Abstract: An apparatus is provided (1) for preparing a hot beverage, comprising a water reservoir (3), means for removing and heating water from the reservoir and transferring it into a brewing chamber (5), and a light-transmissive jug (9) for catching hot liquid emerging from the brewing chamber (5), a wall (13) of the jug (9) being provided with optical means (15) for indicating the volume of liquid contained in the jug (9), wherein the optical means (15) comprise a first graduated scale (159) and a second graduated scale (153), the first scale (159) being clearly visible only when the jug wall temperature is below a reference temperature T.sub.o and the second scale (153) being clearly visible only when the jug wall temperature is above the reference temperature T.sub.o, whereby the reference temperature T.sub.o is within the range of 25.degree. C.<T.sub.o <80.degree. C.