Espresso, Americano and Batchbrew – choosing black coffee at SiP
Short and intense, lengthened or filtered: how Espresso, Americano and Batchbrew differ — and how to find your black coffee at the Weinmarkt.
When you order coffee without milk at SiP at the Weinmarkt you have three basic directions: Espresso is small, concentrated and intense. The Americano is espresso lengthened with hot water — more volume, milder in the cup. Batchbrew is filter coffee brewed in a larger batch, usually tasting clearer and lighter. In short: choose Espresso for intensity, Americano or Batchbrew for a larger cup.
Three preparations, three results
Drink | Preparation | Typical impression | Price at Weinmarkt |
|---|---|---|---|
Espresso | Hot water is forced under pressure through finely ground coffee | Concentrated, full-bodied, with crema | CHF 5.20 (Double CHF 6.20) |
Americano | Espresso lengthened with hot water | Milder than espresso, more volume | CHF 6.20 (Go Large +1.00) |
Batchbrew | Filter coffee brewed in a larger batch | Clear, lighter body | CHF 6.50 (Go Large +1.00) |
Exactly how a coffee tastes always depends on the bean, roast, grind and preparation. The descriptions above are a guide, not a fixed flavour profile. Prices come from the current Weinmarkt coffee menu.
Espresso: the concentrated base
Merriam-Webster describes espresso as coffee brewed by forcing steam or hot water through finely ground, dark-roasted beans. The pressure creates a small, dense drink — and is the basis for almost all milk coffees on the menu. (Source: Merriam-Webster, "espresso")(https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/espresso)
At SiP at the Weinmarkt espresso is CHF 5.20 and a Double Espresso is CHF 6.20. Choose it when you want a short, intense drink.
Americano: espresso with hot water
According to Merriam-Webster an Americano is espresso diluted with hot water. The espresso character remains but the drink becomes longer and milder. (Source: Merriam-Webster, "Americano")(https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/americano)
The Americano costs CHF 6.20 at the Weinmarkt; with "Go Large" you get a larger portion for an extra CHF 1.00. Well suited if you want to sip slowly but still taste espresso.
Batchbrew: filter coffee from a larger batch
In filter coffee hot water runs without pressure through ground coffee and a filter. The National Coffee Association explains that grind size, water-to-coffee ratio and contact time determine the result. "Batchbrew" means the filter coffee is brewed all at once in a larger quantity. (Source: National Coffee Association, "Brewing")(https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/How-to-Brew-Coffee)
Batchbrew costs CHF 6.50 at SiP at the Weinmarkt, "Go Large" CHF 1.00 extra. Choose it if you like a clear, lighter coffee in a larger cup.
Decision guide in three questions
- How much time have you got? Short visit: Espresso. Staying longer: Americano or Batchbrew.
- How intense should it be? Strong and dense: Espresso or Double Espresso. Milder: Americano. Light and clear: Batchbrew.
- Want to vary the bean? For CHF 0.50 extra you can get Single Origin Beans; an Extra Shot costs CHF 1.00.
Frequently asked questions
Is an Americano the same as filter coffee?
No. The Americano is based on espresso, which is made under pressure and then lengthened with water. Filter coffee like Batchbrew is made without pressure, with water running slowly through the grounds.
Where can I try this?
All three drinks are on SiP's menu at Weinmarkt 14 in the Old Town Lucerne. You can come without a reservation — find location info on the Weinmarkt page.
Read more
If you're interested in what's behind the bean, read our basics article What is Speciality Coffee?. And if you do want some milk: the comparison Flat White, Cappuccino and Cortado helps.
