What Is a Lungo? Taste, Caffeine & Espresso Differences

If you love espresso but sometimes wish for a little more in the cup, the lungo sits right in that sweet spot between a short, punchy shot and a milder, longer coffee.

So what exactly is it?

In this article, you'll see exactly what a lungo is, how it stacks up against other coffee drinks, and why it's won over so many coffee lovers around the world.

Whether you pull shots every morning or you're just getting curious, getting to know the lungo will give you one more reason to enjoy your next cup.

What is a lungo?

A lungo is an espresso-based coffee that uses more water than a regular espresso, so you end up with about 2 ounces (60 ml) of liquid. That's roughly double a standard 1-ounce (30 ml) espresso shot, or a little more.

Here's what makes a lungo its own thing:

• Brewing time: A lungo takes about 45-60 seconds to brew, longer than the usual 25-30 seconds for an espresso. That extra time pulls more water through the grounds, which is what gives you a larger, more diluted shot.
• Flavor profile: With the additional water, a lungo tastes slightly more bitter thanks to the longer extraction, which can coax out earthy, nutty, and sometimes smoky notes.
• Intensity: It's less concentrated than an espresso, but a lungo still gives you a bold cup, just with a smoother, more relaxed flavor.

If you like a less intense but still full-flavored espresso, a lungo is a great pick that brings out notes you might otherwise miss.

What does a lungo coffee taste like?

A lungo tastes noticeably different from a traditional espresso. You get a balanced mix of intensity and smoothness, with a few flavor notes all its own.

Here's how those flavors break down:

• Less intense but bold: Since a lungo uses more water than an espresso, it's less concentrated, so you get a smoother, slightly lighter body while it still holds on to the boldness of espresso.
• Slight bitterness: The longer extraction pulls out more of the coffee's compounds, which can leave a slightly bitter undertone. That bitterness is usually more balanced and less sharp than what you'd taste in a regular espresso.
• Earthy and nutty notes: The extended brewing time gives you a fuller extraction of the beans, often bringing out rich, earthy, or nutty notes that a shorter shot keeps hidden. Some lungos even carry hints of cocoa or a bit of smokiness.
• Less acidity: Compared to an espresso, a lungo is generally lower in acidity. The longer brew and extra water mellow out the tangier, acidic notes, so the coffee tastes more rounded.

All in all, a lungo is smooth yet complex, and it's perfect if you 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 really comes down to how each one is brewed, and that gives you distinct flavors, sizes, and intensities.

Here's how they compare side by side:

Is a lungo the same as an Americano?

When you make a lungo, you pull an espresso shot with more water, usually about 2 ounces (60 ml).

With an Americano, you work the other way around: you add hot water to a shot of espresso after it's brewed, so no, they're not the same.

An Americano usually pairs 1 ounce (30 ml) of espresso with about 2 ounces (60 ml) of hot water:

A lungo tastes smooth with a slight bitterness, and it shows off those earthy or nutty notes.

That longer extraction is what draws out the coffee's different characteristics.

An Americano, on the other hand, comes out milder.

The added hot water dilutes the bold flavors and acidity of the espresso, which brings it closer to drip coffee.

So while both drinks come down to water and espresso, a lungo is a longer shot of espresso, and an Americano is a diluted espresso drink.

Each one has its own place in your cup.

What is a Nespresso lungo?

A Nespresso lungo is a coffee you make with Nespresso machines that are set up to brew lungo coffees.

It runs a longer extraction than a standard espresso, so you get a drink of around 3.75 ounces (110 ml).

The Nespresso capsules do the work here, bringing out the coffee's flavor and giving you a smoother, less concentrated cup with mild bitterness and rich, earthy notes:

If you want something bigger, a gran lungo is a larger option in the Nespresso Vertuo line, with a 5-ounce (150 ml) serving.

Gran lungos are brewed from special Vertuo pods, which handle that extra water while keeping the flavor balanced.

The gran lungo gives you an even milder, more diluted cup than the standard lungo. It's a great choice when you want a larger, smoother coffee that still keeps the essence of the espresso:

So even though both the lungo and gran lungo come from Nespresso machines, the lungo lands at about 3.75 ounces and gives you a more concentrated coffee.

The gran lungo, at 5 ounces, hands you a larger, milder cup with a smooth flavor.

Conclusion

So there you have it: a lungo is a lovely coffee that pairs the bold character of espresso with a smoother, more easygoing taste.

Its larger volume and unique brewing method are made for you if you want depth and complexity without the full intensity of a straight shot.

Whether you sip it on its own or use it as the base for other coffee drinks, a lungo is a great way to explore a little more of what coffee can do.

Coffee recipes to try

• Cortado: What Is It and How to Make This Espresso Drink?
• Breve Coffee: What Is It & How Do You Make It at Home?
• Americano With Milk: What Is It and Should You Try It?