Also, if you don’t want them to waste a cup measuring, you can ask them just to estimate so as not to waste a cup, but I’m sure most baristas would anyway. We frequently have people ordering smaller sizes in larger cups, even in paper cups. Sometimes they want “walking room” and sometimes they want room for tons of cream, or like you they have a big thermos and don’t need that much coffee. I only waste a paper cup to measure if I think the customer is trying to jip me somehow, by ordering a tall when they actually want their 16 or 20 ounce personal cup filled to the top. Now really I guess those few extra ounces of coffee they are stealing are cheaper than wasting a cup, but I don’t like people to think they are getting one over on me if I can help it. You’d be surprised by how many people are not just thrifty, but thieves.

Really though, just ask them to estimate a tall size. I know it might feel weird being so specific in your ordering but it is the ony way we baristas can get you exactly what you want and we don’t mind. We are used to “Half caf triple venti 2 pump sugar free vanilla 1 pump sugar free hazelnut soy no whip mochas,” so your sort of request would be easy and even appreciated.