If you enjoy coffee, you’ve probably heard about Lungo coffee. The Ristretto, Doppio and now the Lungo are just variations of Espresso.
The lungo shot is pulled the same way as the espresso shot, but with more water. Consequently, the drink is milder and less concentrated than traditional Espresso and leaves a bitter aftertaste.
In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Lungo Espresso – So whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just looking to expand your coffee knowledge, keep reading to learn all you wanna know about Lungo.
WHAT DOES Lungo ACTUALLY MEAN?
What is lungo coffee? Let’s start with the beverage’s name. Lungo, which translates to “long” in Italian, alludes to how this coffee drink appears when compared to the typically shorter espresso.
While the exact origin of the lungo shot is not known, it is believed to have become popular in Italy in the mid-20th century.
Lungo is essentially a longer form of popular Espresso that was initially served in very small portions as a quick pick-me-up for busy workers.
However, over time, some coffee drinkers began to request longer shots of espresso, with more water added to create a milder flavor and a long finish.
Lungo is essentially stronger than regular coffee but less strong than an Espresso shot.
HOW TO PREPARE A PERFECT LUNGO (LONG SHOT)
Equipment
- Coffee grinder
- Espresso machine
- Coffee beans
Ingredients
- 10-15 grams Coffee grounds
Instructions
- Choose your coffee beans: For a Lungo Espresso, you'll need to choose coffee beans that are medium to dark roast. These types of beans will produce a stronger, more complex flavor that can stand up to the longer extraction time.
- Grind your beans: Use a high-quality burr grinder to grind your coffee beans just before brewing. For a Lungo Espresso, you'll need to use a coarser grind than you would for a traditional espresso shot.
- Fill your portafilter: Fill your portafilter with enough ground coffee to make a 3-4 ounce shot. The good coffee to water ratio for a lungo shot is 1:3-4. Tamp the coffee grounds down firmly to ensure an even extraction.
- Start the extraction: Start the extraction process on your espresso machine and let the water run through the coffee grounds for approximately 30-40 seconds. This longer extraction time is what distinguishes a Lungo Espresso from a traditional espresso shot.
- Watch the flow: As the coffee is extracted, pay close attention to the flow rate. You want the coffee to flow smoothly and consistently, without any interruptions or spurts. If the flow is too fast, your coffee will be weak and watery; if it's too slow, your coffee will be bitter and over-extracted.
- Stop the extraction: Once you've extracted approximately 3-4 ounces of coffee, you'll start noticing the crema layer. At that moment, Stop the extraction process by turning off the machine.
- Enjoy your Lungo: Serve your Lungo Espresso in a preheated cup and enjoy it on its own, or use it as a base for other coffee drinks like lattes or cappuccinos.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare a perfect Lungo Espresso every time – one that has a rich, bold flavor and a smooth finish that will satisfy even the most discerning coffee lovers
Taste and Flavor profiles of Lungo
Lungo coffees have a stronger, more bitter flavor than an espresso shot but are less concentrated because of the prolonged extraction procedure.
This lengthier brewing process also results in a thinner crema – the frothy foam that covers the shot’s surface.
Is Lungo Stronger Than Espresso
The main difference between Espresso and lungo is the amount of water. Lungo is pulled with double the amount of water as Espresso, with the same amount of ground coffee. So, obviously, it is lighter than Espresso.
Also Read: Why Is Espresso Tasting Bitter
The Caffeine content and calories in Lungo
A traditional espresso shot is typically 1-1.25 ounces and has a caffeine content of around 60-72 mg, while a Lungo is usually 3-5 ounces in volume and has a caffeine content of 70-80 mg.
The caffeine content in Lungo is slightly higher than in Espresso that’s because the longer extraction time allows for more of the coffee’s flavors and aroma to be extracted.
The calorie count in Lungo is almost the same as Espresso which is 2-4 calories per serving which is virtually negligible.
However, if you add any additional ingredients to your Lungo, such as milk, cream, or sugar, the calorie content will increase.
What is the difference between double espresso and lungo?
Lungo isn’t the same as double Espresso. The main difference is the coffee-to-water ratio.
In a double shot, both the amount of coffee grounds and water is doubled compared to a solo shot so the ratio remains the same (1:2). While in a lungo shot, only the amount of water is increased so the ratio increases to (1:3-4).
So, you can say that in a Lungo coffee, the amount of coffee is the same as single espresso and the amount of water is the same as double Espresso.
Also Read: Ristretto vs Lungo
Final Thoughts on Lungo Coffee
Learning about Lungo Espresso has been really fascinating!
I’m a big coffee fan, and I love exploring all the different types of coffee out there. I’ve found that Lungo Espresso is really unique because it’s brewed for a longer time than regular espresso, which gives it a milder taste.
Personally, I never prefer Lungo coffee over an Espresso shot as I love the thicker texture of the Espresso shot.
If you’re not a fan of really strong espresso, Lungo Espresso might be the perfect choice for you.
I’d definitely recommend giving it a try and seeing what you think – who knows, it might just become your new go-to coffee drink!
Also Read: What is short black coffee?
Can you put Milk in a Lungo?
Yes, you can certainly add milk to a Lungo Espresso to create a variety of delicious Espresso drinks such as a Latte, Cappuccino or Macchiato.
The addition of milk can help balance the strong coffee flavor of a Lungo and create a creamier and more textured drink.
What’s The Difference Between Lungo And Americano?
The main difference between a Lungo and an Americano is the brewing method and the strength of the coffee flavor.
Lungo shot is prepared by running more water through the Espresso machine while Americano coffee is prepared by adding more hot water to an Espresso shot.
What Is The Difference Between Lungo And Long Black?
The difference between a Lungo and a Long black is the order in which the water and espresso are added to the cup.
In a Lungo, the water is passed through the coffee grounds during the brewing process, resulting in a milder and less intense coffee flavor.
In a Long black, an espresso is poured over hot water, which preserves the crema and results in a stronger coffee flavor.
