A “caffè longo” is a distinctive Italian coffee drink known for its extended extraction process. This method results in a shot that is significantly larger than a traditional espresso, offering a milder flavor and a more substantial serving.
Similar to a “Café Allongé” in France or a “Café Lungo” in Portugal, this drink is ideal for those who enjoy a less intense coffee experience. The longer brewing time allows for more water to pass through the coffee grounds, creating a smoother, less concentrated flavor that is perfect for leisurely sipping.
To order it, you would say, “Vorrei un caffè longo, per favore.”
Ingredients
1 Long Extracted Espresso Shot
History and Origin
Caffe longo – or “long coffee” – is the Italian counterpart to France’s allonge and Spain’s largo. It’s made by extending the espresso extraction, allowing more water to pass through the same amount of coffee. The result is a larger, less concentrated drink that still retains the essential character of Italian espresso.
In traditional Italian bars, the lungo (as it’s more commonly called) has always been available as an option for those who find a straight caffe too intense. It gained wider international recognition through coffee chains that adopted Italian terminology.
How It’s Made
- 7-8 grams of finely ground coffee (same as regular caffe)
- Extended extraction: 35-45 seconds (vs 25-30 for regular)
- Volume: 50-70ml
- More water passes through, extracting additional compounds
Important: a lungo is NOT an Americano. The Americano adds water after extraction. A lungo pushes more water through the grounds during extraction, which changes the flavor profile – it can be slightly more bitter due to over-extraction.
How to Order
Say: “Un caffe lungo, per favore” (oon kaf-FEH LOON-go, pair fa-VOR-eh). Alternatively, you might hear “caffe longo” in some regional dialects.
When and Where Locals Drink It
The lungo is popular with Italians who want a bit more volume to sip, particularly in the morning alongside breakfast. It’s also common in office settings where people want a slightly longer coffee experience. In northern Italy, where Austrian coffee influence lingers, longer coffees are more accepted.
Lungo vs Ristretto – The Espresso Spectrum
- Ristretto – 15-20ml, shortest, sweetest, most concentrated
- Caffe – 25-30ml, the standard
- Lungo – 50-70ml, longest, mildest
All three use the same amount of coffee – only the water volume changes.
How to Make at Home
- Use the same 7-8g dose as a regular espresso
- Grind slightly coarser than normal to allow more water flow
- Extract for 35-45 seconds instead of 25-30
- Aim for 50-70ml of coffee in the cup
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a lungo more bitter than regular espresso?
It can be. The extended extraction pulls out more bitter compounds. A well-made lungo balances this, but a poorly made one tastes watery and bitter.
Does a lungo have more caffeine?
Yes, slightly – the longer extraction pulls about 10-20% more caffeine than a standard shot.
