What is Lungo Coffee? Prep Tips & Tasting Notes

A Lungo Coffee is a long espresso that diverges from the traditional shot by using more water, resulting in a larger serving of about two ounces — comparable to a doppio or double espresso. Originating in Italy, this style of coffee offers a less concentrated flavor with a higher level of caffeine.

The brewing process for Lungo Coffee involves pushing hot water through finely-ground beans for a longer period than a standard espresso. This results in a drink where the water flows through the coffee at a ratio that enhances its volume while maintaining a balance of flavor that’s less intense than a ristretto but more nuanced than a normal espresso.

Lungo Coffee is a popular choice among types of coffee drinks for those who prefer a milder flavor but still desire the rich, aromatic experience of espresso. It’s served in a larger cup and is often enjoyed as a long drink, allowing one to savor its unique style and caffeine kick.

What is Lungo Coffee? – The Answer

What Does Lungo Coffee Taste Like?

Lungo Coffee stands distinct from espresso and ristretto by requiring more water during its extraction process, resulting in a less intense beverage but carrying a slightly more bitter flavor. This is because the prolonged brew time allows for more of the coffee’s bitter compounds to dissolve into the drink.

Unlike a standard espresso shot, which is highly concentrated, the lungo offers a less concentrated, yet more complex and nuanced flavor profile. The longer brewing time not only reduces the intensity but also develops additional, smokier, and roasted notes.

This distinct taste is milder, yet bitter, appealing to those who prefer a strong but not overwhelming coffee. The thinner layer of crema and the rich, frothy foam that sits atop the surface adds a unique texture that enhances the flavor experience.

Overall, Lungo Coffee is preferred by many for its milder, distinct, and layered flavor profile, which stands out due to its unique brewing technique.

How to Prepare a Lungo Coffee

To start making Lungo Coffee, you must have a reliable espresso machine and a grinder. Selecting the right type of coffee beans is crucial; It is better to go for a blend of Arabica Coffee and Robusta Coffee due to their rich flavor and bitterness balance. The grind’s coarseness directly impacts the extraction rate, and for lungo, a coarser grind is preferable to enhance the brewing time and reduce bitterness.

Next, aim for about 7-10 grams of fresh grounds per espresso shot. Fill the portafilter and settle the grounds by gently tapping the filter on the counter. Level the surface and tamp firmly to ensure even water distribution during brewing. This step is vital for achieving a consistent taste.

Lock the portafilter and position a coffee mug or cup under the group head. Begin with moderate water pressure; if your machine has a long brew or double-shot button, use it to extend the pull duration. Keep an eye on the timer, as most lungo techniques suggest pulling for up to a minute to bloom the flavor. Adjust the timing based on your taste preferences and experience the flavor evolve.

Common Ways to Enjoy Lungo Coffee

For a creamy texture, you might enjoy a Lungo shot as the base for a latte or cappuccino, where the milk complements the mellow roasted tones of the Lungo Coffee. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharper, more pronounced taste, a flat white or macchiato makes excellent use of the lungo’s sharp, high note. 

For those who appreciate the pure taste of coffee, blending Lungo Coffee with a bit more water can create a smooth Americano or a long black, which emphasizes the mellow roasts and rich drip coffee essence without overwhelming the senses. Each method offers a distinct way to savor the rich and complex characteristics of Lungo Coffee.

FAQs

What is the difference between a Lungo and an Espresso?

When comparing a Lungo to an Espresso, the primary difference lies in the water volume used during preparation. Both drinks are brewed in the same way using the same beans. However, a Lungo involves about twice as much water as its counterpart, which results in a brewing process that takes longer. This method doesn’t just pull a larger beverage but also produces a coffee that is less intense but similar in flavor to an espresso.

Is a Lungo the same as an Americano?

While both Lungo and Americano involve espresso, the difference lies in how they are prepared. A Lungo is made by pulling an espresso shot with double the volume of water, which allows for a more extended extraction time, enhancing the depth of flavor. In contrast, an Americano is crafted by adding hot water to an already extracted espresso shot, diluting it slightly but preserving the original espresso’s rich flavor. 

Why is it called Lungo?

The term Lungo, meaning long in Italian, aptly describes this coffee drink’s brewing process. Unlike a standard espresso, a Lungo requires a longer extraction time and uses more water, which increases the volume of the finished drink. It produces a coffee that is roughly the size of a double espresso, providing a unique experience that stretches out the joy of savoring each sip.

Is Lungo Coffee strong?

The strength of a Lungo is often comparable to that of a filter coffee, but it typically boasts a more intense taste. Whether you prefer a delicate start to your morning or enjoy the richness of a full-bodied brew, Lungo caters to a wide range of coffee lovers with its distinctive flavor profile.

Do you put milk in a lungo?

You can certainly add milk to a Lungo if you prefer a creamier texture. Depending on your taste, adding about 10 to 20 ml of milk can soften the intense espresso base, making it somewhat akin to a milder ristretto. This flexibility allows you to tailor your Lungo to fit your morning ritual or afternoon break perfectly.

Is Lungo a double shot?

While a Lungo appears to be the same size as a Doppio or double espresso, the difference lies in its preparation. Unlike the concentrated doppio, a Lungo is watered down with double the amount of hot water compared to a regular espresso shot.

Which is the stronger Between Lungo and Ristretto?

While both Lungo and Ristretto are coffee drinks made from the same basic ingredients, they significantly differ in strength, flavor, and volume. Ristretto stands out as the strongest and most intense, characterized by a concentrated flavor and a less voluminous serving. On the other hand, Lungo is known as the largest and mildest, offering a softer taste profile despite using more water.