Mugs are among the most popular accessories for drinking tea. Their generous size and capacity make them an ideal choice for sipping a hot drink in the morning. With a wide range of styles and a long tradition of personalisation, the tea mug has become a much-loved everyday accessory. To choose the right tea mug, consider the design, capacity and materials of the different models available.
What is a tea mug?
Originally from Western Europe, the mug is a beloved vessel for hot drinks. Larger than a traditional cup, it sits somewhere between a tankard and a beaker. A tea mug has a handle but no saucer, and comes in a variety of materials: ceramic, glass, porcelain, plastic and enamelled steel, among others.
Why choose a tea mug for your infusions?
There are many reasons to reach for a mug when enjoying your favourite hot drink, whether tea, coffee or a herbal infusion. It is the perfect choice for an everyday solo ritual. Choosing a tea mug means you can brew quickly and easily, without needing a separate cup, saucer and teapot.
Tea mugs hold more
A tea mug holds considerably more than a traditional teacup. If you like to drink tea in generous quantities, this is the obvious choice. That extra volume means you can savour your drink without constantly topping up from the teapot, and your beverage will also stay warm for longer.
Tea mugs are more resilient than traditional cups
Glass, porcelain and ceramic teacups are light and relatively delicate. Accidentally breaking a fine cup is more common than we would like. That is why many people prefer the sturdiness of a tea mug for everyday use. The greater weight and size also reduce the risk of accidentally knocking over a hot drink.
How to choose a tea mug
When choosing a tea mug, several criteria are worth considering. Select a material suited to your habits (porcelain, glass, ceramic), and pay attention to the design, which plays a big part in how much you will enjoy using it every day.
Materials
Just as with teacups and coffee cups, tea mugs come in a range of materials:
- porcelain tea mugs;
- glass tea mugs;
- stoneware tea mugs;
- enamelled steel tea mugs;
- ceramic tea mugs, and more.
Ceramic mugs are sturdy and handle high-temperature drinks well. Glass mugs are more delicate but beautiful to use. If you like to switch between different drinks in the same mug, porcelain is a great option: a porcelain tea mug will not retain the flavour of one drink over time.
Design
One of the great appeals of the tea mug is the wide range of styles and personalisation options available. You might choose a porcelain mug that evokes the elegance of a traditional teacup, or go for something inspired by pop culture and personal passions.
If you are looking for a tea mug as a gift, a fun or inspiring design is always a thoughtful choice. A mug is a very personal accessory: it is the vessel someone reaches for, every single day, to enjoy their favourite hot drink.
Capacity
Capacity is another key factor. A mug in the 350–450 ml range will suit most tea lovers. If you are a dedicated tea drinker who likes a truly generous cup, consider an XXL tea mug.
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