Lungo vs Espresso: What’s the Difference & Which One?
Ever pulled an espresso shot that just kept going?
That’s exactly how I stumbled upon lungo coffee by accident. One day, I was messing around with my Breville Barista Express, adjusting the shot time just to see what would happen.
I let the espresso run longer than usual, took a sip, and… well, let’s just say it wasn’t what I expected. It was milder but slightly bitter, with a whole different character than a regular espresso. Later, I learned I had unknowingly made a lungo!
Of course, my technique was far from perfect, but that’s part of the fun, right?
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between lungo vs. espresso, how they’re brewed, and which one might suit your taste better, this guide has got you covered. So let’s start brewing!
Lungo vs Espresso – The Key Differences
If you’re trying to decide between a lungo and an espresso, here’s how they stack up.
Feature | Espresso | Lungo |
---|---|---|
Brewing Method & Water Ratio | Shorter extraction time (~25-30 sec), uses ~30ml (1 oz) of water. | Longer extraction time (~35-50 sec), uses ~60-80ml (2-3 oz) of water. |
Taste & Strength | Bold, intense, and well-balanced with natural sweetness. | Milder, slightly more bitter, with a more complex flavor. |
Caffeine Content | Higher caffeine concentration per ounce but less overall. | Slightly more total caffeine due to longer extraction. |
Crema & Texture | Thick, rich crema with a smooth, velvety feel. | Thinner crema, lighter body, and a more diluted mouthfeel. |
Best Use | Perfect for a quick caffeine boost or as a base for lattes and cappuccinos. | Great for sipping slowly and enjoying a longer-lasting cup. |
Final Tips: Which One Should You Choose?
- If you love bold, concentrated coffee, espresso is the way to go.
- If you prefer a longer-lasting cup with a bit more complexity, go for a lungo.
- Love milk-based drinks? Stick with espresso, as it makes a better base for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Want to sip your coffee slowly and enjoy the subtle differences in flavor? A lungo might be your new favorite!
Note: No matter which one you choose, the key is experimenting and finding what works for you. I suggest brewing both and seeing which one wins your morning routine!
What is an Espresso?
Espresso is like the foundation of all great coffee drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, or macchiatos. It’s a small but mighty shot of coffee that’s brewed under high pressure (about 9 bars) to extract bold flavors, a rich body, and that signature golden crema on top.

Contrary to drip coffee, which takes time to steep, espresso is ready in about 25-30 seconds. In other words, this is one of the fastest ways to get an intense coffee experience.
What Can You Expect?
The texture is thick and almost velvety, and the crema adds an extra layer of richness that you don’t get from regular coffee.
What is a Lungo?
A lungo is basically the longer, stretched-out version of an espresso. Instead of stopping the shot at the usual 25-30 seconds, you let it run for about 35-50 seconds.
This means more water passes through the coffee grounds. As a result you get a larger coffee (about 2-3 oz instead of the usual 1 oz espresso shot).

But don’t be fooled because it isn’t just a bigger espresso. The longer extraction changes the flavor profile in ways that might surprise you.
How Does Lungo Taste Like?
The extra brewing time pulls out different compounds from the coffee grounds, bringing out deeper, slightly more roasted notes.
It still has that espresso-like intensity. However, it’s thinner in texture, less concentrated, and carries a more lingering bitterness.
Lungo Isn’t an Americano…
Well, a lot of people confuse a lungo with an Americano, but they’re not the same. A lungo is brewed with extra water from the start, whereas an Americano is just an espresso with hot water added after brewing.
If you enjoy sipping your coffee a little longer but still want something stronger than drip coffee, a lungo might be the perfect middle ground!
How to Make a Lungo and Espresso at Home?
For this, I used my Breville Barista Express, but any quality espresso machine with a programmable shot timer will do. So here’s what I do:
Making an Espresso
Espresso is all about precision, and even minor tweaks in grind size, tamping pressure, and extraction time can make a difference.

- Grind Size: Use a fine grind, similar to table salt. If the grind is too coarse, water will flow through too fast and leading to a weak shot. The reason is too fine, and the shot will pull too slowly, causing over-extraction and bitterness.
- Dose: Use 7-9g of coffee for a single shot or 14-18g for a double. Distribute the grounds evenly in the portafilter to prevent uneven extraction.
- Tamping: Apply firm, even pressure when tamping. The coffee bed should be level and compact to ensure proper water flow.
- Extraction: Lock the portafilter into place and start your shot.
- Brew Pressure: You want 9 bars of pressure for the best extraction.
- Timing & Volume: Extract 25-30 seconds for a 1 oz (30ml) shot. You should see a steady, golden stream with a thick crema on top.
Making a Lungo
So, to do a lungo, which means “long” in Italian, you need to extend the espresso shot with more water and a longer extraction time.

- Grind Size: Use the same fine grind as espresso, but if the shot pulls too slowly, try a slightly coarser grind to compensate for the longer extraction.
- Dose: Use 7-9g for a single lungo or 14-18g for a double similar to an espresso.
- Tamping: Apply the same even pressure when tamping.
Extraction Time & Water Volume:
- 35-50 seconds of extraction (longer than espresso).
- 2-3 oz (60-80ml) of coffee in the final cup (almost double an espresso shot).
- Crema & Texture: Expect a thinner crema than espresso due to the longer water contact time.
Final Tip: Experiment with Extraction
If your lungo tastes too bitter, try shortening the extraction time slightly. In case your espresso is too sour, adjust your grind size slightly finer for better resistance. The beauty of making coffee at home is that you can tweak every detail to match your taste!
Last Thoughts
Now, I want to hear from you! Do you prefer the classic intensity of an espresso or the longer, smoother pull of a lungo? I’d like to hear your comment below.
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