Lungo coffee is a dark, sweet, and full-bodied espresso from the Italian tradition. A lungo (“long”) cup of espresso has double the amount of coffee compared to a ristretto or regular espresso shot. It is served in a bigger 2 oz (60 ml) cup and has a longer steaming time than most other espresso types.
The typical recipe for an espresso is one part coffee to two parts water. While this can vary, a lungo usually has a ratio of one part coffee to three or four parts water. This means that a lungo is twice the size of a typical espresso.
So, what happens when you make an espresso with the same amount of coffee as usual but more water? The amount of caffeine stays the same, but the drink loses its potency and becomes weaker by volume.
Origins of Lungo Coffee
Although the terms “lungo” and “café allongé” are most commonly used in Italy and France, respectively, you may find a longer-than-average shot of espresso at a specialty coffee shop in the US.
The Taste Profile of Lungo Coffee
Lungo is a long version of the espresso shot, made by pulling more water through the grounds. Because it has more water, its taste is much more subdued than that of espresso or ristretto. Lungo is less intense (due to the water) but also much more bitter. Some people enjoy this flavor profile, while others do not.
The presence of certain substances causes bitterness in coffee. Letting grounds steep for a longer time allows more of these substances to be dissolved into your cup.
However, a lungo is not just half the strength of an espresso. In fact, it tastes different, too—it has more smoky, roasted notes than a regular espresso shot because when you brew coffee, several chemical processes take place.
Making Lungo Coffee
If you have an espresso machine, try making a lungo shot at home. You’ll need to use whole coffee beans and filtered water or tap water that has been run through a water filter.
If you’ve made espresso shots before, you know the drill. The only thing you’ll need to do is add in a few seconds for the pull.
Conclusion
If you’ve never tried a lungo before, you should. Lungos are a great way to add some body to your coffee. If you prefer sweeter drinks, this one might not work for you. Moreover, if you want to try it as a substitute for espresso, use it in cappuccinos or lattes macchiatos (not espressos macchiatos).
