Lungo Coffee: The Ultimate Guide to This Extended Espresso Delight

In the diverse world of coffee, the lungo coffee stands out as a unique espresso variant that offers a different flavor profile and experience. Originating from Italy, "lungo" means "long," reflecting its extended extraction time compared to a traditional espresso. This guide delves into the nuances of lungo coffee, exploring its meaning, size, recipe, and how it compares to other coffee drinks.

What Is Lungo Coffee?

A lungo coffee is an espresso-based drink made by extracting the espresso shot with more water, resulting in a longer pull time and a larger volume of coffee. Unlike a standard espresso, which uses about 30 ml of water, a lungo typically uses 60–90 ml, leading to a milder yet slightly more bitter flavor due to the extended extraction.

Lungo Coffee Meaning

The term "lungo" translates to "long" in Italian, signifying the longer extraction time and increased water volume used in brewing this coffee variant. This method allows more water to pass through the coffee grounds, extracting different flavor compounds and resulting in a unique taste profile compared to traditional espresso.

Lungo Coffee Size

A standard lungo coffee measures approximately 60–90 ml (2–3 ounces), which is double the size of a typical espresso shot. This increased volume is achieved by extending the extraction time to about 35–40 seconds, compared to the 25–30 seconds for a regular espresso.

Coffee Lungo: Flavor Profile

The flavor of a lungo coffee is distinct from other espresso-based drinks. Due to the longer extraction time, it often exhibits:

• Milder strength: Less concentrated than espresso. 
  

• Increased bitterness: The extended brewing can extract more bitter compounds.
  

• Complex flavors: Potentially more nuanced notes, depending on the coffee beans used.
  

Lungo Coffee Recipe

Ingredients:

• 18–20 grams of finely ground coffee (slightly coarser than espresso grind).
  

• 60–90 ml of water.
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat your espresso machine and cup.
   

2. Grind the coffee beans to a fine consistency, slightly coarser than for espresso.
   

3. Tamp the grounds evenly in the portafilter.
   

4. Extract the shot for 35–40 seconds to yield 60–90 ml of coffee.
   

5. Serve immediately and enjoy.
   

Note: Adjust the grind size and extraction time to suit your taste preferences.

How to Make Lungo Coffee at Home

Brewing a lungo coffee at home is straightforward with the right equipment:

1. Espresso Machine: Use the manual mode to control the extraction time.
   

2. Grinder: Grind your coffee beans slightly coarser than espresso.
   

3. Brewing: Follow the lungo recipe above, ensuring a 35–40 second extraction for 60–90 ml of coffee.
   

Tip: Experiment with different coffee beans and grind sizes to find your preferred flavor profile.

Conclusion

The lungo coffee offers a unique twist on traditional espresso, providing a milder yet more bitter flavor profile that appeals to many coffee enthusiasts. Its extended extraction time and increased volume make it a distinctive choice for those seeking a different espresso experience.

At Bazan Coffee, we pride ourselves on offering premium coffee beans that cater to various brewing methods, including the lungo. Explore our selection to find the perfect beans for your next cup.

The New Revolution: Fine Robusta from Vietnam

For years, Robusta has been overshadowed by Arabica, often dismissed as a lower-tier coffee. But Vietnam’s Fine Robusta is changing that perception worldwide.

Through careful cultivation, modern fermentation, and precise processing, Bazan Coffee’s Fine Robusta – Krong Nang represents a new generation of Robusta, bold, complex, and remarkably smooth.

Why Choose Fine Robusta – Krong Nang?

• Grown at 650m in Krong Nang, Dak Lak, Vietnam
  Volcanic soil, balanced rainfall, and ideal temperatures create beans with deep body and natural sweetness.

• 72-hour natural anaerobic fermentation
  This advanced fermentation enhances sweetness while softening bitterness, developing notes of durian, caramel, and honey.

• Thick crema and powerful energy
  With nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica, it produces bold espresso and exceptional cold brew.

• Versatile beyond brewing
  The nutrient-rich coffee grounds can also be reused for composting, skincare scrubs, or natural odor absorption.

If you want a bold, full-bodied coffee that holds its flavor even in iced drinks, Fine Robusta – Krong Nang is the perfect foundation.

Not Just Robusta, The Best of Both Worlds

For those who enjoy a smoother, more aromatic profile, Bazan Coffee also offers a signature blend that balances power and elegance.

Special Vietnam Blend: A Harmony of Arabica and Fine Robusta

This carefully crafted blend combines high-altitude Arabica with Vietnam’s Fine Robusta, creating a coffee that is both expressive and balanced.

What makes it special:

• Smooth and layered flavor
  The richness of Robusta meets the floral brightness of Arabica.

• Tasting notes: pineapple, delicate florals, and caramel sweetness

• Medium body with refined acidity
  Ideal for espresso, pour-over, French press, or cold brew

If you enjoy coffee that feels vibrant, aromatic, and well-rounded, the Special Vietnam Blend is a perfect match.

Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat: A Refined and Elegant Espresso

For those who prefer clarity, elegance, and complexity in their coffee, Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat represents one of Vietnam’s most celebrated highland coffees.

Grown in the cool mountains of Da Lat, this coffee offers a beautifully structured and clean cup.

Why Cau Dat Arabica stands out

• Grown at 1,550m in Cau Dat, Da Lat
  High altitude allows beans to mature slowly, developing intricate flavors.

• Fully washed processing
  Produces a crisp, transparent cup with excellent balance.

• Taste notes: bell pepper, warm spices, and caramel sweetness

The result is an espresso that feels elegant, layered, and refined.

If you appreciate bright, structured coffee with complexity, Cau Dat Arabica is your ideal choice.

Which Coffee Should You Choose?

Choosing the right coffee depends on the kind of experience you want in your cup:

• For intense espresso and rich crema
  → Fine Robusta – Krong Nang

• For balanced flavor with floral and pineapple notes
  → Special Vietnam Blend

• For a refined specialty coffee with bright clarity
  → Specialty Arabica – Cau Dat

No matter which you choose, starting with high-quality beans means every iced latte, cold brew, or summer coffee recipe becomes noticeably better.