How to Make a Lungo

A Lungo is an espresso beverage consisting of an extra long pull of espresso. This means that espresso is exposed to substantially more water than with a regular shot, and ultimately long brewed into a cup of coffee. This particular pull results in a thinner, weaker, more bitter coffee with a higher acidity and caffeine content. The Lungo might resemble traditional drip coffee. However one taste and the discernment will become apparent, and you'll want to learn how to make a lungo on your own.

Step 1: The Coffee Bean

For an authentic Italian Lungo taste, you'll need to use a dark Italian roast of coffee bean coupled with a very fine grind. Since coffee is freshest immediately after it's ground, it is recommended that coffee be stored in bean form, then ground just before beverage preparation. Worth mentioning is that not all coffee grinders are designed for such fine grinding, so ensure you have the proper equipment prior to preparing the Lungo.http://www.coffeeresearch.org/espresso/grindanddose.htm

Step 2: Water

The Lungo depends heavily on the quality of the water and coffee which is used to create it. Skimp on the superiority of either will result in an inferior and tainted beverage. Tap water in certain areas may be unsuitable for drinking and bottled water can become an expensive habit so consider water filtration to ensure quality water which will inadvertently produce quality coffee. To determine if the water you plan to use is suitable for your coffee, taste it. If it tastes odd, chances are so will your coffeehttp://www.caffemaker.com/why-my-coffee-taste-bad.html

Step 3: Making the Lungo

When preparing a Lungo, the cup which will hold the finished beverage should be heated. Although the Lungo resembles the espresso in may points, it is in the final creatinon of the beverage where the distinction becomes obvious as the Lungo emerges twice the size of the espresso. This volume is accomplished simply by exposing the espresso grinds to double the pressurized water over a longer period of time.http://coffeegeek.com/opinions/markprince/07-20-2004 The result is the unique and distinct Caffe Lungo.