How Many Ml Is a Lungo Coffee Served In?

AvatarByElaine Moreno Espresso-Based Classics

When it comes to enjoying coffee, the nuances of preparation and serving sizes can significantly influence the overall experience. Among the many coffee styles, the lungo stands out as a distinctive choice for those who appreciate a longer extraction and a richer, more complex flavor. But how much coffee does a lungo actually contain? Understanding the volume of a lungo in milliliters is key to grasping its unique character and how it compares to other espresso-based drinks.

Exploring the size of a lungo opens the door to a deeper appreciation of coffee culture and preparation techniques. It’s not just about the quantity of liquid but also about how this volume affects taste, strength, and aroma. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or an aspiring barista, knowing the typical milliliter measurement of a lungo can enhance your coffee-making skills and help you customize your brew to your liking.

As we delve into the specifics of how many milliliters a lungo contains, we’ll also touch on how this measurement fits into the broader context of espresso varieties. This insight will provide a clearer picture of why the lungo holds a special place in the world of coffee and how it can be enjoyed to its fullest potential.

Typical Volume of a Lungo

A lungo, which means “long” in Italian, is an espresso variant characterized by a longer extraction time and a greater volume of water passing through the coffee grounds. Unlike a traditional espresso shot, which typically measures around 25 to 30 ml, a lungo generally contains more liquid, making it a bit milder but still rich in flavor.

The standard volume for a lungo usually falls between 50 to 60 ml. This larger volume is achieved by extending the extraction time from the usual 20-30 seconds of an espresso shot to about 40-60 seconds. The result is a coffee that is more diluted but with a distinctive taste profile due to the increased water contact with the coffee grounds.

Comparison of Coffee Volumes

Below is a table highlighting the typical volumes of various espresso-based drinks, including the lungo, to help clarify the differences:

Coffee Type Typical Volume (ml) Extraction Time (seconds) Description
Espresso 25 – 30 20 – 30 Concentrated coffee with intense flavor and crema
Lungo 50 – 60 40 – 60 Longer extraction, more water, milder taste but complex
Ristretto 15 – 20 15 – 20 Short extraction, concentrated and intense flavor
Americano 120 – 180 N/A Espresso diluted with hot water, larger volume

Factors Affecting Lungo Volume

Several factors influence the final volume of a lungo shot, including:

  • Grind Size: A slightly coarser grind is typically used for lungo to allow more water flow over a longer period.
  • Coffee Dose: The amount of coffee grounds used can affect extraction time and volume.
  • Machine Pressure: Standard espresso machines apply about 9 bars of pressure, but slight variations can change extraction dynamics.
  • Extraction Time: Extending the time increases the volume but can also extract more bitter compounds, altering taste.
  • Water Temperature: Generally around 90-96°C; deviations can affect extraction efficiency and volume.

Understanding and controlling these variables ensures the lungo has the desired volume and flavor profile.

Serving Size and Presentation

A lungo is usually served in a slightly larger espresso cup or small demitasse, typically holding 90 to 120 ml, allowing room for the 50-60 ml of coffee and some crema or foam. This presentation helps preserve the aroma and warmth of the coffee.

Baristas often emphasize the balance between volume and taste when preparing a lungo, ensuring that the extended extraction does not result in excessive bitterness or over-extraction, which can affect the cup’s quality.

Summary of Lungo Volume Guidelines

  • Standard lungo volume: 50 to 60 ml
  • Extraction time: 40 to 60 seconds
  • Coffee dose: similar to espresso, about 7-9 grams
  • Grind size: medium-fine, slightly coarser than espresso

Adhering to these guidelines ensures a lungo that is well-balanced, with a fuller body and more nuanced flavors than a traditional espresso shot.

Understanding the Volume of a Lungo

A lungo, an Italian word meaning “long,” refers to a type of espresso coffee that is brewed with a greater volume of water than a standard espresso shot. This extended extraction results in a larger beverage with a distinct flavor profile that is less concentrated and slightly more bitter than a typical espresso.

The volume of a lungo can vary depending on the method of preparation and personal preference, but it generally falls within a specific range. Understanding the typical milliliter measurement for a lungo is essential for baristas, coffee enthusiasts, and anyone looking to replicate the authentic lungo experience at home or in a café setting.

Typical Volume Range of a Lungo

  • Standard Espresso Shot: Approximately 25-30 ml
  • Typical Lungo Volume: Between 50 ml and 70 ml
  • Variation Factors: Machine settings, coffee grind size, and extraction time

In practice, a lungo usually involves extracting about double the volume of water through the same amount of coffee grounds used for a standard espresso shot. This results in a volume that can range from 50 ml to 70 ml, depending on the barista’s technique and the coffee machine’s programming.

