The art of making coffee is one that is refined with experience, knowledge, and a love for the craft. One of the most underrated, yet deliciously versatile coffee drinks is the lungo. This longer variant of espresso offers a perfect balance of flavor, strength, and smoothness. In this blog post, you'll learn everything you need to know to make the perfect lungo at home.
What is a lungo?
A lungo is an Italian coffee drink that literally means "long". It is similar to an espresso, but more water is passed through the same amount of coffee, resulting in a longer extraction. This results in a milder taste with a slightly larger amount of coffee than a standard espresso.
The differences between espresso and lungo
Although both the lungo and the espresso are based on the same coffee brewing process, there are some important differences:
- Water quantity: For an espresso, you typically use about 30 ml of water, while for a lungo, about 60-90 ml of water is used.
- Extraction time: An espresso is usually extracted in 25-30 seconds, while a lungo takes longer, usually between 40 and 60 seconds.
- Flavor profile: Due to the longer extraction time, a lungo has a milder taste with a slightly bitter undertone, as more of the natural coffee bitterness is released.
The basics: choose the right coffee beans
The first step to a perfect lungo begins with the choice of coffee beans. While personal preference plays a big role, here are some general tips:
- Medium roast: A medium roasted bean offers the best balance between acidity and bitterness for a lungo.
- Freshness: Make sure your coffee beans are fresh. Coffee quickly loses its flavor after roasting, so use beans that are no older than a few weeks.
- Origin: Coffee beans from countries like Brazil, Colombia, or Ethiopia, known for their balanced flavor profiles, are ideal for a lungo.
Getting started
- Grind the Beans: For a lungo, you want a slightly coarser grind than for an espresso. The right grind is essential; too fine and you'll get a bitter, over-extracted coffee, too coarse and your lungo will be weak and watery.
- Heat the Machine: Make sure your espresso machine is properly warmed up. This is crucial for consistent extraction. The ideal water temperature is between 90 and 96 degrees Celsius.
- Dose the Coffee: Use 16-18 grams of coffee for a double lungo (or 8-9 grams for a single). Place the ground coffee in the portafilter and tamp it firmly to ensure even extraction.
- Start the Extraction: Place the portafilter in the machine and start the extraction. Let the water flow slowly through the coffee. For a single lungo, you'll need 60-90 ml of water, depending on your taste preference. The extraction time should be between 40 and 60 seconds.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your lungo. Is the taste too strong or too bitter? Experiment with a slightly coarser grind or shorten the extraction time. Is the coffee too weak? Try a finer grind or extend the extraction time.
Extra tips
- Use filtered water: The quality of the water has a big impact on the taste of your coffee. Preferably use filtered water without too many minerals.
- Preheat your cup: This prevents the coffee from cooling down too quickly and helps to preserve its flavor better.
- Play with blends: While single-origin beans are often praised, blends can provide an interesting and complex flavor for a lungo.
Conclusion
A lungo is a refined coffee drink that, although simpler in taste than an espresso, is precisely why it is very accessible and versatile. By choosing the right beans, grinding precisely, and carefully monitoring the extraction time and water quantity, you can enjoy a lungo at home that is just as good as one made by a barista. Try different variations and techniques until you find your perfect lungo.
With this knowledge, you are now ready to perfect your own lungo and elevate your coffee experience. Good luck and enjoy your coffee!
