Espresso Lungo

Long-extracted espresso

The Lungo, Italian for "long," is a variation of espresso that challenges traditional notions of the perfect shot. While it uses the same amount of ground coffee as a standard espresso, the extraction time is extended and more water is used, typically twice as much, resulting in a larger drink that fills a 4-6 oz cup. This longer extraction brings out different characteristics from the coffee beans, creating a unique flavor profile that some coffee enthusiasts specifically seek out.

Unlike a simple diluted espresso, the lungo's extended extraction time means that different compounds are drawn from the coffee grounds, resulting in a more complex bitter profile. The crema is typically thinner than in a traditional espresso, but the drink maintains a distinctive body and mouthfeel that sets it apart from both espresso and drip coffee. This preparation method particularly suits certain single-origin coffees where a longer extraction can highlight unique flavor notes that might be lost in a standard espresso pull.