What is a Long Black Coffee?
The long black coffee has long been a staple of the morning ritual for many, with its strong flavor and unmistakable aroma. But what is long black coffee? Put simply, it’s espresso topped up with filtered hot water. This creates a full-bodied cup with all the intensity of espresso but without any of the bitterness that can sometimes be associated with it.
What is the History of Long Black Coffee
This coffee drink dates back to the 1940s when Italian immigrants brought their long black coffee recipes with them to other parts of the world. While many traditional long blacks are made with espresso and hot water, there are also a number of variations that involve different brewing techniques and ingredients. From a historical point, Italians made two types of coffee; cappuccino and espresso.
Whenever American tourists visited Italy, they would ask for ‘espresso’. This was then followed by a long black variation made with one espresso shot topped up with hot water and served in a long, cylindrical glass. The long black coffee was born out of the need to accommodate the American tourists used to filtered brewed coffee which made them find the espresso too strong.
What are The Modern Variations of Long Black Coffee
Today, long black coffees come in a variety of styles and flavors. You can find long blacks made with single-origin coffee beans or blended beans, or even iced long black coffees. Some recipes call for steamed milk to be added as well.
The commonest form of variation of the long black coffee is the extraction of an espresso shot over hot water rather than the addition of hot water after the espresso shot has been extracted. Surprisingly, this remains the most appropriate way of producing a sweet black straw with a beautiful crema while avoiding the burning of flavors.
In some specialty cafes, the long black coffee is consumed as a full-length espresso shot drawn over hot water. While this produces an above-average brew, it misses out on the nuances and flavor associated with the long black as a full-bodied and strong drink. As always, find your preference and stick to it.
Pro tip
Apply the doubly ristretto method to prepare the long black coffee for a more syrupy cup with lower acidity and a bolder taste.
Also read: What is ristretto
Iced Long Black Coffee
If you’re looking for something cool and refreshing, try an iced long black. It’s a simple variation of the long black coffee that involves pouring an espresso shot over ice cubes instead of hot water. The result is a refreshing iced drink with all the flavor and intensity of long black coffee but without any of bitterness.
How to Make Long Black Coffee: A Recipe
Long Black Coffee Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Espresso machine
- 1 Coffee Cup
- 1 Grinder
- 1 Kettle
Ingredients
- 2 Shots Espresso
- 4 Ounce Hot Water
Instructions
- Start by grinding your coffee beans and tamping them into the portafilter before locking it in place.2. Next, extract two shots of espresso into a long glass or cup.3. Pull two espresso shots into a coffee cup.4. Boil the water in a kettle or stovetop to 92-94°C (197-201°F) and let it cool for about 30 seconds.5. Pour 4 ounces (110 - 140 millimeters) of hot water over the espresso shots.6. Stir the long black coffee to combine the espresso and hot water.7. Enjoy your long black coffee!
Video
Notes
Nutritional Value
Long black coffee is a low-calorie beverage, with just 5 calories per cup. It also contains no fat or cholesterol and does not contain any added sugars or artificial sweeteners.Americano vs Long Black Coffee
The long black coffee is often confused with an Americano due to the similarities of their names and the similar ingredients used. However, there are some distinguishing features between long black coffee and an Americano that you should be aware of.
An Americano is made with one shot of espresso diluted in hot water while long black coffee is made with two shots of espresso in hot water. The long black coffee has a sweeter flavor profile due to the presence of crema and it also has a richer body than an Americano. Additionally, the Americano uses more water than long black coffee, which creates a weaker brew.
Wants to read more about Americano? Check out our blog on What is Americano
What are the Health Benefits of Long Black Coffee
Unlike some other forms of coffee, there exists healthy grounds to consume long black coffee. These include
- It’s low in calories and has no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. This makes long black coffee a healthier choice than other coffees as it provides long-lasting energy without any of the unhealthy side effects associated with dairy and sugary drinks.
- Long black coffee contains several beneficial nutrients, including magnesium and potassium, which are essential for maintaining good health.
- A high concentration of antioxidants helps protect your body from free radical damage and reduce inflammation.
- Lastly, long black coffee can be beneficial for mental clarity and focus as it contains caffeine which is known to boost alertness and improve cognitive performance.
Conclusion
Long black coffee is a delicious and full-bodied beverage that packs plenty of flavors. Whether you want an energizing pick-me-up or a refreshing iced long black, this classic coffee drink is sure to satisfy you. This classic Italian style of coffee has been around for decades and continues to be popular today due to its strong flavor and full-bodied taste as it combines the robust flavors of espresso with the smoothness of hot water to make a complex yet delicious coffee experience.
Not only is long black coffee full of flavor and aroma, but it also has several health benefits that can help you stay energized and focused throughout the day. And with its simple recipe, long black coffee is an easy way to enjoy a classic Italian style of coffee without having to worry about complex preparation. All you need are two shots of espresso, 4 ounces (110 – 140 millimeters) of hot water, and your favorite mug. Give it a try and share your experience!
FAQs
What is the difference between black coffee and long black coffee?
Black coffee is made by simply brewing ground coffee beans in hot or cold water. Long black coffee, on the other hand, is made with two shots of espresso and hot water poured over it.
What is a long black coffee in Australia?
In Australia, long black coffee is a type of espresso-based beverage made by pouring two shots of espresso over hot water. It has a richer body and flavor profile than an Americano due to the presence of crema from the espresso shots.
What is long black coffee good for?
Long black coffee can be beneficial for long-lasting energy, mental clarity, and focus. It also has several essential nutrients that are beneficial for maintaining good health and it contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.
What is a long black coffee with milk called?
A long black coffee with milk is known as a Flat White in Australia. This espresso-based beverage is made by pouring one shot of espresso over steamed milk and a thin layer of textured milk.
Is long black the strongest coffee?
Long black coffee is a strong type of beverage due to its combination of two espresso shots and hot water. However, there are other types of coffees that can be stronger, such as an Espresso Cubano or a Ristretto.
Long Black Coffee Recipe
Long Black Coffee Recipe
Best long black coffee recipe easy to make.