lungo

Lungo is an Italian term meaning long or extended. In general use, it functions as an adjective to describe length or duration, such as qualcosa di lungo (something long). The word appears in a variety of phrases across Italian to convey a sense of being drawn out or prolonged.

In coffee culture, caffe lungo refers to a specific espresso-based drink. It is prepared by extracting through the coffee grounds with more water than a standard espresso, producing a larger beverage. Typical lungo volumes range from about 60 to 120 milliliters. The longer extraction and increased dilution tend to produce a lighter-bodied cup with more pronounced bitter and sometimes floral or woody notes, depending on the beans and equipment. Caffeine content can be similar to or slightly higher than a standard shot, but this varies with grind size, dose, and the exact extraction time. A lungo is often contrasted with ristretto, which uses less water and yields a shorter, more concentrated shot.

Beyond beverages, lungo remains a general Italian descriptor for long or extended, and its use extends into everyday language to describe length, duration, or distance. In culinary or cafe contexts, the term is most commonly encountered as caffe lungo, the typically recognized long espresso.

See also: espresso, ristretto, caffe lungo.