Serving Sizes and Preferences: Parsing the Coffee vs. Tea Myth

Many people are familiar with the common sentiment that tea is served in cups while coffee is served in mugs. However, as we explore this notion further, we find that the serving vessels for both beverages often depend on more than just their categorization as tea or coffee.

A Cultural Provocation: Tea and Coffee in Italy and France

It is true that the Italian ristretto is served in a tiny cup akin to a thimble, and the French café au lait is served in a large, generous cup. In Australia during my upbringing, mugs were rarely seen, and the coffee available was unappetizing. My first real coffee experience was in the early 1960s when I started working in the city; by then, proper cafes with coffee were available. In the 1960s, mugs began to gain popularity but were predominantly used for tea, not for coffee, which was served in various vessels such as the drip brews.

Understanding Served Vessels: Beyond Tea and Coffee

The type of vessel in which tea or coffee is served is not solely based on whether it is tea or coffee. Instead, it is often influenced by the type of beverage itself, the brewing method, and the serving quantity. For instance, a ristretto or a brewed espresso is often served in a small cup for a concentrated and intense flavor, while drip coffee is typically served in a larger vessel to maximize the serving size and profit per serving.

Flexible Serving Sizes: A Personal Perspective

My mother, a potter, used to serve our tea in large mugs, and I believe that many people share this fondness for a steaming mug of tea. In contemporary times, we have many options, and the size and type of vessel are less of a concern. I often drink coffee in small portions, while at other times, I may enjoy a full pot of tea. Some people even consume mate from a gourd.

Historical Shifts in Serving Styles

When I was a child, coffee and tea were primarily served in cups. However, mugs started to become a part of the drinking experience in the late 1960s, possibly due to the growing popularity of coffee in cafes and the advent of coffee culture.

Conclusion: Beverage Variability and Personal Choice

Ultimately, both tea and coffee can be served in mugs and cups. The important thing is to drink as much or as little as you wish. If you find yourself overworked or feeling an aching jaw after a long day while shaking someone's hand vigorously, it might be an indication that you've had too much caffeine from either a cup or a mug. The way you enjoy your caffeinated beverage is highly variable, and the most important thing is to enjoy it!

So, let's move beyond the baseless assumptions and embrace the diversity and flexibility of serving sizes and preferences in our daily beverages.