By Aunt T. Bougie | Style & Etiquette Consulting
✨ At Aunt Bougie™, elegance isn’t just what you wear — it’s what you sip, how you sip it, and whether you know the difference.
So let’s talk about a small but mighty symbol of refinement — the demi-tasse. If you’ve ever wondered why some coffee cups are dainty while others are grand, or why espresso isn’t just a stronger version of a regular coffee — this lesson is for you, darling.
Because not all cups are created equal. And in the world of poise and presence, every detail speaks volumes.
💡 What is a Demi-Tasse?
A demi-tasse (pronounced dem-ee-tass) is a small porcelain or ceramic cup, typically holding 2 to 3 ounces of strong, rich coffee — often served after a fine meal or during elegant gatherings. The term is French for “half cup,” but don’t let the size fool you. This is big energy in a small cup.
A demi-tasse is traditionally used to serve:
- Espresso
- Turkish coffee
- Other concentrated coffee styles
And it’s never to be confused with your average mug of drip coffee. The demi-tasse is a ritual, not a refill.
🕰️ History in a Cup: Where It All Began
The demi-tasse rose to prominence in 19th-century Europe, particularly in French and Italian society, where post-dinner espresso was a mark of elegance and sophistication. The presentation mattered. The conversation mattered. And the cup? It was symbolic of control, class, and cultivated taste.
It was also genderless refinement — both gentlemen and ladies sipped from demi-tasses while exchanging ideas and impressions, long before the modern-day coffeehouse.
☕ Demi-Tasse vs. Espresso vs. Turkish Coffee vs. a Regular Cup of Coffee
Let’s break it down for the polished and the poised.
| Beverage | Cup Style | Volume | Flavor Profile | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demi-Tasse | Demi-tasse cup (2–3 oz) | Varies (depends on coffee type) | Strong, rich, concentrated | The vessel, not the brew |
| Espresso | Typically in a demi-tasse | 1–2 oz shot | Bold, creamy, aromatic | Made by forcing hot water through fine coffee grounds under pressure |
| Turkish Coffee | Small handled cup (often ornate) | 2–2.5 oz | Thick, spiced, unfiltered | Brewed in a cezve, served with grounds; not stirred |
| Regular Coffee (Drip) | Coffee mug (8–12 oz) | Full cup | Milder, smoother, often diluted | Dripped or percolated slowly with gravity |
💬 Translation:
- Espresso is what you drink.
- Demi-tasse is how you serve it.
- Turkish coffee is how you prepare it.
- And regular coffee? It’s for refueling, not refinement.
🍽️ When to Use a Demi-Tasse
- After dinner at a formal event
- During high-end brunches or salons
- As part of cultural rituals (Turkish or Middle Eastern hospitality)
- Any time you want to practice elegance in small doses
✨ It’s not about caffeine. It’s about cultured presence.
💁🏽♀️ Bougie Tip:
Don’t swirl or stir Turkish coffee. The grounds settle at the bottom — and drinking them signals you’re untrained.
Instead, sip slowly and stop before the sediment. Manners and mystery, darling.
📚 Etiquette + Legacy Moment:
At Aunt Bougie™, we believe refinement is not about rules — it’s about respect. The demi-tasse reminds us to savor, not rush. To connect, not consume. Whether you’re guiding a young person through our POISED™ program or a rising lady through chArmed™, these rituals root us in intention and culture.
🔗 Ready to Sip in Style?
Explore these offerings for deeper lifestyle transformation:
- ✨ The Etiquette Lab™ – Learn how to host, serve, and sip with poise
- ✨ Finishing Sessions – For adults refining everyday elegance
- ✨ Youth Programs: POISED™ + chArmed™ – Real-world polish from table to talent
💬 Aunt Bougie™ Reminder:
“What you sip is one thing. What it says about you is everything.”
Aunt Bougie™ 