A lungo is an espresso shot pulled with roughly twice the water — about 60–80ml instead of 30ml — extracted through the grounds using espresso pressure. The result is a larger, slightly lighter shot that is more bitter and less sweet than standard espresso, but more concentrated than an Americano.
Lungo at a Glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Italian meaning | “Long” |
| Size | 60–80ml |
| Water | Pulled through grounds under pressure |
| Espresso dose | 7–9g (same as regular espresso) |
| Extraction time | ~45–60 seconds (vs. ~25–30 for espresso) |
| Flavor | Less sweet, more bitter, slightly lighter than espresso |
| Caffeine | Slightly more than espresso (longer extraction) |
How Is a Lungo Different from Espresso?
The key difference is how much water passes through the coffee grounds.
A standard espresso extracts about 30ml over 25–30 seconds. A lungo extracts 60–80ml over 45–60 seconds — the shot runs longer, drawing out more compounds. Because the water passes through the same dose of grounds for longer, a lungo extracts different flavor compounds than espresso: more bitter, tannic notes appear, while some of the sweeter, brighter notes from early extraction are diluted.
| Espresso | Lungo | |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | ~30ml | 60–80ml |
| Extraction time | 25–30 sec | 45–60 sec |
| Flavor | Sweet, concentrated, bold | Lighter, more bitter |
| Caffeine | ~60–75mg | ~70–90mg |
| Strength | Very strong | Moderate |
Is a Lungo the Same as an Americano?
No — they are made differently, even though both produce a larger coffee than espresso.
Lungo: Water is extracted through the coffee grounds under pressure. The longer pull changes the flavor chemistry.
Americano: A standard espresso shot is pulled first (30ml), then hot water is added after — usually 150–240ml. The ratio of water to coffee is much higher.
The result: a lungo is smaller (60–80ml) and more intense than an Americano. An Americano is much larger, milder, and more similar to drip coffee.
| Lungo | Americano | |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Extended pull through grounds | Espresso + water added after |
| Volume | 60–80ml | 150–240ml |
| Flavor | Bitter, espresso-forward | Mild, closer to drip coffee |
| Caffeine | ~70–90mg | ~70–90mg (same base shot) |
Is a Lungo a Double Shot?
No. A lungo uses a single standard dose (7–9g) but extracted with more water. It is not the same as a doppio, which uses a double dose (~16–18g) to make a larger amount of espresso.
- Lungo = single dose, extra water through the grounds
- Doppio = double dose, standard extraction
Some espresso machines (especially Nespresso) label “lungo” buttons that produce a double-volume output from a single capsule — this is technically a lungo-style extraction.
Can You Put Milk in a Lungo?
Yes. A lungo with milk (steamed or cold) is sometimes called a latte lungo or simply ordered as a lungo with milk. Because the lungo is already larger and lighter than espresso, adding milk produces a milder drink than a standard latte. Some cafés offer this; at home, it’s a simple modification.
For a creamier version, use steamed milk as you would for a standard latte — about 100–150ml milk to one lungo.
Lungo vs. Ristretto vs. Espresso
These three form the core of espresso shot sizes:
| Ristretto | Espresso | Lungo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume | ~15–20ml | ~25–30ml | 60–80ml |
| Water through grounds | Less than espresso | Standard | Double espresso |
| Flavor | Sweeter, more concentrated | Balanced | More bitter, lighter |
| Intensity | Highest | High | Moderate |
| Best for | Milk-based drinks | Sipping or milk drinks | Drinking black |
How to Make a Lungo
Making a lungo only requires adjusting your shot volume — no grind change needed.
- Dose and tamp your coffee grounds as normal (7–9g).
- Start your shot as usual.
- Let it run longer — stop at 60–80ml output (roughly 45–60 seconds).
- Taste: a good lungo should taste slightly bitter but not harsh or watery.
For a more detailed recipe and ratio guide, see Lungo Recipe: What It Is, How to Make It.
FAQ
What does lungo mean? Lungo is Italian for “long.” It refers to the extended extraction time and larger volume compared to a standard espresso.
What is the difference between a lungo and an espresso? A lungo uses the same coffee dose but twice the water, extracted through the grounds under pressure. It produces a larger, less sweet, more bitter shot. Espresso is smaller, sweeter, and more concentrated.
Is a lungo the same as an Americano? No. A lungo adds water through the grounds during extraction; an Americano adds hot water to a finished espresso shot after brewing. A lungo is smaller and more bitter; an Americano is larger and milder.
Is a lungo a double shot of espresso? No. A lungo uses a single dose extracted with more water — it is not the same as a doppio (double shot), which uses twice the coffee dose.
See also: Lungo Recipe · Ristretto · What Is an Americano · Ristretto vs. Espresso · What Is Espresso