How to Prepare Lungo Coffee: Common Ways to Enjoy Lungos

Lungo, Italian for “long,” is a coffee beverage consisting of one shot of espresso (a “short black”) with twice as much hot water forced through the ground coffee. The result is a slightly larger serving—about two ounces, the same size as a doppio, or double shot of espresso—with a higher level of caffeine to match.

Due to the longer extraction process, lungo coffees are less concentrated than a standard espresso shot but feature a strong, bitter flavor. This prolonged brew time also means a thinner layer of crema, the frothy foam that sits atop the surface of the shot.

While you can technically add a lungo shot to coffee drinks, like a flat white, latte, macchiato, or cappuccino, the extra water will alter the consistency of the final drink, creating less of a creamy texture. Instead, use a lungo for a caffeine boost or to add flavor to mellow roasts.

Both Americanos and “long black” coffees consist of an espresso shot diluted with water. Using a lungo shot instead of the usual espresso results in more caffeine. In this “shot in the dark” style beverage, a lungo shot adds a sharp, high note to the more mellow roasted tones of drip coffee.

To prepare a lungo coffee, you’ll need a grinder and an espresso machine. A timer will provide an even more accurate lungo shot, but it’s not required.

• Grind the coffee beans. Most coffee shops use a combination of Arabica and Robusta, but use the beans you like: the key is the grind’s coarseness. Since the pull is longer for a lungo, some coffee lovers recommend a slightly coarser grind to slow the extraction rate and reduce bitterness. Aim for the same amount as a regular espresso shot, about 7–10 grams, and grind directly into the portafilter. Learn more about how grind size affects flavor.
• Settle, level, and tamp. Gently tap the filter on the counter a few times to settle the fresh grounds, then keep them as level as possible in the portafilter when tamping. Leveling and tamping help ensure even distribution of the water during the brewing process.
• Brew. Lock the portafilter into place, and place a coffee mug or cup under the group head. Begin the water pressure, and start the timer. If your machine has a “long brew” or double-shot button, use it. If it doesn’t have that button, simply keep an eye on the time. Some lungo techniques recommend pulling for up to a minute. After about 40 seconds, the flavor begins to change, and you can experiment to determine the best timing for your taste.
  

Lungo and ristretto are variations on the espresso method of preparing coffee. Slight differences in the brewing process—and variations between baristas and coffee shop preferences—result in distinct differences in consistency and flavor.

• Amount of water: A shot of espresso, or a “normale,” typically uses about 30 milliliters of water for every seven grams of ground coffee. A lungo, by contrast, uses about 45 or 50 milliliters of water for the same amount of coffee, and a ristretto uses half, about 15 milliliters.
• Aroma and flavor: The dominant flavor of espresso is similar to dark chocolate—fruity, floral, bitter, and rich. Ristrettos are pulled so quickly that the full flavor profile of the grounds doesn’t have time to develop fully. Conversely, lungos verge on over-extracted, and many of these nuances are lost as a result, leaving the roasted, bitter notes as the dominant flavor.

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