What is a Lungo?

A lungo is a long espresso shot pulled to about 2 to 3 oz using the same amount of ground coffee as a regular shot but with double the water. The word means "long" in Italian.

More water means more extraction. More extraction means more bitter compounds. A lungo tastes less sweet and more bitter than a regular espresso, but also has more caffeine because more compounds are extracted from the grounds.

Lungo vs Americano: both are diluted espresso, but they are not the same drink

An Americano is an espresso shot with hot water added after extraction. A lungo is brewed long from the start, running extra water through the grounds during extraction. The lungo extracts different compounds than the Americano. The Americano dilutes a completed shot. The lungo changes the extraction itself.

"A lungo extracts more from the grounds. An Americano dilutes what was already extracted. Different processes, similar volumes, different flavors."

When to order a lungo

A lungo works well for people who want more volume than a regular espresso but less milk than a latte. It is also good for espresso-based drinks that need more liquid. Some ristretto-trained shops default to lungo for Americanos, which changes the flavor profile significantly.

In Italy, the lungo is a common choice for those who want their espresso without water added separately. Find it at specialty shops in Rome or Milan, or at shops like Intelligentsia in Chicago.

Related: What is a ristretto?, Americano vs drip, 12 best espresso drinks.