Capacity is only one part of choosing a coffee cup. You may want to follow a specialty coffee from hot to cool, use one cup for everyday coffee and tea, brew pour-over coffee directly into the cup, or bring your nose closer to the aroma above the drink.
We designed Coffee Stage Sharing Cup S, M, L, Alpha and Beta Size around these different needs. They are parallel choices rather than a hierarchy. Starting with the drinking result and brewing method you want makes selection easier than starting with numbers alone.
Start with the way you want to drink
- S Size: Divide one specialty coffee into several small pours and follow its changes from hot to cool.
- M Size: Balance everyday coffee, tea and a smooth, connected sip.
- L Size: Brew pour-over or drip-bag coffee into one cup and drink from it when brewing is complete.
- Alpha Size: Use a recessed rim to shorten the distance between your nose and the aroma inside the cup.
- Beta Size: Pair a recessed rim with a central aroma column to explore a more concentrated, vivid aroma presentation.
S Size: Follow a specialty coffee through several temperature stages
S Size holds approximately 60–65ml. Pour a small amount at a time from a server and refill it several times; as the coffee moves from hot to cool, each stage can bring a different rhythm of aroma, sweetness and mouthfeel.
Its approximately 2mm ultra-thin rim is designed to reduce the sense of ceramic at the lips, so attention returns naturally to the drink. Beyond specialty coffee, it also suits espresso, gongfu tea and small servings of sake, whisky or plum wine.
M Size: Balance for everyday coffee and tea
M Size holds approximately 170ml, bringing together a familiar serving, natural handling and a flowing cup body for everyday coffee or tea. Its inner curve guides liquid along the wall towards the rim, aiming for a smoother, more continuous sip.
The milk coffee in the photo is one possible use. With a total capacity of about 170ml, it works better with a smaller coffee dose or less milk. M Size remains primarily an everyday coffee-and-tea cup rather than a large milk-coffee cup.
L Size: Brew, receive and drink with one cup
L Size has a recommended fill of approximately 300ml, with handmade finished pieces typically around 300–330ml. A suitable, stable dripper can sit directly on the rim; once brewing is complete, remove the dripper and drink from the same cup, or use it as a personal coffee server before pouring into another cup.
If drip-bag coffee is your main method, the wider opening and roomier interior provide more working space for the paper arms, bag body and coffee level. Drippers and drip bags vary in size and construction, so check stability and the actual liquid level when using a new one for the first time.
Alpha Size: Shorten the distance to the aroma inside the cup
Alpha Size holds approximately 230ml. Its recessed rim lets the nose move naturally closer to the space above the drink, making it well suited to people who want to pay closer attention to aroma in everyday coffee or tea.
Alpha Size can also be used with a drip bag. Start with a total pour below approximately 230g, then adjust for the bag shape, dose and headroom. It places everyday capacity and aroma exploration in the same cup.
Beta Size: Take aroma exploration further
Beta Size combines a recessed rim with an integrated central aroma column. The nose moves naturally closer to the cup while drinking; when coffee touches the column, it creates an additional wetted surface higher inside the cup, bringing aroma closer to the nose.
Its recommended fill is approximately 190ml. Beta Size is for people who enjoy comparing origin, processing, roast direction and temperature changes, and who are open to a new sensory experience. It brings together our earlier work on the rim, liquid flow and internal structure, but it is not an upgrade over the other models.
Quick comparison of all five Sharing Cup models
| Model | Reference capacity | Consider it first when | Main design direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| S Size | Approx. 60–65ml | Temperature-stage tasting, espresso, gongfu tea and small pours of spirits | Ultra-thin rim, small serves and repeated refills |
| M Size | Approx. 170ml | Everyday coffee or tea | Everyday capacity, flowing body and continuous drinking flow |
| L Size | Recommended approx. 300ml; handmade pieces typically approx. 300–330ml | Office pour-over, drip bags and use as a personal server | Receive, drink and pour from one cup |
| Alpha Size | Approx. 230ml | Everyday coffee and tea, drip bags and aroma exploration | Recessed rim and shorter aroma distance |
| Beta Size | Recommended fill approx. 190ml | Comparing coffee aroma, processing and temperature change | Recessed rim and central aroma column |
View the complete Coffee Stage Sharing Cup series
Made in Hong Kong and finished with lead-free glaze
Sharing Cup is made in small batches in Hong Kong using lead-free glaze. The thin rims, flowing bodies, recessed openings and Beta's integrated central aroma column require individual attention through forming, drying, glazing and two kiln firings.
Ceramic forming and firing naturally create variations in glaze, texture and dimensions. We inspect each finished piece, and only cups that meet the Coffee Stage standard are delivered. Refer to each product page and checkout for current colours, prices and preorder information.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beta Size always the best choice?
No. Choose L Size first for greater capacity, direct pour-over or drip bags; M Size for everyday coffee and tea; Alpha Size for a recessed rim and shorter aroma distance; and Beta Size when the central aroma column and concentrated aroma exploration are what you want.
Must a first-time buyer start with M Size?
No. Choose S Size directly for small specialty-coffee servings, L Size for office pour-over, or Alpha or Beta Size when aroma is your priority.
How should the five models be cleaned?
Hand-wash all models with water, a soft sponge and mild detergent; avoid impact and sudden temperature changes. For Beta Size, use a soft sponge or narrow brush around the central aroma column.
Related reading
- Office pour-over and drip-bag coffee cup guide
- Coffee cup shape, rim and aroma buying guide
- Why can the same coffee feel completely different in a small cup?
- Why does drip-bag coffee turn bitter?
- How Sharing Cup is made in Hong Kong
Still deciding? Tell us on WhatsApp how much you usually drink, how you brew and which experience matters most. We will help narrow the five models to one or two.
