As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that the standard size for a mug in the US is still commonly listed as 8-12 oz. However, it is worth noting that coffee culture and the influence of chains like Starbucks have led to a shift in what is considered a standard mug size. In fact, it wouldn't be surprising to see a range more like 12-20 oz being used and accepted as the norm in many coffee shops and households.
The traditional 8-12 oz range for a mug stems from the idea that a cup of coffee is typically consumed in smaller quantities, with 6-8 oz being the average serving size. However, with the advent of specialty coffee drinks, such as lattes and cappuccinos, which often come in larger sizes, the demand for bigger mugs has increased. People now often prefer to enjoy their coffee in larger volumes, allowing them to savor the flavors and experience the fullness of the beverage.
In my personal experience, I have witnessed this shift in mug sizes. When I first started working as a barista, the standard mug size was indeed around 8-12 oz. However, as coffee culture evolved and customers began requesting larger beverages, we started offering mugs that could accommodate 12 oz or more. It became common to see people ordering 16 oz or even 20 oz mugs, particularly for popular drinks like lattes and mochas.
This trend towards larger mug sizes is also evident in the popularity of travel mugs, which are designed to hold larger volumes of coffee for people on the go. Many of these travel mugs have capacities of 12 oz or more, reflecting the demand for larger servings.
However, it's important to note that while larger mug sizes have gained popularity, there are still those who prefer smaller servings. Some coffee enthusiasts argue that smaller cups allow for better temperature control and preservation of the aromas and flavors of the coffee. Additionally, some people simply prefer to have multiple smaller servings throughout the day rather than one large mug.
While the standard size for a mug in the US is still officially listed as 8-12 oz, the influence of coffee culture and the preference for larger servings have led to a shift in what is considered the norm. It wouldn't be surprising to see mug sizes in the range of 12-20 oz being widely accepted and used in many coffee shops and households. Ultimately, the choice of mug size comes down to personal preference and the desired coffee-drinking experience.