Ever puzzled about how many grams make up a lungo shot? You’re not alone. The art of brewing the perfect lungo can seem daunting, but in reality, it’s all about precision and balance.
In this blog post, we’ll demystify the process by explaining what a lungo is, its unique taste profile, and crucially – how many grams go into making one. Ready for an eye-opening coffee journey? Let’s dive in!
How Many Grams is a Lungo Shot?
Typically, a lungo shot uses about 18 to 20 grams of coffee grounds, similar to what’s used for a standard espresso shot.
The difference lies in the volume of water passed through these grounds. While an espresso might use 25 to 30 milliliters of water, a lungo can use anywhere from 50 to 120 milliliters. The exact amount can vary based on machine settings and personal preferences.
This extended water volume results in a milder coffee compared to espresso, yet stronger than a traditional drip coffee.
Key Takeaways
- A lungo shot is a type of coffee made with an espresso machine that uses more water and has a longer extraction time than a regular espresso shot.
- The ideal grams for a lungo shot are 7-9 grams for single serving and 14-18 grams for double serving.
- Factors like grind size, pressure, and flow rate can affect the grams of a lungo shot.
- Lungo shots can be used in various coffee beverages such as espresso lungos, double lungos, lungos with milk, and Americanos to enhance flavor and create different taste experiences.
Understanding Lungo Shots
A lungo shot is a type of espresso beverage that is brewed with more water and has a longer extraction time than a standard espresso shot.
What is a lungo shot?
A lungo shot is a type of coffee made with an espresso machine. It’s called “long” coffee in Italy because it takes more time to make. To brew a lungo, water runs longer through ground coffee.
This gives us more liquid than in a usual espresso shot. The taste can change because of the longer brewing time. It often has more caffeine too, especially if you use robusta beans for your drink.
How does a lungo shot taste?
A lungo shot of espresso has a unique taste compared to a regular shot. It is often described as being less intense and more diluted than a standard espresso. The longer extraction time produces a milder flavor profile with subtle notes of bitterness.
Some people enjoy the smoother, slightly sweeter taste of a lungo shot, while others prefer the bold and concentrated flavors of a regular espresso. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and how you like your coffee to taste.
How to make a lungo shot at home?
To make a lungo shot at home, follow these steps:
- Grind the coffee beans to a slightly coarser grind size than regular espresso.
- Measure out 7-9 grams of ground coffee for a single shot lungo or 14-18 grams for a double lungo.
- Preheat your espresso machine and ensure the portafilter is clean and dry.
- Distribute the ground coffee evenly in the portafilter and tamp it down firmly.
- Insert the portafilter into the machine and start brewing.
- Aim for a grind coarseness of around 1 – 2 bars on the pressure gauge.
- Slow down the flow rate of water to achieve a longer extraction time than regular espresso.
- Use a scale and watch to monitor the amount of liquid produced during the extraction process.
- Once you have reached your desired volume, stop the extraction.
- Serve your homemade lungo shot in a cup and enjoy!
Brewing instructions
To make a lungo shot at home, follow these brewing instructions:
- Grind your coffee beans to a slightly coarser grind size than regular espresso.
- Use a single cup or portafilter to hold the ground coffee.
- Measure out 7-9 grams of ground coffee for a single shot lungo, or 14-18 grams for a double lungo.
- Place the ground coffee into the portafilter and distribute it evenly.
- Attach the portafilter to the espresso machine.
- Start brewing by pressing the button or lever to begin extraction.
- Aim for a grind coarseness that registers around 1 – 2 bars on the pressure gauge.
- Control the flow rate of water during extraction, making it slower compared to other espresso – based beverages.
- Monitor the amount of liquid produced using a scale and a watch to measure the grams of liquid accurately.
- Once you have reached your desired grams of extracted liquid, stop the brewing process.
The Grams and Measurements of a Lungo Shot
Learn the ideal gram measurement for a lungo shot and discover the factors that can affect its grams, ensuring you get the perfect long shot every time.
