Updated on January 10, 2023
A lungo is a type of coffee drink that is made by using more water than a traditional espresso. The word “lungo” is Italian for “long,” which refers to the longer extraction time that is used to make this type of coffee.
Espresso is the base for a Lungo and is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure. This results in a concentrated coffee with a strong flavor and a thick, creamy crema on top. Lungo, on the other hand, is made by using more water during the extraction process, which results in a less concentrated and less bitter coffee. The result is a coffee that is less intense and has a more balanced flavor.
The typical size of a lungo is around 110-150ml, it’s around 1.5-2times of a standard espresso shot. This amount of water makes the taste milder and less intense than an espresso, and is ideal for those who want a more balanced, mellower coffee.
There are different ways to make a lungo, but one common method is to use an espresso machine with a special lungo button. When the button is pressed, the machine automatically increases the amount of water that is used during the extraction process, resulting in a longer shot of coffee. Alternatively, it can also be made by manually increasing the amount of water used or by holding the espresso shot for a longer time in the cup to produce a larger volume.
When it comes to taste, a lungo is known for its mild and well-rounded flavor profile. The increased amount of water used in the extraction process results in a less concentrated coffee, which allows the more delicate flavors of the beans to come through. This makes lungos a good choice for those who prefer a less intense and less bitter coffee.
Lungo is a great option for those who like to have a coffee but don’t want the intensity of an espresso, it is also a good choice for those who like to drink coffee over an extended period of time as the taste will evolve over time as well. It’s a versatile coffee that can be enjoyed on its own or with a splash of milk or a sweetener to make it more palatable. It’s also a great option for use in a variety of coffee drinks like a cappuccino or latte.
Another way to enjoy Lungo is as a base for other coffee drinks, like iced coffees, as it’s milder taste can be paired with syrups and flavors without overpowering it.
In summary, a lungo is a type of coffee that is made by using more water than a traditional espresso. This results in a less concentrated and less bitter coffee with a mild and well-rounded flavor profile. It’s a great option for those who prefer a more balanced and mellower coffee, and is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for other coffee drinks.
It’s important to note that as with any coffee, the taste can be influenced by the beans and method used, so it’s important to try different variations and find the one that you like best. Another important aspect to consider when making a lungo is the grind size of the coffee beans. The grind size can greatly affect the taste and quality of the coffee. For a lungo, it’s best to use a slightly coarser grind than what is typically used for an espresso. This is because a lungo uses more water than an espresso and a coarser grind allows the water to flow more easily through the coffee, resulting in a more balanced extraction.
The temperature of the water also plays a crucial role in the taste of the lungo. It is important to use water that is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit (90-96°C) when making a lungo. Using water that is too hot can result in a bitter and burned-tasting coffee, while water that is not hot enough can result in a weak and under-extracted coffee.
When it comes to choosing the beans for a lungo, it’s best to use a blend or a single origin coffee that has a medium to light roast. Medium to light roasted beans tend to have a milder flavor and a higher acidity which will complement the increased amount of water used in the extraction process. This can result in a coffee that has a smooth and well-balanced taste.
Lungos are a great way to enjoy coffee in a new way. They are a versatile coffee that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for other coffee drinks. They are a great option for those who prefer a less intense and less bitter coffee and are an excellent way to explore the different nuances of coffee beans.
As with any coffee, the key to making a great lungo is to experiment with different beans, grinds, and brewing methods to find the combination that works best for you. With a little bit of practice and experimentation, you can craft a delicious lungo that will provide a new and exciting coffee experience.
In conclusion, a lungo is a type of coffee that is made by using more water than a traditional espresso. It has a milder, more balanced and well-rounded flavor profile compared to an espresso. Making a lungo requires a slightly coarser grind than what is typically used for an espresso, water temperature should be between 195-205F (90-96C) and beans should be a medium-light roast. With a bit of practice and experimentation, anyone can craft a delicious lungo that will provide a new and exciting coffee experience.
Benefits
There are several benefits to drinking a lungo as opposed to a traditional espresso. Some of these benefits include:
Lower Caffeine Content: Since a lungo uses more water than an espresso, the resulting coffee is less concentrated, which means it also has less caffeine. This can be beneficial for those who are sensitive to caffeine or who want to limit their caffeine intake.
Milder Flavor: As mentioned earlier, the increased amount of water used in the extraction process results in a less concentrated and less bitter coffee. This milder flavor profile can be more palatable for those who find espresso too intense.
More Balanced Taste: The milder flavor profile of a lungo can also result in a more balanced taste. The increased water allows for the subtler flavors of the coffee beans to come through, which can make the coffee taste smoother and more well-rounded.
Longer-lasting: A lungo produces a larger volume of coffee than an espresso, which makes it a good choice for those who want to enjoy their coffee over an extended period of time. The taste will also evolve over time as well which can be a nice experience.
Versatile: A lungo can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for other coffee drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, and iced coffees. It’s milder flavor profile makes it a great option to pair with syrups and flavors without overpowering it.
Less acidity: Due to the increased water volume used in the brewing process, the acidity level in lungo is generally lower than traditional espresso, making it a better option for those with acid reflux or other stomach related issues.
It’s important to note that while lungos can be a great option for those who prefer a milder and less intense coffee, they should not be considered as a replacement for a traditional espresso. Espresso has its own unique taste and characteristics that make it a favorite among coffee lovers worldwide.
Ultimately, the choice between a lungo and a traditional espresso comes down to personal preference and taste. Both are delicious options that offer unique coffee experiences and each has its own set of benefits.
FAQ
What is the difference between a lungo and an espresso?
A lungo is a type of coffee drink that is made by using more water than a traditional espresso. This results in a less concentrated and less bitter coffee with a milder and more well-rounded flavor profile. An espresso, on the other hand, is a concentrated coffee with a strong flavor and a thick, creamy crema on top.
How is a lungo made?
There are different ways to make a lungo, but one common method is to use an espresso machine with a special lungo button. When the button is pressed, the machine automatically increases the amount of water that is used during the extraction process, resulting in a longer shot of coffee. Alternatively, it can also be made by manually increasing the amount of water used or by holding the espresso shot for a longer time in the cup to produce a larger volume.
What grind size should I use for a lungo?
For a lungo, it’s best to use a slightly coarser grind than what is typically used for an espresso. This is because a lungo uses more water than an espresso and a coarser grind allows the water to flow more easily through the coffee, resulting in a more balanced extraction.
What are the benefits of drinking a lungo?
Some of the benefits of drinking a lungo include a lower caffeine content, milder flavor, more balanced taste, longer lasting, versatile and less acidity compared to traditional espresso.
Can I add milk or sweetener to a lungo?
Yes, you can add milk or sweetener to a lungo if you like. This can make the coffee taste smoother and more well-rounded. Additionally, you can use it as a base for other coffee drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes.
Can I use any kind of beans for a lungo?
When it comes to choosing the beans for a lungo, it’s best to use a blend or a single origin coffee that has a medium to light roast. Medium to light roasted beans tend to have a milder flavor and a higher acidity which will complement the increased amount of water used in the extraction process. This can result in a coffee that has a smooth and well-balanced taste.