If you’re a coffee lover, you know how small details like flavor, aroma, and preparation can make all the difference. That’s exactly the case with espresso and lungo.
At first, they seem almost identical. Both use the same finely ground coffee, the same espresso machine, and the same brewing method. But one is short and bold, while the other runs a little longer, offering a different balance of strength and bitterness.
So, what sets them apart? How does the brewing process impact the taste? And most importantly, which one is right for you? In this guide, we’ll break down the main differences between espresso vs. lungo, from their brewing methods to flavor profiles so that you can pick the perfect shot for your next cup.
What is Espresso?
Espresso is a strong, concentrated brew made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee under high pressure. It was first developed in Italy and has since become the base for well-known drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.
Espresso stands out for its bold, intense flavor, extracted quickly from finely ground coffee, creating a small but powerful shot. On average, a single shot of espresso contains about 63 milligrams of caffeine, making it one of the most caffeine-packed ways to enjoy coffee.
The brewing method fully brings out the coffee’s flavor, making espresso a go-to for those who enjoy strong and rich coffee. It is often served in small amounts and offers a deep, satisfying taste in every sip.
Espresso lovers and industry professionals alike often gather at events like the Coffee Trade Show to explore the latest trends, equipment, and innovations in espresso brewing, enhancing their appreciation and knowledge of this iconic drink.
Brewing Method
The right conditions are crucial for making a perfect espresso. The water temperature should be between 190°F and 200°F, and the pressure needs to be around 9 bars to force the water through the finely ground coffee.
The grind size is important—it must be fine enough for the water to extract all the flavors properly. Usually, a shot of espresso is brewed for 25 to 30 seconds, allowing the coffee to develop its signature richness and smooth crema on top.
What is Lungo?
Lungo is a “longer pull” version of espresso, created by using more water during extraction. The word “lungo” translates to “long” in Italian, referring to the extended brewing process.
The main difference between espresso and lungo is the amount of water used. Lungo typically uses double the water of an espresso, which results in a more diluted and milder taste. This process creates a coffee with a less intense flavor but more pronounced bitter undertones, due to the prolonged extraction time.
Lungo is a great option for coffee lovers who prefer a milder yet rich taste. It offers a smoother and more balanced flavor compared to espresso, while still maintaining the main characteristics of espresso, such as its deep coffee essence.
Brewing Method
Brewing a lungo requires a longer extraction time, usually between 35 and 50 seconds, compared to espresso’s quicker 25-30 seconds. While the grind size remains the same as espresso, using double the water results in a milder flavor.
The prolonged extraction period allows more compounds, including bitter notes, to develop, giving the coffee its signature less intense yet more bitter taste.
Some espresso and lungo blends may include robusta coffee beans to enhance the bitterness and provide a stronger, more intense flavor profile.
What is Ristretto?
Ristretto is another variation of espresso that’s made with less water and brewed for a shorter time, usually 15-20 seconds. This gives it a more concentrated flavor and a smoother, naturally sweeter taste compared to regular espresso. The quick brewing process and reduced water amount create a rich, bold coffee with less bitterness.
Ristretto is perfect for those who want a more intense, yet refined coffee experience. While it shares some similarities with espresso, it stands out due to its concentrated balance of flavors.
However, our main focus in this guide is on lungo vs. espresso, though ristretto remains an interesting alternative for those who prefer an even stronger flavor.
Key Differences Between Espresso and Lungo
When comparing espresso and lungo, it’s clear that they deliver different coffee experiences. While both are staples of Italian coffee culture, they differ significantly in brewing methods, flavor, and overall strength.
Understanding these differences will help you choose the one that best fits your taste.
1. Brewing Time and Water Volume
- Espresso: The brewing process for espresso is relatively short, usually lasting around 25-30 seconds. It uses about 1 ounce (30 milliliters) of water, which creates a highly concentrated shot. The shorter extraction time preserves the intensity of the coffee’s bold flavors.
- Lungo: Lungo, which translates to “long” in Italian, uses more water, about twice the amount of espresso, usually around 2–3 ounces (60-90 milliliters). The brewing time is also longer, ranging from 35 to 50 seconds, resulting in a milder flavor extraction.
2. Flavor Profile
- Espresso: Espresso has a rich, bold, and well-balanced flavor. The shot’s concentrated nature brings out the strong coffee flavor, with some notes of sweetness and slight bitterness, depending on the coffee beans used.
- Lungo: With its longer brewing time, lungo produces a milder coffee with a more pronounced bitter aftertaste. Because it uses more water, the flavors are less intense, but the prolonged extraction draws out more of the bitter compounds from the coffee grounds.
3. Caffeine Content
- Espresso: On average, a single shot of espresso contains about 63 milligrams of caffeine. Its concentrated form delivers a punch of caffeine in a small serving, perfect for a quick, strong energy boost.
- Lungo: Due to the longer extraction time and increased water volume, a lungo shot may contain slightly more caffeine than espresso, despite being less concentrated. The extended brewing process increases compounds like chlorogenic acids, which increases bitterness and adds more caffeine.
4. Serving Sizes
- Espresso: Espresso is served in smaller portions, normally 1 ounce (30 milliliters) per shot. Its concentrated nature means you don’t need much to enjoy its rich, bold flavor. The small serving size is perfect for those who love a quick, intense coffee experience.
- Lungo: Lungo is typically served in larger portions, around 2–3 ounces (60-90 milliliters), making it a more substantial, yet milder, coffee experience compared to espresso. With the additional water and longer brewing time, you get a smoother and less intense cup, but with a more extended enjoyment.
Conclusion
In the espresso and lungo comparison, both styles of coffee have their own unique appeal, catering to different tastes when it comes to flavor, strength, and overall coffee experience.
Espresso is perfect for those who enjoy a quick, bold shot with intense flavor, while lungo offers a more mellow yet still rich experience, with slightly higher caffeine content and a longer brewing time.
Ultimately, the choice between espresso or lungo comes down to how you prefer your coffee, whether you want something more concentrated and bold or a smoother, more balanced cup with subtle bitterness.
Both offer a deeper coffee experience that can be enjoyed in various ways, whether as a standalone shot or the base for other coffee drinks. By understanding the coffee brewing methods, flavor profiles, and caffeine contents, you can easily choose the perfect option for every mood.
