Flat White, Cappuccino and Cortado compared
Three espresso-and-milk drinks, three different directions: Find out at Weinmarkt which of Flat White, Cappuccino or Cortado suits your taste.
Flat White, Cappuccino and Cortado are all based on espresso and milk. The difference lies in the amount and texture of the milk: the Cappuccino has a pronounced milk-foam crown, the Flat White only a thin, fine layer of steamed milk, and the Cortado is the smallest and most coffee-forward of the three drinks. If you want to taste the coffee clearly, opt for Cortado or Flat White; if you prefer creamy and airy, choose Cappuccino. You can find all three at SiP at Weinmarkt 14 in Lucerne's Old Town.
The three milk coffees at a glance
The table summarises the commonly typical characteristics. Exactly how large the cup is and how much espresso it contains varies between cafés – the SiP prices come from the current coffee menu at Weinmarkt.
Drink | Milk | Texture | Coffee-forward | Price at Weinmarkt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cortado | Small amount of warm milk | Compact, almost no foam | Very pronounced | CHF 6.50 |
Flat White | Thin layer of steamed milk | Silky, flat | Pronounced | CHF 6.70 |
Cappuccino | Steamed milk with milk foam | Airy, creamy | Balanced | CHF 6.00 |
Flat White: lots of coffee, silky milk
According to Merriam-Webster, a Flat White is espresso finished with a thin layer of steamed milk; the drink originates from Australia or New Zealand. Because the milk is only lightly frothed, the surface remains flat and the drink feels denser than a cappuccino. (Source: Merriam-Webster, "flat white")
The Flat White suits you if you like milk coffee but don't want the espresso hidden behind lots of foam. At SiP at Weinmarkt it costs CHF 6.70.
Cappuccino: the classic with a foam crown
Merriam-Webster describes Cappuccino as espresso mixed with hot milk or milk foam. A characteristic is the visible, airy foam cap, which makes the drink feel softer and rounder. (Source: Merriam-Webster, "cappuccino")
Choose the Cappuccino if you value a creamy mouthfeel and don't mind the coffee being gently mellowed. At Weinmarkt it's the cheapest of the three at CHF 6.00.
Cortado: small and strong
The name Cortado comes from Spanish and means "cut": the espresso is "cut" with a small amount of warm milk. Compared with Flat White and Cappuccino, the Cortado is the shortest drink with the least milk. That makes its flavour closer to espresso than the other two.
The Cortado is ideal if an espresso is too intense for you but a Cappuccino is too milky. At SiP at Weinmarkt it costs CHF 6.50.
Which milk coffee suits you?
- Coffee should be clearly front and centre: Cortado.
- Coffee prominent, but with silky milk: Flat White.
- Soft, creamy, with foam: Cappuccino.
- Even more milk: Latte (CHF 6.30) or Latte Macchiato (CHF 6.30) – according to Merriam-Webster, a latte is espresso with hot, steamed milk. (Source: Merriam-Webster, "latte")
Frequently asked questions at Weinmarkt
Are the drinks available with oat or coconut milk?
Yes. The menu at Weinmarkt lists oat and coconut as alternative milks — both plant-based options — as well as lactose-free milk, which is cow's milk without lactose. Each alternative costs CHF 0.50 extra.
Can I order the coffee stronger?
Yes, an Extra Shot costs CHF 1.00. For CHF 0.50 extra you can also choose Single Origin Beans instead of the standard coffee.
Do I need to reserve?
No. At Weinmarkt 14 you can just drop by — the café operates as a walk-in. You can find the address and info on the Weinmarkt location page.
Prefer without milk?
If, after this comparison, you find milk actually gets in the way, our guide to Espresso, Americano and Batchbrew will help you choose the right black coffee. And if you already know what you want: the whole selection is on the SiP menu at Weinmarkt.
