Why I’m happy to spend 20 francs on a double espresso
11.6.2026
Translation: Eva Francis
I’m more than happy to pay 20 francs for a cup of coffee. This rubs my friends the wrong way. I don’t get why. Here’s my plea for more tolerance when it comes to hobbies.
«What, are you insane?» a friend of mine said to me the other day when I ordered a double espresso that cost about 20 francs. I just had to try those special Colombian beans. Flavours of elderflower and stone fruits – the coffee was heavenly!
Later, I bought coffee beans at the same store. I paid 30 francs for 100 grammes. «You’ve spent 50 quid on coffee, just like that? That’s how much I pay for two months’ worth of capsules,» my friend blurted out. «Yeah, I wouldn’t pay 50 francs for coffee capsules either,» I replied.
I’m tired of having to explain myself again and again. Coffee is my hobby and hobbies cost money. It’s as simple as that. That same friend just told me about his new bike saddle, which is 30 grammes lighter than his previous one. I didn’t question how much of a difference 30 grammes make when you weigh around 100 kilos – nor why you’d pay 300 francs for a saddle in the first place. My bike saddle costs nothing because I don’t own a bike. I didn’t hold that against him. After all, it’s his hobby and his money.
Coffee, the short-lived hobby?
In situations like these, I wonder why people around me are so shocked to hear how much money I spend on coffee. My guess is that, while most people drink coffee, very few see it as a hobby. Riding a motorcycle, fishing or knitting are considered real hobbies. As a result, people find it perfectly understandable to spend a small fortune on a new exhaust, fishing lure or knitting needles. But coffee, in most people’s minds, is just an affordable beverage that gives you a boost.
Besides, the experience of drinking coffee seems so short-lived – one sip, five francs and the fun is over. Motorbike exhausts, fishing lures and knitting needles supposedly provide longer-lasting enjoyment. Sure, you have to buy petrol for every trip, pay fees for every catch and get wool for every scarf, but that’s part of the game, right? Well, the same goes for coffee. The expensive hand grinder and precise coffee scale are my tools and the coffee beans are my running costs. It’s not that hard to understand, is it?
In a way, every hobby is a bit excessive, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s all about joy and passion, not about being sensible. That’s why I kindly ask you to spare me your comments when I enjoy my hobby and get a cup of coffee for 20 francs.
Header image: Shutterstock
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
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