Coffee is consumed in a variety of ways by each of us. Fortunately, there are several methods for brewing and blending the various components in making coffee; even the most minor modification may significantly impact.
Coffee and water are the two most essential elements. We may produce up to three, four, or more distinct drinks by varying the amount of water in a cup of coffee. The lungo, a kind of espresso, is one of them.
You may already be familiar with or have heard of the “lungo.” This is a classic order that is simple to prepare with an espresso machine. But, first and foremost, what is a gran lungo?
Contents
What Is Gran Lungo?
Nespresso’s gran lungo is a reaction to the demand for a Lungo alternative. This beverage is over twice the size of a conventional Lungo, which weighs 2 ounces, and a gran lungo weighs over 5 ounces.
Why wouldn’t Nespresso just make a Lungo size, you may wonder? The solution may be found in Americano coffee’s history.
Pour-over coffee has long been a favorite in America, as it is more watery and mild than espresso or even Lungo. We used to prefer a large cup of coffee to a smaller but more tasty one.
According to legend, troops stationed in Italy during WWII began socializing with the locals. The Italians immediately discovered that they couldn’t stomach a Lungo, let alone a standard espresso when they shared coffee. So they came up with the notion of pouring hot water into a shot of espresso, which was a huge hit with the Americans.
How To Make Gran Lungo
Preparation
- Espresso machine: To produce true lungo, you’ll need an espresso machine; you may use a Nespresso to get a gran lungo.
- If your espresso machine does not come with a grinder coffee, you will need to purchase one.
- Coffee beans in their whole form: To get the best results, get whole coffee beans and ground them right before creating the drink. You are free to use any type of coffee you choose. Simply because coffee is branded for espresso does not mean it must only be used in espresso machines.
- Water that has been filtered: To prepare any coffee beverage, always use excellent quality water.
Process
- Fill your portafilter halfway with freshly ground coffee and press it down.
- Pull 1-2 lungo shots.
- Allow the water to run for a longer time than you would for an espresso.
Tips
- Because a lungo shot does not require a specific volume of liquid, the quickest method to pull one is to let your espresso shot continue a few seconds longer than usual. After that, it’s just necessary for the lungo to be larger than an espresso shot.
- A scale is usually advised, although a lungo shot can simply be eyeballed such that the cup contains more than a shot of espresso. For example, see what happens when you pull a shot for 30-35 seconds if you’re used to pulling a shot for 25 seconds.
- A lungo shot is an excellent middle ground between espresso and an Americano if you want the depth of espresso but want something to drink for more than two sips.
- To make a latte or cappuccino with a lungo shot, add steamed milk to the lungo.
Check out this video for a detailed illustration from Nespresso itself on how to make a gran lungo: What Is a Lungo or Gran Lungo and How Do You Make One? | Nespresso Tips.
How Is Gran Lungo?
Texture
The flavor of a gran lungo is significantly more muted than that of espresso or ristretto since you use more water (a shot pulled with half the water). However, because of the water, the drink is less potent and more bitter. That may seem appealing to some. Others, however, find the bitterness of this espresso type to be their least favorite of the espresso varieties.
The majority of the bitterness-causing components in coffee are dissolved later in the extraction process, accounting for this bitterness. So, by lengthening the time it takes to draw the shot, more time is available to integrate them into the brew.
It’s crucial to remember, though, that a lungo isn’t just a half-strength shot. Because brewing includes several chemical reactions, the flavor profile changes and is diluted by the water. Compared to its other espresso partners, a lungo will have smokier, roasted overtones at the end.
Caffein
It’s controversial how much caffeine is in a gran lungo. Some think a lungo has more caffeine than a regular espresso shot. However, the quantity of caffeine you get is determined by the beans you use rather than the amount of time and water you need to make your shot.
Furthermore, both beverages have the same quantity of grounds, and caffeine is one of the first ingredients to enter your coffee. As a result, there isn’t much of an explanation for why the lungo has more caffeine.
If you genuinely need a caffeine boost, a ristretto is a way to go. Unfortunately, most businesses only serve double shots of ristretto, which means you’re receiving two servings of more robust espresso. If ristretto isn’t your thing, try a doppio or Americano with an extra shot.
Further reading: Turkish Coffee Caffeine Vs Regular Coffee
Making Time
A standard espresso shot can take anywhere from 20 to 30 seconds to brew, with a ristretto taking only a few seconds. It takes a few seconds longer to do a lungo shot.
As a result, the most miniature drink is the ristretto, which is roughly 12 ounces. Espresso shots are around an ounce in size, with a lungo shot weighing between 12 and 2 ounces. Then the biggest is the gran lungo with 5 ounces.
Conclusion
So, here’s the question after you have the answer for “What is a gran lungo?”: Should you try a gran lungo?
A gran lungo is an excellent drink to try if you enjoy the smokier, earthier aromas of espresso. Also, substituting a lungo for the usual shot or shots can appeal to you if you like an Americano.
On the other hand, if you like sweeter drinks, this one might not be for you. If you’re still interested in giving it a go, try substituting it for espresso in a cappuccino or latte macchiato (NOT an espresso macchiato).
