Cups are made in many forms to suit the drink, the material, and even the tradition. Some are plain and functional, while others are crafted for style, temperature control, or heritage. Understanding different cup types helps you recognize what fits best for coffee, wine, tea, or cold drinks. This post walks you through the types of cups with names and pictures—useful in hospitality, design, culinary arts, and homeware discussions.
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Names of Cups by Material and Build Quality
The material used to make a cup affects how it looks, feels, and holds temperature. Let’s go through the most common types based on what they’re made from.
Ceramic Cups
Often used for hot drinks, these are sturdy and retain heat well.
- Porcelain Cup
- Stoneware Mug
- Earthenware Teacup
- Matte Glazed Mug
- Handmade Clay Cup
- White China Cup
- Embossed Ceramic Cup
Glass Cups
Best for cold drinks or elegant presentations. Some are double-walled for heat resistance.
- Clear Juice Glass
- Tumbler Glass Cup
- Double-Wall Coffee Cup
- Stemless Wine Glass
- Heatproof Glass Mug
- Shot Glass Cup
- Transparent Cappuccino Cup
Stainless Steel Cups
Known for durability, these are used indoors and outdoors.
- Metal Camping Cup
- Brushed Steel Travel Cup
- Insulated Stainless Mug
- Military Canteen Cup
- Hammered Steel Tumbler
- Foldable Steel Cup
- Silver Polished Drinking Cup
Copper and Brass Cups
These give a rustic look and keep drinks colder.
- Moscow Mule Copper Cup
- Hammered Brass Cup
- Polished Copper Tumbler
- Vintage Brass Drinking Vessel
- Solid Copper Mug
- Traditional Kalai Cup
- Engraved Copper Goblet
Porcelain and Bone China
Famous for delicacy and detailed prints, often used in formal tea settings.
- Fine Bone China Teacup
- Porcelain Cappuccino Cup
- Gilded Rim China Cup
- Floral Print Teacup
- Royal Style Porcelain Cup
- Thin Handle Bone Cup
- Patterned English Teacup
Wooden and Bamboo Cups
Eco-friendly and often handmade for rustic charm.
- Bamboo Travel Cup
- Hand-Carved Wood Cup
- Polished Coconut Shell Cup
- Lacquered Wood Teacup
- Mug with Wooden Lid
- Japanese Wooden Sake Cup
- Rustic Outdoor Drink Cup
Plastic and Acrylic Cups
Common in casual and outdoor settings, easy to clean and carry.
- Colored Acrylic Cup
- Stackable Plastic Tumbler
- Picnic Plastic Mug
- Party Drink Cup
- BPA-Free Sipper Cup
- Transparent Acrylic Goblet
- Insulated Plastic Smoothie Cup
Types of Cups by Drink or Use
Every drink tends to have a cup that matches its temperature, portion, and tradition. Below is a list of drink-based cup types.
Tea Cups and Saucers
Used for serving hot tea in moderate quantities.
- Classic English Teacup
- Asian Porcelain Teacup
- Saucer-Handled Teacup
- Transparent Tea Glass
- Fluted Rim Teacup
- Vintage Floral Cup
- Stackable Tea Set Cup
Coffee Mugs and Espresso Cups
From large mugs to small espresso sizes, coffee cups vary by brew.
- Standard Ceramic Mug
- Espresso Demitasse Cup
- Cappuccino Mug
- Latte Glass Cup
- Travel Coffee Tumbler
- Oversized Breakfast Mug
- Stackable Barista Mug
Juice, Milk, and Water Cups
Typically larger and straight-sided for cold use.
- Tall Juice Tumbler
- Classic Milk Glass
- Clear Water Cup
- Wide-Mouth Breakfast Cup
- Frosted Plastic Juice Cup
- Textured Water Goblet
- Breakfast Smoothie Jar Cup
Beer Tankards and Pint Cups
Serve beer in larger sizes and often thicker walls.
- Traditional Beer Stein
- Frosted Pint Glass
- Handle Tankard Mug
- Stainless Steel Ale Cup
- Glass Lager Cup
- Oktoberfest Ceramic Mug
- Barrel-Shaped Beer Cup
Wine Goblets and Cocktail Cups
Shaped to enhance aroma and serve style.
