What is Long Black Coffee?
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There are so many different types of coffees out there, that when it comes to ordering the right one for you, it can be a daunting prospect. In these situations, it’s good to know the difference between black and white coffee. Knowing your way around coffee is a rite of passage, knowing your coffee, and your coffee tastes, will make your decision so much easier.
It is easy to get mixed up understanding the differences between an americano and a long black coffee, but let’s answer all of those questions and uncover a new found confidence when ordering your next coffee. So, what is a long black coffee? And what does it taste like?
What is long black coffee?
Like most espresso drinks, long black coffee comes from Italy. Traditionally, espresso and cappuccino were the only two coffee drinks available. Essentially, the long black coffee came into play when the Americans started to frequent Italian coffee shops and asked after a large black coffee. The long black coffee was the Italian baristas’ answer to their large coffee dilemma; therefore, long black coffee was created as the beverage to satisfy their out-of-town guests.
Nowadays, the long black coffee is a popular drink in Australia and New Zealand, it is still widely popular in America, however American’s now refer to long black coffee as caffe americano, but the long black coffee is beginning to take hold in other parts of the world. The long black coffee is an espresso drink consisting of two shots of espresso diluted with hot water, it is made by pouring hot water in a cup and pouring the espresso shots on top of the water.
By pouring the espresso on top of the water, the espresso’s cream, known as crema, will stay intact when handled carefully. The crema is one of the most important parts of the coffee, for coffee lovers around the world, because it is so flavourful.
Many people mistake the long black for an americano, however the americano is made with more water which is poured over the espresso shot, the opposite to a long black coffee. The long black coffee is typically made with less water, therefore making it more concentrated, meaning that the flavour of the espresso is more distinct.
How to make a long black coffee?
Brewing your very own long black coffee is an easy process that doesn’t require a lot of work or knowledge of coffee.
To make the best Long Black possible, an espresso machine is used. However, if an espresso machine isn’t accessible a perfectly acceptable long black coffee can be made using a moka pot. When making your long black coffee at home, you need to consider how much hot water you use. Using too much can weaken the taste, while using smaller amounts will result in a stronger flavour. The typical ratio is ¾ water to ¼ espresso.
Using an espresso machine
Fill a tall glass with hot water, make sure the water isn’t too hot, but a good temperature to drink as soon as your long black coffee is made. Pour the espresso shot into the hot water, let the crema sit on top. If you like to have milk then add it at this point and stir.
Brew your long black coffee with a moka pot
The moka pot is an amazing coffee brewer that can brew a great espresso-like coffee. The first step is to grind up your coffee beans into a fine powder and then add them to the coffee basket of the moka pot. Fill the bottom half of the moka pot with boiling water, screw the top on and place on the hob on a medium heat.
The steam created on the bottom compartment of the moka Pot will create pressure and push through the air vent of the moka pot. Eventually, the espresso-like liquid you are after will start to come out. Now, fill up a mug with hot water, use twice the amount of coffee used from your moka pot. Once your chosen mug is filled with the hot water, slowly pour the espresso on top. You have now successfully made a long black coffee at home! Enjoy it whilst hot.
What does long black coffee taste like?
Long black coffee, as mentioned, has a similar flavour profile to that of an americano, but is slightly stronger due to the espresso sitting on the top. It will also taste different because the two layers aren’t mixed up as much as the americano, which is mixed together more because of the water being poured in after the espresso. If you prefer a stronger tasting coffee, without the full bite of the espresso shot, then a long black coffee is the one for you.
What is the difference between a long black coffee and an americano?
The americano and the long black coffee, are two espresso-based drinks with similar features, however, despite their similarities, they are made in different ways. The Americano is an espresso with water added, which tastes more like strong coffee, whereas the long black coffee is water with espresso added, which has a much stronger and fuller taste. Although they may seem, on the surface, the same drink, the results will give you two slightly different-tasting espresso drinks.
Traditionally, the long black coffee is meant to be savoured. It is traditionally consumed without milk, meaning that the flavours of the underlying espresso blend are more distinct than they would be in a cappuccino or flat white.
It is always important to use good quality coffee when making your own long black coffee, so that you never compromise on flavour. The long black coffee, with its unique method of preparation, has a distinct body and mouthfeel that sets it apart from any other espresso coffee.
Now you know what a long black coffee is, take a look at what a decaf coffee is next.
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