Engearment

Kate Agathon

Thanks to my espresso-obsessed partner, his beloved espresso machine, and his extremely capable drink-making skills, we indulge in delightful coffeehouse drinks on a daily basis.

Even though the drinks he produced were good, they just weren’t the same as getting them from a coffee house. Then I realized it wasn’t the ingredients or the drinks themselves that made them taste different, it was the drinkware.

Apparently, not all drinkware is the same.

Not only was I constantly switching out the pyrex for my mug, but sometimes I was pouring my drinks into taller drinking vessels not suited for those types of drinks.

The problem was that I didn’t have mugs that properly fit underneath the spout from which the espresso emerged, or the milk frother. And often the mugs that I did use to enjoy my drinks didn’t keep them warm for as long as I would have liked.

Therefore, I was ecstatic to discover that YETI now has drinkware designed for espresso and tea. I ecstatically reviewed the YETI 6 oz Stackable Mugs (for home) and the YETI 8 oz Rambler Cup (for travel).

Out of all the items I’ve reviewed this season, I was the most excited to try the latest in YETI drinkware. As soon as the box arrived, I tore into it and asked my partner to make me a cappuccino.

The result? I was thrilled with them both. Let’s dive in!

YETI 6 oz stackable mugs

From cappuccinos to London Fogs, the YETI 6 oz Stackable Mugs are exactly what I needed for the perfect pour. By the way, expect a European cappuccino size, not an American one.

My favorite feature was the DuraSip™ Ceramic Lining. A unique feature of the YETI 6 oz Stackable Mugs, it seeks to emulate the classic look, feel, and sipping experience of traditional ceramic espresso drinkware.

Key features:

• Fits under most espresso machines

• Stackable for easy storage

• DuraSip™ Ceramic Lining

• Dishwasher safe

• Easy grip handle

• Pack of two

I was absolutely delighted with the delicate, yet durable YETI 6 oz Stackable Mug.

The temperature and taste in the quality of espresso was not impacted, the cupfeel was correct, and the presentation of the foam was ideal (if the cup is too big, the foam will be too thin and will spread out) and my drink didn’t get cold before I could really enjoy it.

Furthermore, the cup handle was the perfect size and the interior curvature ideal for those who like to dabble in espresso art.

With the YETI 6 oz Stackable Mug, the presentation, overall taste and experience of my cappuccino was good. I was finally able to enjoy my cappuccino the way it is supposed to be enjoyed and taste those expensive, flavorful espresso beans that we have shipped to our home.

YETI 8 oz Rambler

I often take my drinks (especially London Fogs) on the go, and I was delighted to find that the  YETI 8 oz Rambler Cup is the perfect travel vessel for espresso and tea drinks.

First of all, it fits underneath the espresso spout and also fits the cupholders in my SUV.

Secondly, because of the compact size, I can come as close to maintaining the drink’s integrity as possible.

Thirdly, if I ever go to a coffee shop and bring my own drinking vessel, it doesn’t confuse the barista. Not only are they reassured that my espresso drink will fit, but the cashier can ring me up quickly and accurately too. Note: This is speaking from experience from working at the counter. I cannot tell you how much confusion it causes the line when someone brings in a 20 oz cup and they get upset when the single shot drink they ordered only fills part of the cup.

I like to sip my London Fogs. The double wall vacuum-insulated mugs keep my drink piping hot for long stretches of time, and the mag slider lid keeps contents secure while traveling.

Key features:

• Splash resistant mag slider lid

• Stackable

• Double wall vacuum insulated

• 18/8 kitchen grade steel

• Cupholder compatible

• Dishwasher safe

Over the years, YETI insulated drinkware has gone from essentials I used only for camping to essentials I use every day in my home.

For example, I gradually replaced my regular soup bowls with the YETI Rambler 14 oz Mug when I ate soup or ice cream. The insulating properties keep my soup piping hot and my ice cream cold!

Therefore, I’m always eager to see what new drinkware YETI unveils; especially if it can serve a dual purpose (e.g. YETI 8 oz Rambler Cup) at home and on the road.

Final thoughts?
YETI’s espresso and tea drinkware is thoughtfully designed; it’s not an affectation.

From the inclusion of DuraSip™ Ceramic Lining to the intentional sizing, YETI ensures an optimal espresso or tea drinking experience. Taste is not sacrificed nor is foam consistency or overall temperature.

I also like that both of them are stackable. Space is at a premium, and it’s nice to stack up, not out.

Overall, I am very, very pleased with both the YETI 6 oz Stackable Mugs and the YETI 8 oz Rambler Cup. I no longer have to compromise my drink quality with the wrong mug.

Either of these would be terrific gift ideas for the espresso or tea aficionado in your life this upcoming holiday season.

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.

 

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.