A:AnswerTwo options when making an 8 ounce cop of coffee: (1) if you are using the large pods that make an 8 ounce cup of coffee, pre-warm the inside of the mug with hot water (only takes 30 seconds, and makes a HUGE difference; ready to drink right away); (2) make an Americano using a single shot or double shot espresso pod and then pour in hot water to make an Americano (I have a real espresso machine, and I usually make Americanos; switched to this machine for the holidays so everyone can easily make their own preferred style of coffee drink).