Why Coffee Cups Matter: Rethinking Large vs Small in Specialty Cafés
When we order coffee in cafés, it’s common to see certain drinks on the menu offered in “large” and “small” sizes (and let’s not bring up that brand that contradicts itself). But in reality, most espresso-based drinks already come with a naturally fixed serving size by design. Those so-called size options are often nothing more than a blunt, convenience-driven modification for consumption scenarios. I’ve long felt that cafés perhaps shouldn’t think in terms of “large” or “small” at all, but rather in terms of purpose-specific coffee cups . Today, I want to talk about where this idea comes from. This isn’t the first time I’ve thought seriously about this topic. Early last year, when a certain brand launched an 8-ounce cortado, it sparked plenty of discussion within the industry. In the world of specialty coffee, the idea of using a purpose-designed cup for each drink reflects a deep respect for coffee culture and the consumer experience. It shifts thinking away from the purely pr...