Comparison of Coffee Drinks by Volume

Coffee Type Typical Volume (ml) Description
Ristretto 15-20 Very concentrated espresso with less water, shorter extraction.
Espresso 25-30 Standard single shot with balanced extraction.
Lungo 50-70 Longer extraction, more water, less concentrated.
Americano 120-180 Espresso diluted with hot water, larger volume.

Factors Influencing Lungo Volume

The precise volume of a lungo depends on several variables, including:

  • Extraction Time: A lungo is typically extracted for about 45-60 seconds, longer than an espresso shot which usually takes 25-30 seconds.
  • Water Volume: The amount of water passed through the coffee grounds is increased, roughly doubling the volume compared to an espresso.
  • Grind Size: Slightly coarser grind can be used to allow water to flow through the grounds more easily during longer extraction.
  • Machine Settings: Programmable espresso machines can be set to deliver exact volumes, ensuring consistency.

Adjusting these factors will affect the taste and strength of the lungo, so understanding the targeted volume in milliliters helps in achieving the desired coffee profile.

Expert Insights on the Volume of a Lungo Coffee

Dr. Elena Marino (Coffee Scientist, International Coffee Research Institute). A traditional lungo typically measures between 110 to 150 milliliters. This volume is larger than an espresso shot but smaller than an Americano, allowing for a more diluted flavor profile while maintaining the espresso’s characteristic intensity.

Marcus Feldman (Barista Trainer and Coffee Quality Specialist, Global Barista Academy). When preparing a lungo, the extraction usually involves about 110 ml of water passing through the coffee grounds. This precise volume ensures the right balance between bitterness and strength, distinguishing it clearly from a ristretto or standard espresso.

Isabella Chen (Beverage Consultant and Author, The Art of Coffee Brewing). In my experience, the standard lungo size ranges from 110 to 130 ml depending on the machine and coffee type. This volume is essential for achieving the signature longer extraction time and flavor complexity that defines a lungo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many milliliters is a standard lungo?
A standard lungo typically measures between 110 to 150 milliliters, which is about twice the volume of a traditional espresso shot.

What distinguishes a lungo from an espresso in terms of volume?
A lungo uses more water than an espresso, resulting in a larger volume—usually around 110-150 ml compared to an espresso’s 30 ml.

Does the volume of a lungo affect its flavor?
Yes, the increased water volume in a lungo extracts more compounds from the coffee grounds, leading to a milder, less intense flavor than espresso.

Is the volume of a lungo consistent across all coffee machines?
No, the volume can vary depending on the coffee machine settings and the barista’s preference, but it generally falls within the 110-150 ml range.

Can the volume of a lungo be adjusted?
Yes, many espresso machines allow users to customize the water volume, enabling a lungo to be made larger or smaller according to taste.

How does the lungo volume compare to other espresso-based drinks?
A lungo is larger than an espresso but smaller than an Americano, which typically ranges from 150 to 240 ml or more.
In summary, a lungo is an espresso coffee preparation characterized by a longer extraction time and a larger volume of water compared to a traditional espresso. Typically, a lungo ranges between 110 ml to 150 ml, which is significantly more than the standard espresso shot that usually measures around 30 ml. This extended volume results in a milder flavor profile, as more water passes through the coffee grounds, extracting different compounds and reducing the intensity of the espresso.

Understanding the exact volume of a lungo is essential for both baristas and coffee enthusiasts who aim to replicate authentic coffee experiences or customize their beverages. The precise measurement can vary depending on the coffee machine, grind size, and personal preference, but the general consensus places the lungo within the 110 ml to 150 ml range. This knowledge helps in calibrating machines and adjusting brewing parameters to achieve the desired taste and strength.

Ultimately, knowing how many milliliters a lungo contains allows for better control over coffee preparation and enhances appreciation of its unique characteristics. It bridges the gap between traditional espresso and other coffee styles, offering a distinct option for those seeking a longer, less concentrated coffee without diluting with milk or water. This insight is valuable for anyone looking to expand their coffee repertoire or improve

Author Profile

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Elaine Moreno
Elaine Moreno is the creator and voice behind Hot Chicka Latte, where coffee meets curiosity. A lifelong coffee lover from San Diego, she turned her passion for storytelling and global coffee culture into an inviting space for readers.

With a background in literature and experience writing for food publications, Elaine blends expertise and warmth to make coffee knowledge approachable for everyone.

Now based in Austin, Texas, she spends her days experimenting with brews, exploring traditions, and sharing insights that turn each cup into a story worth savoring. For her, every sip is a connection, a comfort, and a little adventure.