How To Make a Perfect Lungo At Home (Step-by-Step)

Ever had a friend who just wouldn’t stop talking about their trip? A few years back, one of my friends came back from Italy, and all they could talk about was this amazing “lungo” coffee they’d discovered.

Seriously, every day for a week, it was like, “Have you tried lungo yet?” or “You just don’t get it till you’ve had it in Rome!” Safe to say, they were obsessed. But their enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself giving it a try to see what all the fuss was about.

If you’re curious about what makes lungo so special—or just want to make a perfect one at home—this guide will cover everything you need. From what a lungo actually is to tips for nailing the flavor, I’ll share everything I’ve learned (including a few lessons from that Italian-obsessed friend!).

What Is a Lungo?

A lungo, which means “long” in Italian. It’s basically a longer espresso shot made by letting more hot water run through the coffee grounds during extraction.

While it starts like an espresso, it has a longer brew time. Usually around 30 to 40 seconds. So you get a milder, smoother taste and a lighter body.

Note: Unlike an Americano, where hot water is added after brewing, the lungo’s extra water comes from extending the brew itself, which softens the bitterness and gives it a more complex, well-rounded flavor profile.

Ideal Time of Day for Lungo

I find that a lungo works best as a mid-morning or early afternoon treat. It has the richness of espresso but feels a bit more relaxed and easygoing. So it’s great for those moments when you want to savor your coffee without the intense kick.

Tips for Perfecting Your Lungo at Home

I’ve had my fair share of over-extracted or weak cups. But with a few tweaks, my lungo game has definitely improved. So here are some tips:

1 – Choose the Right Beans

I personally love using Lavazza’s Qualità Oro or Illy’s Dark Roast. Lavazza’s blend has that smooth, almost honey-like sweetness that balances well with the medium-dark roast.

While Illy’s Dark Roast brings a bolder, more intense flavor that’s just perfect for a well-rounded lungo.

I’d avoid light roasts just don’t have that depth needed for a lungo, and you end up with a slightly sour taste.

2 – Control the Brew Time

I usually aim for a brew time between 30 to 40 seconds. This can extract the full flavor without becoming too bitter. If I let it go even a few seconds over, I start noticing a sharp bitterness that overpowers the smoothness I love in a good lungo.

I suggest keeping an eye on the timer and dialing in the perfect duration.

3 – Adjust Water Ratio for Desired Strength

I go with about twice the water of a typical espresso shot for a standard lungo. But one day, I tried adding a little extra water—around 90 ml—and suddenly, I had this mild and ultra-smooth drink. I love doing this for my Saturday mornings when I have more time to sip my coffee.

If you want something bolder, dial it back to around 60 ml. You can play around with the water ratio and notice a huge difference.

4 – Try Different Grind Sizes

If your lungo tastes off—too weak or too bitter—the grind size could be the problem. I’ve found that aiming for a grind size finer than drip but coarser than espresso hits the sweet spot.

Going too coarse makes the coffee taste watery, while too fine can lead to over-extraction and a bitter taste. I usually experiment with tiny adjustments in the grind size if I feel like my lungo’s missing that balance.

Customizing Your Lungo

Here are a few simple ideas to help you customize your lungo at home.

1 – Milk and Sweetener Options

I’ve found that just a splash of steamed milk can balance out the mild bitterness of a lungo, giving it a velvety texture. Sometimes, I’ll even add a sprinkle of brown sugar or a few drops of honey for a natural sweetness.

2 – Dairy Alternatives

Like oat or almond milk, they work wonderfully here, bringing their own subtle flavors. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try a dollop of condensed milk—it’s creamy and rich and turns the drink into a dessert in a cup.

3 – Iced Lungo

I love making an iced version of my lungo for hot days. The trick is to let the freshly brewed lungo cool for a few minutes, then pour it over ice in a tall glass.

If you’re using a double shot, it packs enough flavor to hold up against the ice without tasting watered down. You could even add a splash of milk or cold foam for an iced latte feel. Or try mixing in a little vanilla syrup before adding the ice. It brings out the coffee’s natural sweetness and makes it super refreshing.

4 – Flavored Lungo Options

My personal favorite is a dash of vanilla extract, which adds warmth and just a touch of sweetness.

Another great option is cinnamon—just a pinch can give your lungo a cozy, spiced twist, perfect for colder days. And if you’re craving something a bit richer, adding a hint of cocoa or chocolate syrup can transform your lungo into a mild mocha-style drink.

Adjust the flavors to your liking, and don’t be afraid to experiment—you might just find your new favorite combination!

Lungo vs. Espresso vs. Americano: What’s the Difference?

If you’re like me and like to get a bit nerdy, here’s the main difference between each one:

Coffee Type	Description	Flavor Profile	Extraction Time
Espresso	A strong, concentrated coffee with a small amount of water forced through finely-ground coffee under pressure.	Intense and bold, with a rich, full-bodied flavor.	Short extraction time (around 20-30 seconds).
Lungo	A “long” espresso that uses more water during extraction, resulting in a larger volume.	Mild and smooth, with a lighter body and less bitterness.	Longer extraction time (about 30-40 seconds).
Americano	Made by adding hot water to a shot of espresso after brewing.	Similar in strength to a drip coffee but with espresso’s distinctive flavor.	Espresso shot brewed first, then water added after.

Last Thoughts

Now that you know how to make a perfect lungo, you’ve got everything you need to turn your home into a little coffee haven. Plus coffee is such a personal experience, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

What’s your favorite way to customize your lungo? Got any tips or tricks that make your cup extra special? Drop a comment below! I’d love to hear your take and maybe even steal a tip or two!