How To Make a Perfect Lungo At Home (Step-by-Step)
To make a great lungo at home, you’ll need just a few high-quality ingredients and the right equipment. If you’re a fan of a smoother, milder coffee, this guide will walk you through creating that perfect, long espresso shot.
Equipment
- Espresso Machine or Moka Pot: An espresso machine with water control settings is ideal. However, a Moka pot can work well too, if you control the water ratio and brewing time carefully. This ensures that the lungo is rich and full without being overly bitter.
Ingredients
- High-Quality Coffee Beans: For a well-balanced lungo, go with a medium to dark roast.
- Filtered Water: Always use fresh, filtered water. It may seem small, but the purity of the water can make or break the taste of your lungo, especially with the longer brew time.
- Optional Additions: Some enjoy a hint of milk or a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the coffee’s natural flavors. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top to enhance the experience.
Instructions
- Grind the Coffee Beans: Use a slightly finer grind than you would for a traditional espresso shot, but not as fine as an espresso grind. This helps the water pass through the grounds more evenly, extracting a balanced flavor. Aim for a grind that’s finer than drip coffee but still a bit coarser than a standard espresso grind.
- Measure the Coffee and Water: Measure about 9-10 grams of coffee for a single shot. For the water, use around 60-90 ml, which is double the amount of water typically used for an espresso. This ratio creates the classic lungo taste by letting more water flow through the grounds without overwhelming the coffee.
- Brew the Coffee: Begin the brewing process, allowing the shot to pull for 30-40 seconds. The extended brew time, combined with the extra water, brings out the lungo’s mild yet complex flavor profile. You should see a rich, golden color in the coffee as it brews—this indicates that the coffee is extracting beautifully.
- Adjust for Taste (Optional): Give your lungo a taste and adjust as needed. If you find it’s too strong, add a bit more hot water to reach the smoothness you’re looking for. This step lets you personalize the drink to your exact taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour your lungo into a pre-warmed cup, enhancing the experience with a touch of milk, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a dash of cocoa powder if you’re feeling fancy. Sip and savor the mellow, comforting flavor of your homemade lungo, knowing you’ve crafted it to perfection.