- Red Wine Goblet
- White Wine Flute
- Martini Glass
- Coupe Cocktail Cup
- Margarita Salt Rim Cup
- Champagne Tulip Glass
- Crystal Wine Cup
Whiskey Glasses and Shot Cups
Used for strong spirits in small portions.
- Lowball Whiskey Glass
- Old-Fashioned Glass
- Crystal Scotch Cup
- Stainless Shot Glass
- Colored Glass Shooter
- Square Edge Whiskey Cup
- Etched Shot Glass
Smoothie, Shake, and Yogurt Cups
Often insulated or wide for straws and thick drinks.
- Acrylic Smoothie Cup
- Dome-Lid Shake Cup
- Stainless Blender Mug
- Large Tumbler for Yogurt
- Logo-Print Smoothie Glass
- Plastic Freeze Cup
- Reusable Straw Cup
List of Traditional and Cultural Cups from Around the World
Different cultures have developed cup types tied to ceremonies and daily use. Below are some well-known traditional types.
Japanese Chawan and Yunomi
Used in tea ceremonies and casual tea drinking.
- Raku Chawan
- Minimalist Yunomi Cup
- Painted Japanese Tea Bowl
- White Glaze Sake Cup
- Small Earthen Yunomi
- Matcha Ceramic Bowl
- Sumi Brush Teacup
Indian Kulhad and Steel Glass
Common in households and roadside tea stalls.
- Clay Kulhad
- Silver Finish Steel Cup
- Hammered Brass Glass
- Stainless Lassi Cup
- Wedding Set Steel Glass
- Tulsi Tea Kulhad
- Engraved South Indian Cup
Moroccan and Turkish Tea Cups
Glass cups used with mint or strong black tea.
- Gold-Rimmed Moroccan Cup
- Curved Turkish Glass
- Colorful Tea Holder Glass
- Hand-Painted Ceramic Cup
- Narrow Tulip Shape Glass
- Gold-Plated Tea Cup
- Etched Ottoman Style Cup
Korean Soju and Rice Wine Cups
Used in social or ceremonial drinking settings.
- Porcelain Soju Cup
- Lacquered Sake Cup
- Rice Wine Clay Cup
- Korean Copper Cup
- Etched Mini Liquor Cup
- Korean Traditional Flask Cup
- Matte Ceramic Wine Cup
Chinese Gaiwan and Gongfu Cups
Used in Chinese tea rituals for aroma and steeping control.
- White Gaiwan with Lid
- Blue and White Gongfu Cup
- Minimalist Steeping Cup
- Travel Tea Gaiwan
- Painted Gongfu Teacup
- Ceramic Gaiwan Set
- Glass Lid Gaiwan
Russian Samovar and Glass Holders
Used with hot tea brewed in metal urns.
- Metal Samovar Glass
- Tea Podstakannik Holder
- Gold-Plated Glass Frame
- Soviet Style Glass Cup
- Floral Painted Holder
- Thin Wall Tea Glass
- Traveler’s Train Glass
Middle Eastern Finjan Cups
Used for Arabic or Turkish-style coffee.
- No-Handle Finjan Cup
- Gold Rim Arabic Cup
- Ceramic Turkish Coffee Cup
- Engraved Finjan Mug
- Tall Middle Eastern Cup
- Classic White Arabic Cup
- Glazed Dome Shape Cup
Special Purpose and Functional Cups Names
Cups are also made for jobs beyond just drinking. They serve roles in utility, measurement, and care.
Travel Cups and Insulated Tumblers
Designed for on-the-go use with lids and spill protection.
- Stainless Travel Mug
- Silicone Collapsible Cup
- Plastic Flip-Top Tumbler
- Thermal Office Cup
- Heat-Retaining Coffee Cup
- One-Handed Lid Cup
- Rubber Grip Travel Cup
Camping and Outdoor Utility Cups
Built for toughness and portability.