Ideal gram measurement for a lungo shot
The ideal gram measurement for a lungo shot depends on whether you want a single or double lungo. For a single lungo shot, it is recommended to use 7-9 grams of ground coffee. If you prefer a stronger and larger double lungo, then the suggested amount of ground coffee is 14-18 grams.
These measurements ensure that you get the right balance of flavor and strength in your lungo shot. Remember to adjust the grind size accordingly, aiming for slightly coarser than regular espresso grind, around 1-2 bars on the pressure gauge.
Using these measurements will help you create a delicious and satisfying lungo shot at home.
Factors that can affect the grams of a lungo shot
Several factors can influence the grams of a lungo shot. One important factor is the grind size of the coffee beans. The coarser the grind, the fewer grams of coffee will fit in the portafilter.
Another factor is the pressure and flow rate during extraction. If the water flows too quickly, there may be less liquid brewed, resulting in fewer grams for the lungo shot. Additionally, personal preferences and variations in brewing techniques can also affect the grams of a lungo shot.
It’s essential to experiment with different parameters to find your ideal balance for a delicious lungo shot experience!
Lungo Shot Variations
Explore the different sizes and uses of lungo shots, including how they are incorporated into other coffee beverages. Read on to discover the exciting world of lungo shot variations!
Different lungo shot sizes
Lungo shots come in various sizes, allowing you to customize your coffee experience:
- Single Shot: A traditional lungo shot is made with a single espresso shot but brewed for a longer extraction time, resulting in a larger volume of coffee.
- Double Shot: For those who prefer a stronger lungo, you can use double the amount of ground coffee and water to create a bolder flavor and more robust caffeine content.
- Custom Sizes: You can also experiment with different lungo sizes based on your personal preference. Some people prefer a shorter lungo for a milder taste, while others enjoy an extra-long lungo for a more intense flavor.
Lungo shots in other coffee beverages
Lungo shots are commonly used in a variety of coffee beverages to enhance flavor and boost caffeine content. Here’s a breakdown of different coffee drinks that often incorporate lungo shots:
| Coffee Beverage | Description |
|---|---|
| Espresso Lungo | This is the simplest form of lungo shot, typically a single shot of espresso but with a longer extraction time resulting in a larger volume of brewed coffee. The amount of ground coffee used is usually between 7-9 grams. |
| Double Lungo | A double lungo is made by using twice the amount of water as a single lungo shot. This results in a larger volume of coffee, with the recommended amount of ground coffee being 14-18 grams. |
| Lungo Coffee with milk | When a lungo shot is used in other coffee beverages that contain milk, such as lattes or cappuccinos, the result is a creamier and smoother texture, with a slightly diluted coffee flavor. |
| Americano | An Americano is made by adding hot water to a lungo shot. This dilutes the strong espresso taste and gives the coffee a lighter flavor, similar to that of a traditional drip coffee. |
Each of these coffee beverages offers a unique taste experience, proving the versatility of the lungo shot in the coffee world.
Conclusion
A lungo shot typically requires around 7-9 grams of coffee for a single serving and 14-18 grams for a double serving. The grind size should be slightly coarser compared to regular espresso.
It’s important to adjust the pressure gauge and flow rate during brewing to achieve the desired taste and strength. Knowing the right measurements ensures you can enjoy a delicious lungo shot at home.
FAQ
What is a lungo shot and how many grams does it have?
A lungo shot is a type of coffee made using the Nespresso machine. It has more water than other shots so its standard dose weighs about 20 grams.
How do I make a lungo coffee with the right grind size?
To make a tasty lungo coffee, you should grind directly into your portafilter until you reach the needed weight for this espresso.
Is there a special ratio to follow when making lungo coffee?
Yes, there’s a specific lungo ratio to follow when brewing this type of coffee shot. You should use two parts water for each part of espresso.
How long does it take to brew or serve a proper Lungo shot?
The perfect time for extracting or serving up your Lungo shot usually falls between 50-60 seconds.
