For many people, coffee is not an occasional treat – it’s an essential part of the daily routine. Unfortunately, the joy of a hot cup of joe can easily be ruined by a few errant drops of coffee on the counter, table, or floor. Nothing can put a damper on your morning like a mess of spilled coffee.
The key to avoiding messes is to learn how to drink coffee without dripping. Make sure that your non-drip routine starts before the cup even touches your lips. Preventing spills starts well before a cup is placed in front of you.
Tips for a Non-Drip Enjoyment
Preparation is your first line of defense against coffee mishaps. You should always check to make sure that your cup is clean on the inside and out. This is an especially important step when it comes to drinking coffee on the go since those lids often contain quite a bit of debris. With the cup ready, you should pay attention to the temperature of your coffee. Drinks that are too hot can cause condensation and your beverage to drip during sipping. Additionally, when you pick up your cup, make sure to have a good grip on the handle, not the sides of the cup as some coffee mugs contain poorly placed handles.
When coffee is actually in your hands, take a moment to test the temperature. According to coffee expert, Justin Elliott, you should be able to hold the cup without it getting too hot or cold in your hand. Also, make sure you never use a lid with holes in the top or, even worse, a straw. Both of these options will cause your coffee to overflow easily.
Most importantly, form proper sipping technique. Sipping gently and carefully will ensure that your coffee does not leak or drip no matter what cup you hold. Don’t sip too quickly or press your lips too firmly against the cup. If you can’t reach the bottom of your cup, it’s best to keep your chin raised and try to avoid having the liquid run directly down your chin.
Clean-Up Techniques
If your cup does end up dripping, act quickly. If you have access to paper towels, napkins, or hand wipes, use these to soak up the spilled liquid. A common mistake people make is to use a larger cloth thereby spreading the spill and making the mess bigger. In case nothing is handy, try using your sleeve, shirt, or even your hair (just make sure you don’t end up getting dripped coffee on your skin).
Most people are not willing to take on the challenge of drinking coffee without spilling, but with a bit of practice it can be mastered. Once you get the basics down and manage to become a regular coffeesipper, your mess-free routine will be established in no time.
Choosing the Right Cup
The most important factor to take into account when you want to master spill-free coffee drinking is the type of cup you select. Generally, it’s best to choose a mug that is thicker and carries its weight close to the bottom. Choose a mug that has a wide circumference and short height to balance out the disproportion between top and bottom.
Make sure that the handle is sturdy and the depth of the cup should not be too deep. Avoid mugs with big handles; otherwise, your hand might cover the whole cup while sipping. Also, if you’re always in a rush and have a tendency to forget your coffee on the counter, then choose a mug that can keep your coffee hotter for longer.
Although it may seem like small details, choosing the right cup can be the difference between a cup of coffee bliss and a wet mess. Do your research and find the cup that best suits your needs – this way you can avoid any klutzy mishaps.
Closing Remarks
Besides selecting the appropriate cup, the way in which you hold and sip your coffee should be considered. When drinking coffee, you should lift the cup itself to your mouth rather than bringing your head down to the cup. Also remember to never use a lid with holes or a straw; both of these can create messes.
When it comes to paper towels, napkins, and hand wipes, opt for the smallest available size and soak up any spills immediately. If you master each step of the process, you can ensure a successful non-drip coffee experience every time.
At Home or On-the-Go
Whether you’re drinking coffee at home or on the go, following these tips will allow you to enjoy your favorite beverage in no time. A key note to remember is that if you’re drinking a large cup of joe, opting for a mug over a cup is best. With a mug, you have a better grip and it won’t be as easy to accidentally spill. Be sure to always take lids off while drinking and if you must use one, make sure it has a wide opening.
If you’re drinking your coffee on the go, try wrapping a napkin or paper bag around the cup and gripping it like a handle. Be sure to always take lids off while drinking and if you must use one, make sure it has a wide opening. This will help stabilize your coffee and prevent it from sliding around.
Finally, cleanliness is key. Before your take your first sip, make sure there is no food, liquid, or dirt on the cup and make sure that no lingering odors left by a previous drinker.
Minimizing Mishaps
Truly enjoying your coffee means keeping your environment clean and making the most of your enjoyment without spilling. To make the most of your non-drip coffee adventure, start by choosing the right cup and carefully testing the temperature. Additionally, make sure to be mindful of your sipping technique: don’t sip too quickly and make sure your chin is raised, so the liquid doesn’t run down your chin.
Be ready to act quickly if you end up with a spilled cup of coffee. Even if you’re helplessly missing a cup of liquid napkins or paper towels, try to be resourceful and grab whatever is nearby. A shirt, sleeve, or even your hair can help restrain the mess of a misfortunate drip.
Drinking coffee without dripping is a process that requires practice and the right equipment. Whether you’re drinking your coffee at home or taking it on the go, these tips will help you to prevent and handle inconveniences before and after your first sip; ultimately making your coffee experience as enjoyable and issue-free as possible.
