There are many accessories for drinking tea. Mugs, glasses and even tea bowls are all widely used for enjoying red, black, green or white tea infusions. But the tea cup remains the most popular choice in many parts of the world. From porcelain to ceramic, tea cups come in a wonderful variety of styles. Here's everything you need to know about choosing a tea cup.
What is a tea cup?
A tea cup is a vessel designed specifically for drinking tea. Unlike a plain glass, a cup is made for hot drinks and, like a teapot, features a handle to protect your hands from the heat. Tea cups work equally well for herbal infusions or coffee, and are crafted from a range of materials: ceramic, single or double-walled glass, and porcelain, to name a few. They are distinct from mugs in both size and feel.
Tea cups are designed to sit on a saucer. They are generally smaller in capacity than a mug or a bowl, and can be bought as part of a full tea set or individually, depending on your needs.
What types of tea cup are there?
Tea cups come in a wide range of styles. Their design and colours reflect different cultural traditions:
- English tea cups;
- Moroccan tea cups;
- Chinese tea cups, and more.
Depending on these influences, a tea cup may feature different colours (red, pink, black, white, and so on) and shapes. The material also varies: stoneware, glass, porcelain or ceramic. Each brings its own character to the tea-drinking experience.
Why drink tea from a glass, porcelain or ceramic cup?
Sitting between a mug and a glass, the tea cup is designed specifically for drinking tea. Its smaller capacity helps keep your tea warm for longer. Unlike a mug or bowl, a tea cup lends itself to shared moments: a teapot placed at the centre of the table, cups refilled as conversation flows.
Tea cups also benefit from being paired with saucers, reducing the risk of spills. And beyond their practical purpose, they're beautiful objects in their own right. Many people choose to display their teapot and tea cups, in ceramic, glass or porcelain, as part of their home décor.
How to choose your tea cup?
To choose the right tea cup, start by thinking about how you'll use it. Ceramic cups with a saucer are the most common style. Porcelain or stoneware cups are ideal for everyday tasting or entertaining guests. A glass tea cup lets you watch the water level and admire the colour of your tea as it steeps.
If your infusion cools down too quickly, a stoneware tea cup is the answer. Stoneware retains heat far longer than other materials.
You might also consider unglazed earthenware cups. Unlike porcelain, glass or stoneware, earthenware absorbs the aromas of each tea over time. For this reason, it's worth dedicating each ceramic or earthenware cup to a single tea or infusion.
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