Espresso Lungo: Definition, Brewing & Comparison

The caffe lungo or "long coffee" extends the espresso experience through extended extraction—creating a larger, more diluted beverage that preserves espresso's pressure-created character while offering a longer, more sessionable drinking experience. Understanding the lungo opens new possibilities for your home espresso practice.

Core Definition: What Is a Lungo?

A lungo is defined as an espresso shot extracted with the same coffee dose as a standard espresso but with significantly increased water volume, creating a larger, more diluted beverage. The term "lungo" derives from Italian meaning "long," referring to the extended extraction time and increased yield compared to standard espresso.

The lungo differs from standard espresso primarily through its brew ratio. While a normal espresso typically follows a 1:2 ratio (18g coffee to 36g liquid), the lungo uses a 1:3 to 1:4 ratio (18g coffee to 54-72g liquid). This increased yield means more water passes through the coffee puck, extracting additional compounds and creating a milder, larger drink.

The lungo is classified as a type of espresso shot rather than a separate beverage category. The lungo consists of the same fundamental components as espresso—emulsified oils, dissolved solids, and crema—but in more diluted proportions. Unlike an Americano (espresso diluted with hot water after extraction), the lungo's additional water passes through the coffee puck under pressure, extracting different compounds than simple dilution would provide.

Lungo vs Americano vs Espresso: Complete Comparison

The lungo, Americano, and standard espresso represent three approaches to espresso-based drinks, each offering different volume, flavor profiles, and preparation methods. Understanding how lungo differs from Americano and regular espresso helps you select the right beverage for your preferences.

Lungo Extraction Science

The lungo's character results from extended extraction—continuing the brewing process beyond standard espresso parameters to capture additional compounds. Understanding this science helps you control lungo quality and appreciate its unique profile.

Extended Extraction Effects

The lungo captures compounds that standard espresso leaves behind. While these additional compounds include some bitter elements, they also contribute complexity and increased caffeine content. The lungo's pressure-extracted nature preserves emulsion and some crema—characteristics lost in Americano preparation where water is added after extraction.

Step-by-Step Lungo Preparation

Step 1: Adjust Grind for Lungo

The lungo requires a coarser grind than standard espresso to maintain proper flow rate with extended extraction time. If your normal espresso grind produces 36g in 27 seconds, you'll need to grind slightly coarser for lungo to achieve 60g in 40 seconds.

Grind 18-20 grams of coffee to a consistency slightly coarser than standard espresso—comparable to fine sand rather than powdered sugar. The coarser grind prevents over-extraction and channeling during the extended water contact time.

For grinder adjustment guidance, see our complete grind size guide. Adjust gradually—too coarse produces weak, sour shots; too fine causes choking or excessive bitterness.

Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Puck

Distribute the ground coffee evenly in your portafilter basket. The lungo's extended extraction makes proper distribution even more critical—any channeling becomes exaggerated over the longer extraction time.

Tamp with consistent pressure (approximately 30 pounds) using a level, even motion. Some baristas use a slightly firmer tamp for lungo to increase resistance and maintain back pressure during extended extraction.

Step 3: Extract the Lungo

Lock the portafilter into your espresso machine group head and start extraction. Place your scale under the cup and tare to zero.

Target extraction parameters:

• Start: First drops appear at 5-8 seconds (normal pre-infusion)
• Flow: Steady stream, slightly faster than espresso
• Time: 35-45 seconds total extraction
• Yield: 60-72 grams liquid (for 18g dose, 1:3.5 ratio)
• Appearance: Lighter crema, more volume, faster flow

Stop the shot when you reach target yield. The lungo flow appears lighter in color and slightly faster than espresso. The resulting cup should be 2-3 times the volume of a standard espresso shot.

Step 4: Evaluate and Adjust

Taste the lungo immediately. Properly extracted lungo displays:

• Flavor: Mild coffee character, slight bitterness, lighter body
• Body: Thinner than espresso but with some texture
• Acidity: Reduced compared to espresso
• Aftertaste: Moderate length, slight astringency acceptable

Lungo Caffeine Content

Contrary to intuition, the lungo contains more caffeine than standard espresso despite its milder flavor. The extended extraction continues pulling caffeine from the coffee puck long after a standard shot would have stopped.

Caffeine extracts steadily throughout the brewing process. While standard espresso captures most available caffeine in 25-30 seconds, the lungo's 35-45 second extraction pulls additional caffeine. However, the lungo's larger volume means the caffeine is distributed through more liquid, creating a less intense but more caffeinated drink overall.

For caffeine-conscious drinkers, a single lungo provides a moderate caffeine boost comparable to a small cup of drip coffee. Those seeking maximum caffeine efficiency might prefer a ristretto double shot for intensity or a lungo for sustained energy.

Lungo vs Americano: Key Differences

While both lungo and Americano produce larger, milder espresso-based drinks, they differ fundamentally in preparation method, flavor profile, and texture.

Choose lungo when you want some espresso texture and higher caffeine; choose Americano when you want a cleaner, simpler dilution without extended extraction bitterness.

Bean Selection for Lungo

The lungo's extended extraction highlights different coffee characteristics than standard espresso. Selecting appropriate beans minimizes bitterness and maximizes enjoyment.

Medium roasts generally perform best as lungo, with their developed sugars and moderate acidity standing up to extended extraction. Dark roasts can become unpleasantly bitter when pulled as lungo, while very light roasts may taste underdeveloped and sour.

When to Choose Lungo

The lungo suits specific situations and preferences. Understanding when lungo excels helps you maximize your coffee enjoyment.

Common Lungo Mistakes to Avoid

Continue Your Espresso Journey

Final Thoughts

The lungo offers espresso enthusiasts a middle path between intense shots and diluted Americanos—preserving some pressure-extracted character while providing a larger, more sessionable beverage. Its extended extraction unlocks additional caffeine and compounds unavailable in standard shots.

Mastering lungo preparation requires adjusting your grind coarser and accepting slight bitterness as part of the profile. With proper technique and bean selection, the lungo becomes a valuable addition to your espresso repertoire—perfect for those mornings when a standard shot feels too small but an Americano lacks character.

Whether enjoyed straight for its unique profile or used as the base for creative drinks, the lungo represents the flexibility of espresso as a brewing method. Experiment with different ratios, beans, and recipes to discover your perfect lungo.