How to prepare a Lungo coffee
If you’re a coffee lover looking to explore different espresso styles, the Lungo is a delicious choice worth trying. This Italian coffee variation offers a longer, milder shot than a traditional espresso, delivering a unique balance of flavour and smoothness. In this guide, we’ll explain what a Lungo coffee is, how to prepare it at home, and how it differs from other popular espresso drinks like the Americano.
What is Lungo coffee?
Lungo coffee is an Italian espresso variation, with “lungo” meaning “long” in Italian. It is made using the same amount of coffee grounds as a traditional espresso but with more water passed through the coffee during extraction, resulting in a longer shot.
This produces a larger cup of coffee that is milder and less concentrated than an espresso. Lungos tend to have a slightly more bitter flavour due to the extended brewing time, offering a distinctive balance between strength and smoothness.
How to make a Lungo coffee?
To make a Lungo coffee, use a standard espresso machine and the usual amount of coffee grounds you would for an espresso. However, instead of stopping the extraction at around 25-30 seconds, allow more water to flow through the grounds—typically doubling the volume to about 60 ml or more.
This longer extraction draws out additional flavours from the coffee, creating a larger, milder coffee shot. The key is to maintain steady pressure throughout the process to avoid over-extraction and excessive bitterness.
What is the difference between a Lungo and an Espresso?
The primary difference between a Lungo and an Espresso is the amount of water used during extraction. An espresso is a short, concentrated shot using around 25-30 ml of water, resulting in a rich and intense flavour. A Lungo, by contrast, uses roughly twice the water, producing a longer shot that is less concentrated and milder in taste.
While espresso offers a robust and bold coffee experience, a Lungo delivers a more subtle flavour profile with a slight bitterness from the extended brewing time.
What is the difference between a Lungo and an Americano?
Although both a Lungo and an Americano result in a larger, milder coffee than an espresso, the preparation differs. A Lungo is made by pulling a longer espresso shot with more water passing through the coffee grounds during extraction.
An Americano is prepared by adding hot water to a standard espresso shot after brewing. This gives the Americano a smoother, less bitter taste compared to a Lungo and a texture that more closely resembles drip coffee.
Is a Lungo stronger than an Espresso?
No, a lungo is not stronger than an espresso. While it uses the same amount of coffee grounds, a lungo is brewed with more water, resulting in a milder and less concentrated flavour compared to the bold intensity of an espresso.
Is a Lungo the same as an Americano?
No, a lungo and an Americano are different. A lungo is made by pulling a longer espresso shot with more water during extraction. An Americano is prepared by adding hot water to a standard espresso shot after brewing, giving it a smoother taste and a coffee strength similar to drip coffee.
Can you add milk to Lungo coffee?
Yes, you can add milk to a lungo. Adding steamed or frothed milk creates a creamier, softer coffee similar to a latte but with the distinctive flavour of a lungo shot. It’s a great way to enjoy a milder espresso with a creamy texture. To make your own, explore L’OR’s range of lungo capsules here and enjoy café-quality coffee at home.
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