Espresso cups are small drinking vessels sized for concentrated coffee shots like espresso or ristretto. Their volume is typically smaller than a standard coffee cup, which lets espresso retain warmth and intensity instead of cooling too quickly. This category includes a variety of cup styles made from materials that handle heat well and feel balanced in hand. Porcelain and ceramic options are common because they hold heat steadily and offer a smooth surface for sipping, while some glass versions let you see the color and crema of the espresso as it is poured.

Many espresso cups come with matching saucers, giving you a place to rest the cup between sips or hold a spoon. Espresso cups are sized to match typical espresso portions, which keeps the drink warmer through the few minutes it takes to sip a shot. Smaller cups also make it easier to position under an espresso machine’s portafilter without overflow, so you can enjoy the concentrated flavor and aroma right away.