What Is Lungo Coffee? Espresso-Based Drink Explained

If you’ve ever ordered a ‘long’ coffee in Italy or seen a Lungo on a café menu, you might have wondered: is it just a stretched-out espresso? Or is it basically an Americano? The difference isn’t just in the name—it’s in how it’s brewed, how it tastes, and what it tells us about coffee strength and extraction. Here’s what actually defines a Lungo, how it compares to other espresso-based drinks, and why those differences matter to your cup.

A Lungo is an espresso extracted with roughly double the usual water volume, typically using a 1:5 brew ratio—such as 20g of coffee to 100g of espresso liquid. That’s around 56 seconds of extraction time, compared to the standard 25–30 seconds for a regular espresso. No extra water is added afterward; the longer pull itself creates the larger drink.

What Exactly Is a Lungo?

Lungo is the Italian word for “long,” and in coffee terms, it refers to an espresso shot that’s been extracted longer than usual—resulting in more total liquid. Unlike simply adding hot water to espresso (as with an Americano), a Lungo is made by extending the brewing time through the machine, extracting more soluble compounds from the coffee grounds. The typical brew ratio for a Lungo is around 1:5—that’s about 20g of coffee grounds producing roughly 100g (or milliliters) of liquid. This extended extraction often takes around 56 seconds, compared to the standard 25–30 seconds for a regular espresso shot. No water is added after extraction; you drink it straight.

Lungo vs Americano: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse Lungo with an Americano, but they’re fundamentally different. An Americano is made by taking a standard espresso—commonly extracted at a 1:2 brew ratio, such as 20g of coffee to 40g of espresso—and then diluting it with hot water, usually to a 1:5 to 1:8 brew ratio overall. This means you start with a small, concentrated shot and then add water, which also tends to disrupt the crema and homogenize the flavor from first sip to last. In contrast, a Lungo is not diluted. It’s a single, longer extraction that results in a larger volume of espresso-like coffee, maintaining the crema and offering a different balance of flavors due to the extended brew time and higher water contact.

And What About Long Black (aka Australian Black)?

Long Black, known as ‘’ in Chinese and sometimes called ‘short black’ in Australia, is another espresso-based drink that’s often mistaken for an Americano—but again, it’s not. To make a Long Black, you first pour hot water into the cup, then add the espresso shot on top. This method preserves the crema and creates a layered drink where the first sips are richer and more intense, gradually becoming cleaner as you drink. The typical brew ratio for a Long Black is around 1:3. In contrast, an Americano is usually made by adding water to espresso, often resulting in a 1:5 to 1:8 ratio overall, and the crema gets dispersed. That means every sip of an Americano tends to taste similar, while a Long Black offers a more dynamic flavor experience.

Flavor Profiles: How Brew Method Changes Taste

FrontStreet Coffee uses its Sunflower Sunshine Blend for daily espresso preparation, with a standard recipe of 20g coffee to 40g espresso in 28 seconds. This yields flavors of sherry wine, soft berry acidity, vanilla cream texture, and hazelnut-chocolate notes. But when you change the brew method, the flavor shifts dramatically:

• Lungo (1:5 ratio, 20g to 100g): More bitter, with prominent sherry and chocolate notes, but fewer nuanced flavors.
• Americano (1:6 ratio, hot water added): Brighter sherry aroma, muted berry notes, with hazelnut, vanilla, and chocolate in the finish.
• Long Black (1:3 ratio, espresso poured over water): Creamy mouthfeel, intense sherry upfront, clear caramel and chocolate tones, rich start and clean finish.

These variations show how brew ratios and methods—whether you extend extraction time (Lungo), dilute post-extraction (Americano), or preserve crema with layered pouring (Long Black)—all affect the flavor, body, and drinking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard brew ratio for a Lungo?

A typical Lungo is brewed at a 1:5 coffee-to-water ratio. For example, 20g of coffee is used to produce about 100g (or ml) of extracted coffee. This is roughly double the water of a standard espresso shot.

How is a Lungo different from an Americano?

A Lungo is made by extracting a longer espresso shot directly through the machine, usually with a 1:5 ratio and around 56 seconds of brew time. An Americano is made by pouring hot water into a standard espresso (often 1:2), resulting in a more diluted drink with a 1:5 to 1:8 ratio overall. The crema is generally preserved in a Lungo but disrupted in an Americano.

What about a Long Black? How is that different?

A Long Black is made by adding hot water to the cup first, then pouring the espresso shot on top. This preserves the espresso’s crema and creates a layered effect, with a stronger initial flavor and a cleaner finish. It usually has a 1:3 brew ratio. An Americano, in contrast, mixes espresso and water together, leading to a uniform taste throughout.

Does a Lungo taste the same as a regular espresso?

No. Due to the longer extraction time and higher water volume, a Lungo tends to be more bitter and have a heavier body, with some nuanced flavors less pronounced. A standard espresso has a shorter brew time and more balanced acidity and sweetness.

Can I make a Lungo at home?

Yes, if your espresso machine allows for a longer extraction without channeling or over-extracting. Use about 20g of coffee and aim for around 100g of yield in roughly 56 seconds. Adjust based on your machine and coffee’s behavior.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Lungo & Espresso

For making Lungo or espresso-based drinks like Americano and Long Black, FrontStreet Coffee’s Sunflower Sunshine Blend is an excellent choice. Designed for espresso and milk drinks, it delivers sherry wine aromas, soft berry acidity, creamy vanilla texture, and a hazelnut-chocolate finish. For a richer, more intense profile, try the Classic Blend, known for its smooth and approachable profile that works well under extended extraction. Both blends are optimized for home and commercial espresso setups, ensuring crema and balance even in longer or layered drinks. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.