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You may use this in both situations, and indeed in others; the context will make it clear which meaning is intended:

  • If you ask before you start preparing the coffee, you are asking how your hearer prefer their coffee to be prepared—Do you like it strong or weak (or possibly boiled to a black sludge)?

  • If you ask before or as you serve the coffee, you are asking how your hearer 'takes' their coffee—Do you want cream or sugar with your coffee?

  • If you ask after your hearer has started drinking the coffee, you are asking about the taste of the coffee—Is the coffee OK?

StoneyB on hiatus
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