An americano and a lungo are both espressos with more water. But they’re two different coffees. The difference lies in when the water is added.
Americano: espresso first, then water
First, you make a regular espresso. Then you add hot water, about two to three times as much as the espresso. So you dilute the espresso afterward and decide for yourself how strong the cup will be.
Lungo: extra water through the coffee
With a lungo, extra water flows through the coffee bed during brewing. The ratio is about 1:3 to 1:4, and brewing takes longer than for a regular espresso. This extracts more from the coffee, which can sometimes taste bitter.
What’s the difference?
| Americano | Lungo | |
|---|---|---|
| Water added | After brewing | During brewing |
| Taste | Espresso, diluted | More extracted from the coffee, sometimes bitter |
| Strength | You decide with the water | Depends on how you brew it |
Which should you choose?
- Americano: You want a large cup and choose the strength yourself.
- Lungo: You want a longer espresso without adding extra water.
Try both with the same bean to notice the difference best.
Taste the difference
Browse our espresso beans and try both.
What can you do with this?
- Read about the difference between espresso, ristretto, and lungo.
- Read why sourness isn’t bad, and what bitterness means.
