Lungo: The Longer, Milder Take on Espresso

For those who love the strong, rich flavor of espresso but want to stretch it out a little, the Lungo is the perfect choice. The word “lungo” means “long” in Italian, and that’s exactly what this drink is—a “long” version of an espresso. It’s not as diluted as an Americano, and it’s not as quick and concentrated as a regular shot of espresso, but somewhere pleasantly in the middle.

Discovery

The Lungo is a traditional Italian drink, and like espresso, it’s about enjoying coffee in its purest form. What sets it apart is the amount of water used. By letting the espresso extraction process run longer, you get a larger cup of coffee with a more mellow flavor. It’s still bold, but the longer extraction gives it a slightly more complex and less intense taste than a regular espresso shot.

Lungo Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 shot of espresso
• Extra water (used during the extraction)

Instructions:

1. Start by grinding your coffee beans finely, as you would for an espresso.
2. Pack the coffee into the espresso machine’s portafilter.
3. Pull a shot of espresso, but let the water run through the grounds for a longer period—typically around 45-60 seconds instead of the usual 25-30 seconds for an espresso.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy the larger, longer shot.

Why Drink a Lungo?

It is often compared to both espresso and Americano, but it has its unique appeal:

1. Longer Extraction, More Flavor:
   The longer extraction time allows for more flavors to be pulled from the coffee grounds. You’ll get a larger shot than an espresso but with more nuance and complexity in the flavor. Some people find it has a slightly bitter edge, but others appreciate the depth.
2. Not Too Strong, Not Too Diluted:
   Unlike an Americano, where hot water is added to dilute the espresso, the Lungo keeps the strength of espresso but spreads it out. It’s ideal for those who want something less intense than a standard shot but not as weak as an Americano.
3. Great for Sipping:
   Espresso is meant to be consumed quickly, while the Lungo is more suited for sipping. The larger volume and slightly milder taste make it perfect for those who want to enjoy their coffee at a slower pace.

What Makes it Bad

While it is simple to make, it can go wrong if not done correctly:

• Over-extraction: If the water runs through the coffee for too long, the coffee can become overly bitter. This happens when too much water passes through the grounds, pulling out some of the harsher flavors.
• Weak Coffee: If the coffee grounds aren’t packed tightly enough or the grind is too coarse, it can end up tasting weak and watery, losing the rich flavor that makes it special.

Lungo vs. Espresso vs. Americano

It often gets compared to espresso and Americano, but it’s its unique drink:

• Lungo vs. Espresso: It is larger and brewed with more water than an espresso. It has a slightly more diluted taste but retains the espresso’s richness without as much bitterness.
• Lungo vs. Americano: The Americano is made by adding hot water to an espresso, while the it uses more water during the brewing process. The Lungo has a more integrated flavor, while the Americano can taste more like a blend of coffee and water.

Caffeine Content

The caffeine content in a it is typically a bit higher than a standard espresso shot because more water runs through the coffee grounds, extracting more caffeine. It contains around 70-80 milligrams of caffeine, compared to the usual 63 milligrams in a single espresso shot.

Calories and Macros

Like an espresso, it is essentially calorie-free unless you add sugar or milk.

Interesting Facts

• Brewed Longer: It takes around 45-60 seconds to brew, compared to the typical 25-30 seconds for an espresso. The extra time gives it a more complex, layered flavor.
• More Volume, Same Ingredients: While the it is larger than an espresso, it’s made with the same amount of coffee—just more water during extraction.
• A Milder Espresso Alternative: It is great for those who find espresso too intense but don’t want a fully diluted drink like an Americano.

Conclusion

The Lungo is a fascinating coffee drink that sits comfortably between an espresso and an Americano. It’s strong but not overpowering, offering a more mellow, nuanced coffee experience. If you enjoy the taste of espresso but want something you can sip on a little longer, the Lungo might just be your perfect match.

Next time you’re looking for something stronger than drip coffee but smoother than espresso, give the Lungo a try. It’s simple, rich, and just different enough to keep your coffee routine interesting.