📝 About This Recipe
The Caffè Lungo, or 'long coffee,' is a sophisticated Italian classic that bridges the gap between a punchy espresso and a mellow americano. By pulling more water through the coffee grounds during extraction, it reveals hidden floral and earthy notes that are often trapped in a shorter shot. This recipe delivers a balanced, full-bodied experience with a signature golden crema and a lingering, complex finish.
🥗 Ingredients
The Coffee Base
- 18-20 grams Fresh Roasted Coffee Beans (Medium-dark roast preferred; 100% Arabica for best flavor)
- 4 ounces Filtered Water (Heated to 195°F-205°F within the machine)
The Setup & Maintenance
- 1 pinch Espresso Machine Cleaner (To ensure a clean group head before starting)
- 1 piece Microfiber Cloth (Clean and dry for wiping the portafilter)
Optional Accompaniments
- 3 ounces Sparkling Water (Chilled, served on the side as a palate cleanser)
- 1 teaspoon Demerara Sugar (Optional, for those who prefer a touch of sweetness)
- 1 strip Lemon Peel (For expressing oils over the cup if desired)
- 1 piece Dark Chocolate Square (70% cocoa or higher)
- 1 piece Almond Biscotti (Traditional Italian pairing)
- 1 dash Whole Milk (Optional, for a 'Lungo Macchiato' variation)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your espresso machine for at least 15 minutes to ensure all internal components and the group head are thermally stable.
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2
Place your ceramic espresso cup or small glass onto the cup warmer or rinse it with hot water to prevent the coffee from losing temperature upon contact.
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3
Remove the portafilter from the group head and wipe the basket with a dry microfiber cloth; any moisture left behind can cause 'channeling' during extraction.
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4
Grind 18-20 grams of fresh coffee beans. The grind for a Lungo should be slightly coarser than a standard espresso grind to accommodate the longer extraction time without over-extracting bitter tannins.
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5
Dose the grounds into the portafilter basket, ensuring an even distribution by gently tapping the side of the filter with your hand.
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6
Use a distribution tool or your finger to level the coffee grounds across the surface of the basket.
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7
Apply firm, level pressure (about 30 lbs) using a tamper. Ensure the puck is perfectly flat to guarantee the water flows evenly through the coffee.
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8
Purge the group head by running hot water for 2 seconds to clear any old coffee oils or stray grounds.
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9
Lock the portafilter into the group head and immediately place your preheated cup underneath to begin the brewing process.
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10
Start the extraction. For a Lungo, you are aiming for a yield of approximately 60ml to 90ml (2-3 ounces) of liquid.
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11
Monitor the flow; the extraction should take between 35 to 45 seconds. The stream should look like warm honey and eventually thin out as more water passes through.
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12
Stop the shot once you reach the desired volume or when the 'blonding' (the stream turning very pale) becomes prominent.
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13
Observe the crema—it should be thinner and lighter in color than a standard espresso but still cover the entire surface.
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14
Serve immediately while the volatile aromatic compounds are at their peak.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use coffee beans roasted within the last 14 days for the most vibrant crema and flavor profile. If the Lungo tastes excessively bitter, coarsen your grind slightly to speed up the flow. Always use filtered water; tap water contains minerals that can alter the delicate flavor notes and damage your machine over time. Avoid 'over-extracting' past 50 seconds, as this will pull out woody, dry flavors that mask the coffee's natural sweetness. Clean your steam wand and group head daily to prevent rancid oil buildup from ruining your brew.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a small glass of chilled sparkling water to cleanse the palate before the first sip. Pair with a crisp, twice-baked almond biscotti for a classic Italian breakfast experience. Enjoy alongside a square of 70% dark chocolate to highlight the roasted notes of the coffee. Offer a small twist of lemon peel on the side; expressing the oils over the cup adds a bright, citrusy dimension. Serve as an after-dinner digestif to conclude a heavy meal with a lighter, stretched caffeine hit.