Among the many coffee styles available, the lungo is a unique and flavorful option bridging the gap between a traditional espresso and a milder cup of coffee.
But what exactly is this coffee?
Quick Answer: What is a lungo?
A lungo, which means “long” in Italian, is a style of espresso that uses more water and a slightly longer extraction time. This creates a larger, milder coffee compared to a traditional espresso shot.
This article explores what a lungo is, how it differs from other coffee drinks, and why it has become a favorite for coffee enthusiasts around the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a casual coffee drinker, understanding the nuances of a lungo can enhance your appreciation for this remarkable brew.
What is a lungo?
A lungo is an espresso-based coffee that uses more water than a traditional espresso, resulting in about 2 ounces (60 ml) of liquid—roughly double (or a bit more than) a standard 1-ounce (30 ml) espresso shot.
Here’s what makes a lungo unique:
- Brewing time: A lungo takes about 45–60 seconds to brew, longer than the usual 25–30 seconds for an espresso. This extended extraction pulls more water through the coffee grounds, producing a larger, more diluted shot.
- Flavor profile: With the additional water, a lungo has a slightly more bitter taste due to the longer extraction time, which can bring out earthy, nutty, and sometimes smoky notes.
- Intensity: While less concentrated than an espresso, a lungo still offers a bold coffee experience but with a smoother, more relaxed flavor.
For those who enjoy a less intense but full-flavored espresso, a lungo is an excellent option that brings out unique notes in the coffee.
What does a lungo coffee taste like?
A lungo has a distinct taste profile compared to traditional espresso, offering a balanced mix of intensity and smoothness with unique flavor notes.
Here’s a breakdown of its flavor characteristics:
- Less intense but bold: Since a lungo uses more water than an espresso, it’s less concentrated, giving it a smoother, slightly lighter body while still maintaining the boldness of espresso.
- Slight bitterness: The longer extraction time pulls out more of the coffee’s compounds, which can lead to a slightly bitter undertone. However, this bitterness is often more balanced and less sharp than in a regular espresso.
- Earthy and nutty notes: The extended brewing time allows for a fuller extraction of the coffee beans, often bringing out rich, earthy, or nutty notes that may not be as pronounced in a shorter shot. Some lungos may also have hints of cocoa or smoky undertones.
- Less acidity: Compared to an espresso, a lungo generally has lower acidity. The extended brewing time and extra water mellow out the tangier, acidic notes, making the coffee taste more rounded.
Overall, a lungo is smooth yet complex, perfect for those who enjoy espresso flavors with a bit more depth and a touch less intensity.
What is the difference between a lungo and an espresso?
The difference between a lungo and an espresso primarily lies in the brewing process, resulting in distinct flavor profiles, sizes, and intensities.
Here’s a detailed comparison:
| Comparison: | Lungo: | Espresso: |
| Serving size | 2 ounces (60 ml) | 1 ounce (30 ml) |
| Extraction time | 45-60 seconds | 25-30 seconds |
| Flavor profile | More balanced flavor, with a slight bitterness and more nuanced notes | Strong, bold flavor, bright acidity, and pronounced coffee notes |
| Caffeine content | 68mg of caffeine | 68mg of caffeine |
| Texture | Smoother with a lighter body | Creamy and thick |
| Grind size | Slightly coarser grind | Finer grind size |
| Crema? | Thinner crema due to the longer extraction | Thick, rich crema on top |
| Serving style | Often served in slightly larger cups or glasses | Commonly served in small, pre-warmed cups |
Is a lungo the same as an Americano?
During extraction, a lungo is made by pulling an espresso shot with more water, typically about 2 ounces (60 ml).
In contrast, an Americano is made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso after brewing, so they’re not the same.
It usually consists of 1 ounce (30 ml) of espresso mixed with about 2 ounces (60 ml) of hot water:
The flavor of a lungo is smooth with a slight bitterness, showcasing earthy or nutty notes.
The longer extraction brings out different characteristics of the coffee.
An Americano, on the other hand, has a milder flavor.
The added hot water dilutes the bold flavors and acidity of the espresso, making it closer to drip coffee.
In summary, while both drinks involve water and espresso, a lungo is a longer shot of espresso, whereas an Americano is a diluted espresso drink.
Each has its unique characteristics.
What is a Nespresso lungo?
A Nespresso lungo is a type of coffee made using Nespresso machines that specifically brew lungo coffees.
It involves a longer extraction process than a standard espresso, resulting in a drink of around 3.75 ounces (110 ml).
This method uses Nespresso capsules to enhance the coffee’s flavor, producing a smoother, less concentrated beverage with mild bitterness and rich, earthy notes:
In contrast, a gran lungo is a larger coffee option available in the Nespresso Vertuo line, featuring a 5-ounce (150 ml) serving.
Gran lungos are brewed from special Vertuo pods designed to accommodate the increased water volume while maintaining a balanced flavor profile.
The gran lungo offers an even milder and more diluted experience compared to the standard lungo, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a larger, smoother coffee drink without losing the essence of the espresso:
In summary, while both the lungo and gran lungo are brewed with Nespresso machines, the lungo is about 3.75 ounces and offers a concentrated coffee experience.
In contrast, at 5 ounces, the gran lungo provides a larger, milder option with a smooth flavor profile.
Conclusion
In summary, a lungo is a delightful coffee option that combines the robust characteristics of espresso with a smoother, more accessible taste profile.
Its larger volume and unique brewing method cater to coffee drinkers seeking depth and complexity without overwhelming intensity.
Whether enjoyed alone or used as a base for various coffee beverages, the lungo serves as an excellent choice for those looking to explore the diverse world of coffee.
