How to Make the Perfect Lungo Coffee at Home

For coffee lovers who enjoy the intensity of espresso but prefer a longer, smoother drink, lungo coffee is the ultimate choice.

What Is a Lungo Coffee?

Meaning “long” in Italian, a lungo is made by using the same amount of coffee grounds as an espresso but extracting it with more water and for a longer time. This process yields a larger cup with a lighter body, subtle flavors, and a rich, lasting finish.

Lungo Coffee Overview

Classic Espresso

  • Coffee Grounds: 18–20 g
  • Extraction Time: 25–30 sec
  • Liquid Output: ~30 ml

Classic Lungo

  • Coffee Grounds: 18–20 g
  • Extraction Time: 40–60 sec
  • Liquid Output: 60–90 ml

Step-by-Step Brew Guide with CIARRA

Easily prepare café-quality lungo using your CIARRA Semi-Automated Coffee Machine:

  1. Fill the water tank with room-temperature purified water.
  2. Add whole coffee beans to the bean hopper.
  3. Place the brewing unit funnel under the coffee grinding system and tap the grinding button.
  4. Once grinding is complete, gently shake the brewing unit to distribute the ground coffee evenly.
  5. Insert the brewing unit into the right-side brew chamber and press down the coffee tamping lever.
  6. Place your favorite coffee mug under the brewing unit outlet.
  7. Touch the Lungo function icon on the display to start preparation.
  8. When the machine beeps and all function lights illuminate, your Lungo is ready to enjoy.
  1. (Shop Ciarra coffee makers with coffee grinders)
  2. You might be interested in: The Ultimate Guide to Ciarra Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

CIARRA Home Brew PID Semi Automatic Espresso Machine

7 Delicious Lungo Variations to Try

1. Oat Milk Lungo

Ingredients: 1 Classic Lungo, 50–100 ml Oat Milk
  1. Prepare the classic lungo.
  2. Warm or steam oat milk.
  3. Add oat milk slowly. Top with a thin layer of foam for a café finish.
Oat Milk Lungo

2. Honey Lungo

Ingredients: 1 Lungo, 1 tsp Honey, Cinnamon (optional)
  1. Add honey to the bottom of your cup.
  2. Extract the lungo directly over the honey.
  3. Stir until smooth. Option to sprinkle cinnamon for warmth.
Honey Lungo

3. Lemon Lungo

Ingredients: 1 Lungo, Fresh Lemon Peel / Zest
  1. Prepare a classic lungo.
  2. Add a fresh piece of lemon peel.
  3. Allow the citrus oils to infuse into the aroma. Best with light roasts!
Lemon Lungo

4. Iced Lungo

Ingredients: Double Lungo, Ice Cubes, Milk/Vanilla Syrup (optional)
  1. Prepare a fresh lungo and allow it to cool slightly.
  2. Fill a glass generously with ice.
  3. Pour coffee over ice and add milk or syrup if desired.
Iced Lungo

5. Coconut Lungo

Ingredients: 1 Lungo, Coconut Milk, Coconut Syrup (optional)
  1. Prepare the lungo.
  2. Add a splash of coconut milk and syrup to taste.
  3. Stir gently. Serve hot or over ice.
Coconut Lungo

6. Cinnamon Lungo

Ingredients: 1 Lungo, Ground Cinnamon, Honey or Brown Sugar
  1. Add honey or brown sugar to the cup.
  2. Extract the lungo into the cup.
  3. Dust the top with ground cinnamon.
Cinnamon Lungo

7. Hazelnut Lungo

Ingredients: 1 Lungo, Hazelnut Syrup, Crushed Hazelnuts
  1. Add hazelnut syrup into the cup before brewing.
  2. Extract the classic lungo.
  3. Garnish with crushed hazelnuts on top.
Hazelnut Lungo

Choosing the Right Coffee Beans

Because lungo extraction pulls more flavor compounds from the coffee grounds, choosing beans with the right tasting notes is key. Look for flavors like Chocolate, Caramel, Hazelnut, Toffee, Dark Cocoa, and Dried Fruit.

Medium Roast

Recommended: Balanced sweetness, smooth acidity, and complex flavors.

Medium-Dark Roast

Ideal for: Stronger flavor profiles, heavy chocolate notes, and fuller body.

Light Roast

For Specialty Fans: Fruity acidity and floral notes (watch extraction time to avoid bitterness).

What to Serve with Lungo Coffee

Enhance your coffee moment by pairing your lungo with these delicious treats:

🥐 Fresh Croissants 🍪 Almond Pastries & Biscotti 🍫 Dark Chocolate 🍋 Lemon Cake 🧈 Shortbread 🍞 Banana Bread 🍯 Toast with Honey
Facebook
Tweet
Pinterest