Having a tough time deciding between a Lungo or Latte at your local coffee shop? They may sound similar, but these two popular espresso drinks have distinct differences.
This blog will guide you through the origin, brewing process and flavor profiles of both beverages to help you make an informed decision next time you’re eyeing the coffee menu.
Ready to jump into the world of espresso?
Latte vs Lungo
Distinguishing between a latte and a lungo primarily revolves around their composition and brewing method. A latte is made with espresso and steamed milk, typically in a ratio that results in a creamy, mild coffee drink.
It’s often topped with a small amount of foam and can be flavored with syrups. On the other hand, a lungo is an espresso shot brewed with more water, resulting in a longer extraction and a larger volume.
This makes it somewhat milder than a regular espresso but stronger than a latte. Understanding these differences can help coffee enthusiasts make a more informed choice based on their taste preferences.
Key Takeaways
- A latte is made with espresso and steamed milk, while a lungo is an espresso shot brewed for a longer time with more water.
- Lattes have a creamy and smooth flavor, while lungos have a stronger and slightly bitter taste due to the longer extraction process.
- The caffeine content in lattes can vary depending on size, ranging from 63-126 mg, while lungos generally contain around 90-150 mg of caffeine.
Definitions
Latte Definition: A latte is a coffee drink made with a shot of espresso and steamed milk, usually topped with a small layer of foamed milk.
Lungo Definition: Lungo, which means “long” in Italian, refers to an espresso shot that is brewed for a longer amount of time, resulting in a larger volume of liquid but with the same amount of coffee as a regular espresso shot.
Latte Definition
A latte is a loved coffee drink. You make it by putting espresso at the bottom and adding steamed milk on top. Some people call lattes “caffè lattes”. To make a latte, we first pour one or two shots of espresso into a cup.
Then, we add in hot milk and a bit of foam from the top of the milk. Lattes are liked by many and are often sold out at coffee shops. You can use either lungo or regular espresso for the base when you want to make your own latte at home.
Lungo Definition
Lungo is a type of coffee drink. It comes from the word in Italian that means ‘long’. This name fits because lungo uses more water than other coffee types like espresso. So, a lungo has extra volume.
To make it, you use an espresso machine and the same amount of ground coffee as for one espresso shot. But here’s the trick – add double the amount of water to it! Some folks call this long shot or café allongé too.
So, with lungo, expect a different taste than your regular espresso. Because it uses more water, it pulls out more bits from the coffee grounds making its flavor unique. Keep in mind though that some people might find lungo tastes bitter due to these extra bits.
Despite this, many enjoy their daily cup of Lungo as part of their love for exploring various flavors in the world of coffee.
Historical Origins
Latte Origins: The latte originated in Italy in the 20th century and was popularized by Italian coffeehouses.
Lungo Origins: The lungo, meaning “long” in Italian, is believed to have been created as a variation of the espresso shot.
Latte Origins
The latte was born in Italy. It came from a habit of mixing coffee and milk, called “caffè e latte.” This mix has been around for many years. The precise start point of the latte is not known.
To make tourists from America happy, some areas in Italy began to use the term “cafe latte”. American visitors found espresso too sour. A Latte mixes espresso with warm milk. It hails from Italian roots.
Italian folks also enjoy cappuccino. They like to have it in the morning or as a mid-morning snack.
Lungo Origins
Lungo coffee likely started in Italy and the term “lungo” means “long shot” in Italian. It is believed that lungo was created to provide a stronger cup of coffee with more volume than a regular espresso.
The lungo brewing process involves using double the amount of water compared to a typical espresso shot, resulting in a longer extraction time. This extra water helps to extract more caffeine and flavors from the coffee grounds, creating a unique taste profile.
Lungo has become popular in many coffee shops and is used as a base for various espresso-based drinks like lattes and macchiatos.
Brewing Process
The brewing process for both latte and lungo involves a specific water and coffee ratio, extraction time, as well as pressure and temperature.
Water and Coffee Ratio
The water and coffee ratio is an important factor in brewing both lattes and lungos. Here are some key points to understand:
- In a latte, a 1: 1.5 brew ratio is commonly used, which means using 1 part espresso to 1.5 parts milk.
- For a lungo, the ratio differs. It involves pulling water alongside the espresso shot during the brewing process.
- In traditional espresso shots, the coffee-to-water ratio is 1: 2, meaning for every gram of coffee, two grams of water are used.
