A “café largo” is a popular Spanish coffee drink similar to a “Café Allongé” in France or a “Caffè Longo” in Italy.
It involves a longer extraction process, resulting in a shot that’s at least double the volume of a traditional espresso. This method creates a milder flavor and a larger coffee, ideal for those who prefer a less intense espresso experience.
To order it, you would say, “Me gustaría un café largo, por favor.”
Ingredients
1 Long Extracted Espresso Shot
History and Origin
Cafe largo – meaning “long coffee” in Spanish – is Spain’s version of a stretched espresso. While Italian coffee culture gave us the lungo and French cafes serve the allonge, Spain’s largo takes its own approach. It’s made by pulling more water through the coffee grounds, resulting in a milder, larger drink that’s perfect for those who find a cafe solo too intense.
The largo has been a staple in Spanish bars for decades, particularly popular with older generations who prefer a gentler coffee experience.
How It’s Made
- Same amount of ground coffee as a cafe solo (7-8g)
- Extended extraction with more water passing through
- Final volume: roughly 50-70ml (vs 25-30ml for a solo)
- Served in a slightly larger cup
Some Spanish bars make it by adding hot water to a solo (like an Americano), while others pull a longer extraction. The result varies by bar, which is part of the charm.
How to Order Cafe Largo
Say: “Un cafe largo, por favor” (oon ka-FEH LAR-go, por fa-VOR). Simple and straightforward. Every bar in Spain knows this order.
For more ordering tips, check our complete guide to ordering coffee in Spain.
When and Where Locals Drink It
The largo is popular at breakfast alongside a tostada (toast with tomato and olive oil) or a pastry. It’s also common in the afternoon when someone wants a coffee to sip slowly rather than knock back quickly. You’ll see it ordered more in traditional neighborhood bars than trendy cafes.
Cafe Largo vs Cafe Solo vs Americano
- Cafe Solo – standard espresso, 25-30ml, intense
- Cafe Largo – extended espresso, 50-70ml, milder
- Cafe Americano – espresso + hot water, 120-150ml, most diluted
How to Make Cafe Largo at Home
- Use your espresso machine or Moka pot with the normal coffee amount
- If using an espresso machine, extend the extraction to 35-40 seconds
- If using a Moka pot, add a splash of hot water to the finished coffee
- Serve in a cup slightly larger than your usual espresso cup
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cafe largo the same as a lungo?
Very similar concept. The Italian lungo and Spanish largo both mean “long” and both are extended espressos. The preparation may vary slightly between countries.
Does a largo have more caffeine?
Slightly more than a solo, since the longer extraction pulls out more caffeine. But the difference is small – maybe 10-20% more.
Is a largo weaker than a solo?
In taste, yes – it’s milder and less concentrated. But it has equal or slightly more caffeine.
