Coffee Terminology & Glossary

A lungo uses the same coffee dose as espresso — 7–9g — but extracts roughly twice the water through the grounds, producing a 60–80ml shot instead of 30ml. The result is a larger, lighter, more bitter drink. The extraction method (water pulled through under pressure) is identical; only the yield is different. The difference sounds simple, but it changes the chemistry of the cup significantly. Lungo vs Espresso at a Glance Espresso Lungo Coffee dose 7–9g 7–9g (same) Water yield ~30ml 60–80ml Extraction time 25–30 seconds 45–60 seconds Flavor Sweet, bold, concentrated Lighter, more bitter, less sweet Crema Thick, deep amber Thinner, lighter color Caffeine ~60–75mg ~65–90mg Body Full, syrupy Thinner, more watery Best for Lattes, cappuccinos, sipping straight Sipping straight, slower drinking Why More Water Changes the Flavor The key to understanding lungo vs espresso is understanding what happens as water passes through coffee grounds under pressure. ...

Light roast coffee has higher acidity, more fruity or floral flavors, and slightly more caffeine by weight. Dark roast is bolder, less acidic, with chocolatey or smoky notes and slightly less caffeine. Medium roast sits in between — balanced, approachable, and the most popular choice in the US. The bigger question is how roast level affects your morning cup — and which to choose for espresso vs drip vs cold brew. Here is everything you need to know. ...

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 reference for every espresso term you’ll encounter — whether you’re reading a recipe, setting up your machine for the first time, or trying to understand what a barista means when they talk about “extraction yield” or “channeling.” Organized alphabetically. Each entry links to the full guide where one exists. A Affogato An Italian dessert made by pouring a hot espresso shot over vanilla gelato or ice cream. The name means “drowned” in Italian. One of the simplest espresso preparations — two ingredients, served immediately. → Full guide ...