- The weight of the ground coffee relative to the finished product determines the brew ratio in espresso.
- To extract a lungo shot using a triple basket, you typically use 20 grams of ground coffee to extract 30 grams of liquid espresso.
Extraction Time
The extraction time for lungo shots can vary between 30 and 40 seconds.
- The longer extraction time of lungo shots gives them a different flavor profile.
- The extraction time for a perfect espresso is generally considered to be 25 – 30 seconds.
- Nespresso lungo capsules have a similar extraction time as espresso capsules.
Pressure and Temperature
The pressure and temperature of the water play a vital role in the brewing process of both latte and lungo. Here are some important factors to consider:
- The water used for brewing should be heated to a specific temperature. This ensures that the coffee grounds are extracted properly, resulting in a flavorful shot.
- In espresso machines, the water is heated to around 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit (90-96 degrees Celsius). This high temperature helps in extracting the desirable flavors from the coffee.
- The pressure at which the water is forced through the coffee grounds also affects the final taste. Espresso machines typically apply 9 bars of pressure to achieve optimal extraction.
- When making a latte, the espresso shot is combined with steamed milk. The pressure and temperature used for brewing espresso help in achieving a concentrated and bold flavor that can cut through the milk.
- Lungo, on the other hand, requires more water and a longer extraction time compared to espresso. The increased amount of water translates to a milder taste with less intensity than an espresso shot.
Flavor and Aroma Differences
The latte is known for its creamy and smooth taste, with a rich flavor profile that comes from the combination of espresso and steamed milk. The lungo, on the other hand, has a more intense and bold flavor, with a slightly bitter taste due to its longer extraction time.
Latte
A latte is a popular coffee drink that is known for its smooth and creamy flavor. It is made by combining a shot of espresso with steamed milk. Lattes can be enjoyed hot or iced, and they are often sweeter and creamier compared to other coffee drinks like lungos.
You can customize your latte by adding flavored syrups or whipped cream for extra sweetness and variety. With its rich flavor and aroma, lattes are a favorite choice for coffee lovers everywhere.
Lungo
A lungo is a longer shot of espresso, made by doubling the amount of water used in a regular espresso shot. It is typically served in a larger 3.7 oz cup compared to the smaller espresso cups.
The word “lungo” means “long” in Italian, referring to the longer extraction time required for this type of coffee. Lungo shots have a more subdued taste compared to traditional espresso or ristretto shots, with prominent bitter and smokey notes.
They can be used as a base for milky coffee drinks like lattes. Despite its larger size, lungo shots have less intense flavor than regular espresso shots due to the increased water-to-coffee ratio during brewing.
Caffeine Content
Latte Caffeine Content: The caffeine content in a latte can vary depending on the size of the drink and the amount of espresso used, but generally, a small or medium-sized latte contains around 63-126 mg of caffeine.
Lungo Caffeine Content: A lungo has a higher caffeine content compared to a regular espresso because it uses double the amount of water. On average, a lungo contains about 90-150 mg of caffeine.
Latte Caffeine Content
A latte is a popular coffee drink known for its caffeine content. A double-shot espresso, which is the base of a latte, contains about 128 milligrams of caffeine. However, it’s important to note that the actual amount of caffeine in a latte can vary depending on factors such as the size and number of shots used.
So when you’re considering the caffeine content, take into account the size and strength of your latte. Whether you need a little pick-me-up or a stronger jolt of energy, knowing how much caffeine your latte contains can help you make an informed choice.
Lungo Caffeine Content
A lungo shot of coffee has slightly more caffeine than a regular espresso shot. It contains around 50-100 mg of caffeine per ounce. Lungo has more soluble solids and a bit more caffeine compared to other espresso variants, making it stronger in taste and effect.
In fact, lungo coffee provides a higher caffeine content than average espresso. If you’re looking for an extra kick from your coffee, a lungo might be the perfect choice for you. Just keep in mind that different lungo pods or capsules may have varying levels of caffeine content, with some like Cape Town and Buenos Aires Pods having the highest amount in the Nespresso Original line.
Uses in Popular Drinks
Latte is commonly used in popular drinks like cappuccinos and macchiatos, where the addition of steamed milk creates a creamy and smooth texture. On the other hand, lungo is often enjoyed as a standalone drink for those who prefer a stronger and more intense flavor profile.
