The Starbucks Demi Cup: Small Size, Big Flavor
Meet the tiniest Starbucks cup — the 3 oz Demi. Perfect for espresso lovers, it delivers bold flavor in every sip. Discover what makes this miniature cup a powerhouse of taste and caffeine.
The Starbucks Demi Cup is a tiny but mighty part of the Starbucks menu, holding just 3 ounces (89 ml) of coffee. Despite its small size, the Demi Cup is designed to deliver a rich, concentrated espresso experience, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts who crave bold flavor in a small serving. Its name comes from the French word demitasse, which literally means “half cup,” perfectly capturing its purpose: a vessel meant for savoring espresso shots in their purest form.
Whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine boost, a way to sample different espresso blends, or simply enjoy the ritual of a perfectly brewed shot, the Demi Cup offers a unique coffee experience that larger cups cannot replicate. Though not intended for full-sized lattes or iced beverages, this petite cup is a staple for espresso lovers and those who appreciate the art of coffee in small, flavorful doses.
What is the Starbucks Demi Cup?
The Starbucks Demi Cup is the smallest size available at Starbucks, specifically designed for espresso drinks. Holding only 3 ounces (89 ml), it is perfect for a single or double espresso shot, as well as espresso-based drinks like macchiatos and espresso con panna.
Unlike larger cups that accommodate milk, ice, or additional ingredients, the Demi Cup is meant to showcase the true essence of espresso — bold, intense, and concentrated. Its compact size makes it ideal for tasting multiple coffee blends in one visit or enjoying a quick, high-quality caffeine fix without committing to a larger drink.
In short, the Demi Cup is not just a cup; it’s an espresso experience in miniature, perfect for coffee purists and anyone who wants to enjoy Starbucks’ finest espresso in its most authentic form.
Demi Cup Measurements
Understanding the exact measurements of the Demi Cup can help you know what to expect when ordering espresso drinks. Despite its small size, it is carefully calibrated to deliver the perfect espresso experience.
| Cup Size | Ounces | Milliliters | Typical Drink | Caffeine Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demi | 3 oz | 89 ml | Espresso, Macchiato | 75–150 mg |
The Demi Cup’s 3-ounce capacity makes it ideal for concentrated espresso shots. Because of its small volume, the coffee flavor is strong and undiluted, ensuring every sip is rich and aromatic. This size also allows baristas to precisely craft espresso-based beverages, maintaining consistency in flavor and strength across every order.
What Drinks Come in a Demi Cup?
The Demi Cup is exclusively designed for espresso-focused beverages, emphasizing strength, aroma, and flavor rather than volume. Because of its limited capacity, drinks with significant milk, cream, or ice are not suitable for this size. The most popular beverages served in a Demi Cup include:
- Single Espresso – A classic, full-bodied shot of espresso that delivers maximum flavor in a minimal serving.
- Doppio (Double Espresso) – Two shots of espresso for those seeking a stronger caffeine boost and intensified flavor.
- Macchiato – A single or double espresso topped with a small dollop of milk foam, adding a touch of creaminess while maintaining the espresso’s bold character.
- Espresso Con Panna – A traditional espresso topped with whipped cream for a slightly indulgent twist on a concentrated shot.
These beverages are all about the pure essence of espresso. The Demi Cup ensures that each drink is served at the ideal volume, allowing coffee lovers to fully experience the rich aroma, strong flavor, and creamy texture of expertly prepared espresso. It’s a cup designed for those who appreciate the craftsmanship of coffee in its most concentrated, flavorful form.
Who is the Demi Cup For?
The Starbucks Demi Cup is tailored for coffee purists who value quality and intensity over quantity. It’s the ideal choice for anyone who wants to savor the concentrated flavors of espresso without the distraction of milk, ice, or extra volume.
This size is perfect for:
- Espresso enthusiasts who enjoy tasting the rich aroma and bold flavor of single or double shots.
- Busy coffee drinkers seeking a quick, high-impact caffeine boost in a compact, easy-to-handle cup.
- Coffee samplers who want to try multiple espresso blends in one visit without overindulging.
- Minimalists who prefer smaller servings to reduce calories or simply appreciate the ritual of a tiny, perfectly brewed cup.
Despite its size, the Demi Cup delivers a memorable coffee experience in every sip, proving that sometimes the best things truly do come in small packages.
How the Demi Compares to Other Sizes
Though the Demi Cup is Starbucks’ smallest option, understanding how it fits into the broader cup lineup helps customers choose the right size for their needs. Unlike the Tall, Grande, or Venti, which are designed for larger, milk-based, or iced drinks, the Demi is focused entirely on espresso quality and flavor concentration.
| Cup | Volume | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Demi | 3 oz | Espresso shots, Macchiatos |
| Short | 8 oz | Hot espresso-based drinks with milk |
| Tall | 12 oz | Everyday coffee or lattes |
| Grande | 16 oz | Standard hot or iced drinks |
| Venti | 20 oz | Big iced or hot drinks |
The Demi is not meant for long sipping sessions; it’s designed for short, intense bursts of coffee enjoyment. While larger sizes allow for customization with milk, syrups, or ice, the Demi celebrates the pure essence of espresso. It’s a size that encourages mindful drinking, letting coffee lovers truly appreciate every aromatic, flavorful sip.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to explore different espresso blends without committing to a full-sized drink, the Demi Cup is your best friend. Baristas often use this size for tasting sessions or sampling new espresso offerings, so don’t hesitate to ask.
When ordering, remember that the Demi Cup is small but mighty — its concentrated size delivers maximum flavor in every sip. For those who enjoy the ritual of espresso, consider pairing a Demi shot with a small pastry for a perfectly balanced morning treat. This cup also allows you to experiment with espresso-based drinks like macchiatos or espresso con panna, giving you a rich experience with minimal volume.
FAQs About the Demi Cup
Not all drinks are available in Demi size. It’s primarily reserved for espresso shots, macchiatos, and espresso con panna. Drinks with large amounts of milk, ice, or blended ingredients are typically not served in this cup.
No. The Demi Cup is exclusively used for hot espresso-based beverages. Cold drinks require larger sizes to accommodate ice and additional volume.
Most Starbucks stores carry the Demi Cup, but it may not always be listed on the menu. If you’re unsure, simply ask your barista for a 3-ounce espresso cup.
A single shot of espresso in a Demi Cup contains approximately 75 mg of caffeine, while a double shot can contain up to 150 mg.
Absolutely! Its small size is perfect for sampling multiple espresso blends without overconsumption, making it a favorite for coffee tastings and espresso flights.
Final Thoughts
The Starbucks Demi Cup may be the smallest option on the menu, but it represents the purest espresso experience Starbucks has to offer. Its 3-ounce size delivers concentrated flavor, rich aroma, and a strong caffeine kick in every sip.
Whether you’re a coffee purist, a busy professional seeking a quick caffeine boost, or a curious coffee taster, the Demi Cup offers a unique way to enjoy espresso at its finest. It’s a cup designed for mindfulness, letting you slow down and savor the craftsmanship of every shot.
Small in size but big in personality, the Demi Cup reminds us that sometimes, the best things really do come in tiny packages. Each sip is an invitation to enjoy the art of espresso, one small, perfect cup at a time.
