Espresso lungo

The Ultimate Guide to an Elongated Shot

If you want to stretch out your morning coffee routine without losing the complex notes of a classic espresso, mastering a traditional Espresso lungo recipe is the perfect place to start. Often misunderstood by home baristas, a true lungo—which translates to “long” in Italian—adjusts both the water volume and the extraction time to create an entirely unique tasting profile. Read on to learn how to prepare this authentic Italian staple right from your kitchen counter.

What is an Espresso Lungo?

Unlike a standard shot or a watered-down Americano, an Espresso lungo forces more water through the coffee grounds during the actual extraction process. While a normal shot takes roughly 25 seconds to pull, an elongated shot extends that brewing window. This prolonged exposure coaxes out the deeper, more subtle notes hidden within the roasted bean, resulting in a larger beverage that features a distinctly robust and slightly more bitter profile than a standard shot.

Ingredients & Tools

To get started, make sure you have the following ready at your coffee station:

• Coffee: freshly ground espresso portion (ideally using a high-quality blend).

• Equipment: An espresso coffee cup and a calibrated espresso machine.

Pro Tip: For the best results, ensure you are brewing with freshly roasted beans from our curated coffee collection. Using filtered water at a stable temperature also heavily impacts the quality of your crema!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to pull a flawless cup every single time:

1. Prep and Dose your Portafilter

Grind your favorite coffee beans to a fine espresso texture. Distribute the grounds evenly into your portafilter and tamp with consistent, firm pressure to ensure uniform water flow.

2. Lock and Pull the Elongated Shot

Lock the portafilter into your machine. Instead of stopping the extraction at the standard 25–30 ml mark, allow the machine to run until you dispense a full 40–45 ml shot. The total extraction time should land right around 35 to 40 seconds.

Serving Suggestions

A traditional lungo is best enjoyed black to fully appreciate its intense, elongated body. However, if the extended extraction brings out too much bitterness for your personal palate, serving a small jug of hot water on the side allows you to dilute it slightly to taste.

Now that you have mastered this classic Espresso lungo recipe, you can confidently expand your home barista skills! For a deeper dive into standard coffee traditions and history, feel free to explore the official Italian coffee preparations guide.