Latte in Popular Drinks
A latte is a popular coffee drink enjoyed by many people. It can be found on the menu at coffee shops around the world. Here are some popular drinks that include a latte:
- Cappuccino: A cappuccino is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. It is similar to a latte but has more foam on top.
- Mocha: A mocha is a combination of espresso, chocolate syrup or powder, steamed milk, and sometimes whipped cream. It has a rich and indulgent flavor.
- Flat White: A flat white is made with espresso and steamed milk. It has less foam than a cappuccino or latte and has a smoother taste.
- Macchiato: A macchiato is an espresso shot topped with a small amount of foamed milk. It has a stronger coffee flavor compared to a latte.
Lungo in Popular Drinks
Lungo is often used as a base for various popular coffee drinks. Here are some examples:
- Café Americano: A lungo shot of espresso is diluted with hot water, resulting in a drink similar to an Americano but with a slightly different flavor profile.
- Latte Lungo: A latte made with a lungo instead of a regular espresso shot. This creates a milder and more balanced flavor with a longer-lasting coffee taste.
- Mocha Lungo: Similar to a traditional mocha, but made with a lungo shot instead of regular espresso. It combines the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee for a delicious treat.
- Cappuccino Lungo: A cappuccino made with a lungo shot instead of an espresso shot. It has a smoother and less intense flavor profile, making it suitable for those who prefer milder coffees.
- Macchiato Lungo: An espresso macchiato made with a lungo shot instead of the usual single or double espresso shot. It offers a slightly different taste experience compared to the traditional version.
Choosing Between Latte and Lungo
Consider your personal preferences and the occasion to determine whether a latte or lungo is the better choice for you.
Considering personal preferences
When deciding between a latte and a lungo, personal preference plays a crucial role. Some people prefer the rich and creamy texture of a latte, while others enjoy the milder and longer-lasting taste of a lungo.
It ultimately comes down to whether you prefer more milk in your coffee or a stronger and intense flavor. So, think about what you crave most in your cup of joe before making your choice between these two popular coffee drinks.
Determine the appropriate occasion
To determine the appropriate occasion for enjoying a latte or lungo, consider your personal preferences and the desired coffee experience. A latte is a great choice for those who enjoy a creamy and milky coffee drink.
It’s often enjoyed during breakfast or brunch, as it pairs well with pastries or eggs. On the other hand, lungo can be a good option if you prefer a lighter and less intense coffee flavor.
It’s perfect for a mid-day pick-me-up or when you want to savor your coffee without feeling overwhelmed by its strength. So whether it’s starting your day off right or taking a moment to relax in the afternoon, both latte and lungo can be enjoyed at various occasions based on what fits your taste and mood.
Conclusion
Choosing between a latte and a lungo depends on your personal preferences and the occasion. If you prefer a larger and milder coffee with nutty flavors, then a lungo might be the better choice for you.
However, if you enjoy the combination of steamed milk and foam with rich espresso flavor, then a latte is the way to go. Ultimately, both drinks have their unique characteristics and can be enjoyed in various coffee-based beverages.
FAQ
What is the difference between a latte and a lungo?
The main difference between lungo vs latte is how they are made with an espresso machine. A latte uses one or two shots of espresso diluted with more water and milk, while the word “lungo” means ‘long’ in Italian, it uses double the amount of water to pull a longer shot from finely ground coffee beans.
How do you make a Lungo at home?
To make lungo at home, you would use your home espresso machine to pull a long shot. This means allowing more water to pass through the coffee grounds than when making regular espresso.
Is there more caffeine in Lungos than other types of coffee?
Yes! The Lungos contain slightly more caffeine than regular espressos or lattes because it uses double the amount of water which ends up fully extracting the caffeine from the coffee grounds.
What changes should I note on my coffee shop menu between Lungos versus Espresso?
In terms of variations in espresso-based drinks; Espresso shots are short but highly concentrated whereas Lungo being similar involves pulling shots for longer thus diluting its bitterness-causing components but still stronger than normal drip coffee.
What does “pulling an Espresso shot” mean?
Pulling an Espresso shot is simply using hot pressurized water forced through finely-ground coffee beans within an expressor machine resulting into concentrated coffees like Espressso and Ristretto.
Is there any significant change if I replace Espresso with Lungos?
Replacing traditional Espressos with ‘Lungos’ will give you less concentrated but rather ‘longer’ pulls having different flavor profiles due its diluted nature compared to strict measures observed while preparing good Espressso.
