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.

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:
- Fill the water tank with room-temperature purified water.
- Add whole coffee beans to the bean hopper.
- Place the brewing unit funnel under the coffee grinding system and tap the grinding button.
- Once grinding is complete, gently shake the brewing unit to distribute the ground coffee evenly.
- Insert the brewing unit into the right-side brew chamber and press down the coffee tamping lever.
- Place your favorite coffee mug under the brewing unit outlet.
- Touch the Lungo function icon on the display to start preparation.
- When the machine beeps and all function lights illuminate, your Lungo is ready to enjoy.
- (Shop Ciarra coffee makers with coffee grinders)
- You might be interested in: The Ultimate Guide to Ciarra Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines
7 Delicious Lungo Variations to Try
1. Oat Milk Lungo
- Prepare the classic lungo.
- Warm or steam oat milk.
- Add oat milk slowly. Top with a thin layer of foam for a café finish.
2. Honey Lungo
- Add honey to the bottom of your cup.
- Extract the lungo directly over the honey.
- Stir until smooth. Option to sprinkle cinnamon for warmth.
3. Lemon Lungo
- Prepare a classic lungo.
- Add a fresh piece of lemon peel.
- Allow the citrus oils to infuse into the aroma. Best with light roasts!
4. Iced Lungo
- Prepare a fresh lungo and allow it to cool slightly.
- Fill a glass generously with ice.
- Pour coffee over ice and add milk or syrup if desired.
5. Coconut Lungo
- Prepare the lungo.
- Add a splash of coconut milk and syrup to taste.
- Stir gently. Serve hot or over ice.
6. Cinnamon Lungo
- Add honey or brown sugar to the cup.
- Extract the lungo into the cup.
- Dust the top with ground cinnamon.
7. Hazelnut Lungo
- Add hazelnut syrup into the cup before brewing.
- Extract the classic lungo.
- Garnish with crushed hazelnuts on top.
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:
