Lungo Recipe: What It Is, How to Make It, and How It Differs from Americano

A lungo (Italian: “long”) is an espresso shot pulled with roughly twice the water of a standard espresso — about 60–80ml instead of 30ml — over the same extraction time. The result is a larger, slightly less intense shot with a different flavor profile: more bitter, less sweet, with more extraction of higher-molecular-weight compounds from the grounds. Lungo at a Glance Ristretto Espresso Lungo Dose 18g 18g 18g Yield 18–22ml 36–40ml 60–80ml Ratio 1:1 1:2 1:3.5–4 Time 15–20 sec 25–35 sec 35–45 sec Flavor Concentrated, sweet Balanced Bitter, thin, long Lungo vs Americano: What’s the Difference? These two drinks look similar but are made differently: ...

April 6, 2026 · 4 min · Barista At Home