What is the appropriate vessel for serving coffee or tea in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, the appropriate vessel for serving coffee or tea is a cup with a saucer. This choice aligns with traditional dining etiquette, where the presentation of beverages is just as important as the quality of the drink itself. A cup with a saucer not only enhances the visual appeal of the beverage but also provides a practical way to manage the cup without risking spills or heat transfer to the hands. The saucer serves as a resting place for the cup, keeping the table clean and allowing for easy handling, especially when the beverage is hot.

A water glass, while suitable for drinking water, lacks the refinement expected in a formal tea or coffee service. A mug, while practical for casual settings, does not convey the same level of elegance and is generally avoided in formal dining. A teapot is primarily used for brewing and serving loose tea, and though it is an essential piece in some tea ceremonies, it is not the vessel used for individual servings of tea or coffee in a formal context. Thus, the cup with a saucer stands out as the most appropriate choice for such occasions.