Updated on December 10, 2022
There are many various methods for enjoying a cup of coffee. However, there are only really two ways to make espresso: with a lungo or an espresso machine. Which approach is thus the best for you? So that you may make your own judgment, let’s examine the distinction between espresso and lungo in more detail.
What is a Lungo?
Lungos are comparable to espressos. The same beans can be used, and they are brewed in the same manner. The amount of water utilized varies. A lungo takes longer to pull and yields nearly twice as much coffee as an espresso because it requires about twice as much water. This doesn’t necessary indicate that it has different levels of caffeine or flavor, though. The distinction between an espresso and a lungo is in the sort of beans used to prepare them.
What is a Espresso?
A small amount of coffee is transformed into an espresso using a unique procedure. Under high pressure, coffee beans are brewed with hot water. A typical espresso makes 30 ml of coffee. Short blacks, flat whites, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and lattes are just a few of the popular coffee drinks that may be made using espresso as the base. Espresso may be made with any type of coffee bean, but some are more suitable than others.
Lungo vs Expresso: The Main Differences
Taste
Nothing compares to the ideal cup of espresso for coffee enthusiasts. Espresso is the base for several well-known beverages, including cappuccinos and lattes, and is robust and rich. If you prefer something a little less dramatic, what then?
In this scenario, Lungo is useful. Lungo uses the same quantity of coffee grounds as espresso, but extra water is added to the mix to produce a less potent beverage. Lungo coffees consequently tend to be softer and less bitter than their espresso equivalents. Lungo is an excellent choice if you want a coffee that is flavorful but also easy to drink.
Quantity
A lungo has a higher water content than an expresso. A less potent, more diluted beverage is the effect of this. Lungos often have a smoother and less potent flavor than espresso. Contrarily, less water is used to make an espresso. It gains a more concentrated flavor as a result, which some feel to be overly strong. The stronger flavor of an espresso is appreciated by many coffee drinkers, though. An espresso also has less of a diuretic effect than a lungo because it has less water in it.
Which is better, then? Really, it all comes down to personal preference. A shot of espresso is definitely what you want if you enjoy robust, flavorful coffee. A lungo, on the other hand, might be more your style if you want your drinks smoother and mellower.
Caffeine
If you enjoy coffee, you’ve definitely observed that there are primarily two kind of beverages made with espresso: lungo and espresso. But what distinguishes these two varieties of coffee from one another? Let’s start by examining the caffeine content. A lungo includes almost twice as much caffeine as a standard espresso shot—around 64 mg—at about 120 mg. So the lungo might be the way to go if you’re seeking for a morning boost.
An espresso usually has a stronger, more concentrated flavor than a lungo. In addition, lungos frequently include more water, which some people prefer to be more refreshing. In the end, it comes down to preference. There you have it, then! You’ll know whether to order an espresso or a lungo the next time you’re in the mood for an espresso-based beverage.