If you’ve seen “lungo” on a coffee menu or as a button on your espresso machine and weren’t sure what it means, you’re not alone. Lungo is one of the classic espresso drinks — right alongside ristretto and normale — but it’s the least commonly ordered of the three. This guide covers everything: what lungo is, how it differs from espresso, how to make it, and when you’d actually want to drink one. ...
If you’ve ever ordered an Americano at a specialty coffee shop, you might have noticed “lungo” listed nearby and wondered what makes them different. Both result in larger, black espresso drinks, but the way they’re made creates noticeably different cups. This guide breaks down the difference and shows you how to make each. The Core Difference The key distinction is when the water is added: Lungo: Water passes through the coffee grounds during the espresso pull (more water, same grounds, longer extraction) Americano: Water is added to the shot after it’s pulled (standard espresso + hot water in the cup) This difference in process produces different flavor profiles despite similar serving sizes. ...