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Classic Coffee Drinks

 

# Home-Style Lungo

 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/)

 

Category: [Classic Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/)Tags: Lungo Hot Coffee Coffee Machine No Milk

 

Active time: approximately 3 minutesYield: 1 serving

 

## Quick answer

This recipe uses more water through the coffee bed than **the espresso** version. Stop near the listed yield rather than allowing the machine to run indefinitely. A longer shot can taste less concentrated, but extending extraction without adjusting **the grind** may also bring out harsher flavors.

## Key takeaways

- This recipe uses more water through the coffee bed than the espresso version.

- If the finish is dry or bitter, try stopping at the recipe ’s yield and adjust the grind gradually on the next attempt.

- A lungo lets more water pass through the coffee puck.

 

![Black coffee in a glass beside coffee beans.](https://www.coffeejay.com/assets/editorial/black-coffee-in-glass.avif)

Black coffee in a glass beside coffee beans.

## Ingredients

 

- **18 g finely ground coffee**
 
- enough brewing **water** to produce approximately 55–60 g coffee.

 

## Method

- Extract a longer shot than espresso, using **a grind** adjusted for the larger **yield**; do not simply run an unchanged espresso indefinitely.

- On an automatic **machine**, use its **lungo** setting.

 

### Troubleshooting a bitter lungo

 

If the finish is dry or bitter, try stopping at **the recipe**’s yield and adjust the grind gradually on the next attempt. If it tastes thin or sharply sour, check the grind and dose before increasing **the yield** again. Make **one change** at a time.

 

An automatic machine’s lungo setting may use a different **dose** and volume, so follow its instructions and treat the result as its own recipe. Compare the drink with [classic espresso](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-espresso/) or the shorter [double **ristretto**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/double-ristretto/).

## How a lungo differs from an Americano

 

**A lungo** lets more water pass through the coffee puck. An Americano adds hot water to an espresso after extraction. **The recipes** can have similar serving sizes, but the brewing path differs and can change the flavor. Do not lengthen a shot indefinitely to fill a mug; use brewed coffee or an Americano if you want a much larger drink.

 

### Pay attention to the finish

 

A longer **extraction** can taste more **bitter** or dry if the coffee and grind are not suited to it. Taste the shot and stop at the listed yield rather than judging by volume in the cup. If an automatic machine’s lungo setting tastes too strong, check whether its instructions let you adjust the water amount.

 

For the concentrated starting point, make a [classic **espresso**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/classic-espresso/); for a shorter yield, try a [double **ristretto**](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/double-ristretto/).

Automatic machines may **label** a setting “lungo,” but the programmed dose, yield, and stop point vary. Taste **the machine**’s version before comparing it with a portafilter recipe. If you change a setting, note the new yield so you can return to the cup you preferred.

## A tip for serving

Stop at the suggested **yield** and taste. Running ever more water through **the same grounds** is not a reliable way to make a smoother, larger cup.

## Further reading

For background on [**espresso**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso) and [milk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk), see Wikipedia.

[Back to Classic Coffee Drinks](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/recipes/classic-coffee-drinks/) 

Written by [Jay](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/learn/authors/coffeejay/). [Read our editorial approach](https://www.coffeejay.com/en/editorial-policy/).

This recipe is an editorial starting formulation, not a documented CoffeeJay kitchen test. Adjust flavour and quantities to your ingredients and equipment.

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