Coffee Knowledge
What is a long black coffee?
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A users guide to modern coffee. Know your long black coffee from your flat white and what the differences are between a long black and an americano here.
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, but the americano is made with more water poured over the espresso shot. The long black coffee is typically made with less water, making it more concentrated, making the flavour of the espresso more distinct.
Long black coffee origins
Like most espresso drinks, long black coffee comes from Italy where traditionally, espresso and cappuccino were the only two coffee drinks available. Essentially, the long black coffee originated when Americans started to frequent Italian coffee shops and asked for a large black coffee. The long black coffee was the Italian baristas’ answer to their large coffee dilemma; therefore, long black coffee was created to satisfy their out-of-town guests. Nowadays, the long black coffee is particularly popular in Australia and New Zealand. It’s still widely popular in America, but Americans now refer to long black coffee as caffe americano.
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, use an espresso machine. However, a perfectly acceptable long black coffee can still 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, add it now and stir.
Long black coffee vs americano - what’s the difference?
Long black coffee and the americano are both espresso-based drinks but despite their similarities, they are made in different ways. An americano is an espresso with water added, which tastes like strong coffee. A long black coffee is made of water with espresso added, which has a much stronger and fuller taste.
Traditionally, a long black coffee is meant to be savoured. It is traditionally enjoyed 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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