What is Lungo, Pros & Cons – Ultimate Guide for Lungo Lovers

Blogs
By James Robert

Barista using coffee machine in the cafe.

What Is Lungo?

Lungo is an Italian-style coffee that is made with the help of an espresso machine. As the coffee was discovered in Italy, the word “lungo” is also Italian which means long. This gives you a hint of how the beverage looks in comparison to a normal espresso shot. It also indicates the duration of time spent on pulling the shot. Lungo is a unique version of espresso. Some people believe that a lungo is double the amount of an espresso but with a higher amount of bitterness. Even though the drink is more bitter yet overall it is less strong than ristretto or espresso. For some people, this may be their perfect morning drink, while others may not like it.

A normal espresso shot is required to be pulled for 18 to 30 seconds, while a lungo requires to be pulled for 1 minute. The extraction time of the also depends on the type of coffee that has been used, the pressure of the machine and grind size of the coffee as well. In French, a Lungo is called Cafe Allonge.

Texture and Taste of Lungo

The Lungo is more voluminous; being twice the size of an espresso shot, it has more water in it than the espresso but the same amount of coffee. It is weaker than other coffee beverages but more bitter than a regular cup of espresso.

How Much Caffeine Is in a Cup of Lungo?

This largely depends on the type and amount of coffee being used, the extraction time and the volume of the drink. However, an average cup of Lungo that measures 90 ml will roughly have around 65 mg of caffeine.

How to Make Lungo?

A lungo has less body and is more bitter than an espresso. This is because it has a long extraction process which takes out most of the flavor components that are present in other drinks. Following are the steps of making a lungo:

Step 1: The first thing you have to do while making a lungo shot is deciding your grind size. Usually it is recommended to have a coarse grind size for a lungo. Once you decide your grind size, make sure that it is uniform by grinding out a few grams.

Step 2: Once you have finalized your grind size, put two shots of coffee in the portafilter and grind the amount of coffee that you require. You can also use a scale to measure the exact quantity of coffee.

Step 3: Start your coffee brewing process. If your machine has preinfusion, use it and pre infuse the coffee for 10 seconds before the pump is up to full temperature.

Step 4: Pull a double shot of espresso in your cup or glass and enjoy the drink.

Step 5: Serve it with a spoon so that it is easy to mix the crema in the shot.

Recommended Coffee Machine

A lungo can be prepared with the help of any espresso machine. There are various kinds of espresso machines available. Some are automatic and have advanced features, while others have a more simple user interface. These machines fall in various price ranges so you can choose the one that fits in your budget. Following are some of the recommended coffee machines that will help you in brewing lungo:

1
Breville Barista Pro
2
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
3
Gevi Espresso Machine
4
De’Longhi Dinamica Automatic Espresso and Coffee Machine
5
Nespresso by Breville VertuoPlus Deluxe Coffee and Espresso Machine
6
Breville The Infuser Espresso Machine

Pros and Cons of Lungo

Here’s what’s good and what’s bad about Lungo:

Pros

Just like other coffee beverages, Lungo too is an effective antioxidant drink.
When used without sugar it can help you lose weight.
It can turn a lazy day into an active one by increasing your energy levels.
Research proves that having 1-2 cups of coffee increases your immunity.
Regular but ideal consumption of coffee reduces the risk of cancer and other diseases.
Consuming it 30 minutes before workout can enhance your performance.
It can help you fight depression and anxiety.

Cons

Too much coffee every day can be harmful especially to your stomach.
Drinking too much of it in the evening can result in insomnia.
Overdose of Lungo can cause restlessness.
Excessive usage by pregnant women can cause complications.

Lungo Vs Espresso & Other Coffee Drinks

The taste of an espresso and lungo are different because both of them have different pull times. The pull time of an espresso is 18 to 30 seconds, while a lungo requires around 1 minute.
The extraction time of a lungo is longer which gives it a harsher and bitter taste. It does not have a strong flavor like an espresso because it is less concentrated. An espresso has a bold and rich flavor.
A small amount of water is used to prepare an espresso, while a lungo requires more water.
Since a lungo is made with double the amount of water, it is larger than an espresso shot.
A lungo usually has more caffeine as compared to an espresso. However, the difference is minor.
Along with espresso, lungo is also different from an Americano. While preparing a lungo, you add water and brew it. While with an Americano, you pull a normal espresso shot and then add water to it.
A Lungo usually has a smokey flavor which is not present in an Americano.
When you are preparing a lungo shot you increase the amount of water, whereas when you are preparing a ristretto you decrease the amount of water.
Along with an espresso, a ristretto and an Americano, a lungo is different from a latte as well. Latte is a milk and espresso based drink which includes pouring milk foam or steamed milk over one or two espresso shots. While lungo is a type of espresso.

Benefits of Having Lungo

Drinking lungo has various benefits and some of them are given below:

1
Lungo is popularly known to have positive effects on the mental health of an individual. It is said that having lungo helps people who are suffering from depression and anxiety. It has a calming effect which makes them feel fresh.
2
People who love to have coffee but do not like it to be too strong can have lungo. It will satisfy their craving without having the strong caffeine flavor.
3
Lungo is known to be a popular morning drink as it gives people the required energy that helps them throughout their day.
4
Like all other types of coffee, lungo is also an excellent source of antioxidants. There are a lot of people who believe that it is an amazing addition to one’s lifestyle.
5
Since lungo is greater in quantity, one cup a day may fulfill your craving. This can be helpful in keeping your caffeine consumption in control.
6
Consuming lungo may also prevent heart stroke and other diseases
7
Since lungo is bitter in taste, it may also be helpful for people who are addicted to caffeine. The bitterness may make them dislike the taste and may result in less caffeine consumption.

Even though consuming lungo or any other types of drink that has caffeine may be beneficial but it is essential that you consume it in a moderate way.