What Is Lungo Coffee?
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If you enjoy espresso-based drinks, you might have heard the term lungo coffee. But what is a lungo coffee exactly? This Italian classic sits somewhere between a traditional espresso and an Americano, offering a longer extraction time and a slightly bitter taste in its rich flavour profile.
A lungo — meaning long in Italian — is made using the same amount of coffee grounds as a standard espresso shot, but with twice the amount of water. This lungo shot preserves the crema, resulting in a rich, aromatic coffee drink, resulting in a larger cup for any coffee lover.
Lungo vs. Espresso vs. Long Black
It’s easy to confuse a lungo with other long-style coffees. Comparing espresso variations:
| Type of Coffee | Water Added | Brew Method | Taste Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | None | Short extraction | Intense, rich |
| Lungo | Twice amount of water | Longer extraction time | Bold, slightly bitter taste |
| Long Black | Added hot water after espresso | Diluted | Smooth, lighter body |
Unlike a long black or Americano, a lungo shot gets its length during extraction, producing a richer flavour profile without diluting it with extra hot water.
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How to Make a Lungo Coffee at Home
You don’t need a café setup — an espresso machine works perfectly. Steps for a proper lungo shot:
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Use espresso ground coffee — about 18–20g of ground coffee for a standard espresso shot.
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Select a lungo shot setting (or manually pull the shot for 40–60 seconds).
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Serve in a slightly larger cup, or enjoy as part of a creamy flat white.
Try brewing your lungo with different coffee beans to explore various flavour profiles. Medium roasts like:
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House Blend Coffee — smooth and rich
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Royal Blend Coffee — bold with gentle sweetness
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Italian Blend Coffee — strong, full-bodied and ideal for espresso-based coffee drinks
Lungo and Ristretto: The Other Espresso Opposite
The ristretto is the opposite of a lungo shot. It’s a “short” espresso, made with less amount of water for a more concentrated flavour. Where the lungo produces a deeper flavour profile and bitter taste, the ristretto emphasises sweetness. Understanding lungo and ristretto helps any coffee lover explore espresso variations.
Experimenting with Lungo Flavours
Traditionally enjoyed black, a lungo shot can also be the base for creative drinks:
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Iced coffees — add ice and cold milk
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Café lungo macchiato — top with milk foam
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Cold brews like Savannah Ice Coffee – Bold
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