element of the coffee journey—from seed to cup. Next time you sip, consider the design of the vessel in your hand. It might just be enhancing your experience more than you think.
If you’re interested in the beauty of filter coffee and would like to up your filter game, we would love you to check out our other blog posts – here is one about the importance of flow rate when brewing filter coffee and another on the pure basics of filter coffee for beginners.
Thank you for reading, we really hope you’ve enjoyed this one and have learnt something valuable. That’s all we want, to help you grow and learn as a coffee enthusiast and professional.
Until next time, we will catch you on the next one.