- Foldable Silicone Cup
- Clip-On Aluminum Mug
- Nesting Metal Cup
- Enamel Camping Cup
- Collapsible Hiking Cup
- Multi-Lid Drink Cup
- Canteen-Compatible Cup
Measuring and Mixing Cups
Used in kitchens and labs for quantity control.
- Graduated Plastic Cup
- Glass Measuring Jug
- Lab Measurement Cup
- Handle-Grip Measurement Mug
- 1-Cup Pouring Vessel
- Mixing Cup with Lid
- Labeled Measurement Cup
Baby and Infant Feeding Cups
Help babies transition from bottle to cup.
- Soft-Spout Training Cup
- Straw Sippy Cup
- No-Spill Toddler Cup
- Silicone Grip Feeding Cup
- Graduated Weaning Cup
- BPA-Free Infant Cup
- 360° Rim Baby Cup
Bathroom and Mouthwash Cups
Small cups used for hygiene and rinsing.
- Disposable Rinse Cup
- Textured Grip Mouth Cup
- Bathroom Counter Glass
- Paper Dental Rinse Cup
- Stackable Hygiene Cup
- Printed Plastic Cup
- Acrylic Bath Cup
Disposable and Stackable Cups
Used for single-serve drinks at events or takeout.
- Paper Coffee Cup
- Plastic Party Cup
- Foam Cold Drink Cup
- Ripple-Wall Espresso Cup
- Compostable Bamboo Cup
- Transparent Acrylic Stack Cup
- Brand-Print Event Cup
Vintage, Designer, and Decorative Types of Cups
Some cups are made to stand out, either for decor, gifting, or collectability.
Antique Goblets and Chalices
Often made from metal, ceramic, or glass for ceremonial use.
- Silver Holy Chalice
- Engraved Brass Goblet
- Etched Crystal Cup
- Celtic-Style Ceremony Cup
- Bronze Religious Cup
- Vintage Wedding Goblet
- Stemmed Ornamental Cup
Victorian and Renaissance Style Cups
Decorated with patterns, trims, or coats of arms.
- Gilded Royal Mug
- Porcelain Crest Teacup
- Gold-Filigree Handle Cup
- Medieval Pewter Cup
- Cloisonné Enamel Mug
- Heraldic Family Crest Cup
- Queen Anne Era Cup
Double-Walled and Minimalist Glass Cups
Modern style cups that keep drinks warm or cold.
- Borosilicate Insulated Cup
- Clear Tea Mug
- Handle-Free Glass Cup
- Frosted Glass Espresso Cup
- Inner-Shape Glass Mug
- Sleek Minimal Cup
- Transparent Heat Glass
Printed, Custom, and Souvenir Cups
Often made for events, branding, or gifts.
- Logo Coffee Cup
- Graduation Print Cup
- Tourist Location Mug
- Company Branded Cup
- Funny Quote Mug
- Sports Team Travel Cup
- Name-Personalized Ceramic Cup
Artistic Handmade Pottery Cups
Each one unique in form, glaze, or pattern.
- Raku Firing Mug
- Swirl Glazed Clay Cup
- Hand-Stamped Coffee Cup
- Rippled Texture Mug
- Abstract Pattern Teacup
- Speckle Glaze Cup
- Raw Edge Clay Mug
Color-Changing and Heat Sensitive Cups
React to heat, light, or touch.
- Magic Reveal Mug
- Temperature-Sensitive Ink Cup
- Mood Color Teacup
- Heat Map Coffee Cup
- Glow-in-the-Dark Mug
- Photo Reveal Cup
- Thermo Reactive Travel Cup
FAQs about Types of Cups
A mug is typically larger, with thicker walls and no saucer. A cup is often smaller and paired with a saucer, especially in tea sets.
An espresso is usually served in a demitasse cup, which is a small ceramic or glass cup that holds about 2–3 ounces.
Copper cups are safe when lined with stainless steel or tin. Pure copper can react with acidic drinks, so unlined cups should be used cautiously.
Insulated travel tumblers or double-walled stainless steel cups retain heat the longest due to vacuum-sealed layers that reduce heat transfer.
Japanese tea ceremonies use chawan or yunomi, while Chinese ceremonies often use gaiwan. These cups are crafted for ritual and heat control.
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