Having a long black coffee in Australia is almost customary. Walk into any Australian café and order an Americano, and you might get a strange look from the other customers, or even the barista! A long black coffee and an Americano are pretty similar coffee drinks, but the difference is in how they are prepared.
By examining the differences between these twin coffees, you can learn how to make the perfect cup of long black every time and keep it from slipping into an Americano. Alternatively, if you’re already a big long black coffee drinker you might find your new favourite alternative!
What is a Long Black Coffee?
A long black coffee is defined by its preparation process. One of the most popular coffees made without milk, around 100ml of hot water is added to the cup before the 30ml of espresso, preserving the golden crema on top.
Role in Australian Coffee Culture
The long black coffee is steeped in Australia’s coffee culture history. Beginning in Italy as the caffè lungo, after World War 2 Italian immigrants bringing espresso machines to Australia and New Zealand transformed this coffee into what would become known as the long black coffee. The drink experienced explosive growth in the late 1980s and early 1990s as café culture expanded beyond immigrant communities to become mainstream across major Australian cities.
Today, the long black is the most popular coffee without milk in Australia, making up almost ten percent of total coffee orders in the country.
What is an Americano?
The americano began in World War II Italy. American soldiers in the country found local coffees too strong, and requested extra hot water be added to their espresso to dilute the flavour.
An Americano, like a long black coffee, is prepared without milk. The key difference is that hot water is poured over the espresso and not the other way around, meaning it lacks the distinctive crema layer that makes the long black visually striking.
Flavour and Brew: The Key Differences
The differences in how to brew an americano vs a long black coffee leads to some subtle differences in taste. The long black offers a more intense flavour with a smooth, silky mouthfeel thanks to its intact crema and double espresso shot. The americano tastes cleaner but flatter, with less of a kick than a long black.
How to Make a Long Black Coffee Drink
Making a long black coffee at home requires minimal equipment but attention to technique. You’ll need an espresso machine, fresh coffee beans, a grinder, and a cup that holds at least 180ml.
Start by boiling water. Aim for between 90–96°C; any hotter over-extracts the coffee making it bitter, any cooler leaves your coffee weak and sour. Allow it to cool for 30-60 seconds to prevent scorching and bitterness.
While waiting for your water to cool, grind your coffee beans to a fine consistency. A burr grinder is recommended over a blade grinder as the grind size created is more consistent.
Dose approximately 18–20g of ground coffee into your portafilter basket, distributing it evenly by tapping the sides, then tamping it firmly into your coffee machine. Lock the portafilter into your espresso machine and start the extraction. Pull a double shot of espresso over 25-30 seconds.
Pour your water into a cup, then gently pour the espresso over the water in a slow, steady stream pour from a low height so that the espresso settles onto the water surface. Avoid splashing or pouring from too high, as this breaks up the crema and mixes the espresso throughout the water, destroying the aromatic oils that give the long black its rich flavour and silky mouthfeel.
Which Should You Choose: The Cafe Barista and Coffee Lovers Choice
Baristas agree, the choice between a long black and an americano comes down to subtle flavour differences and how much you like a strong coffee. A long black coffee offers complex flavours and character for those who want to appreciate their drink at its deepest levels, as well as a stronger hit. Americanos are milder, but there’s nothing wrong with that, and many milk coffee drinkers prefer it over a long black coffee due to this simpler taste.
Learn to Make the Best Long Black Coffee in Australia!
You don’t need to be a barista to make the perfect long black coffee experience. With a short barista training course, you too can make great coffee at home, at work, or for your friends. If you’re tired of how expensive coffee shops are getting these days, then learning to make specialty coffee yourself might be the solution that you’ve been looking for.
FAQs
Can I Make a Long Black Coffee Without an Espresso Machine?
Yes. A stovetop moka pot produces concentrated coffee that works well for making a long black at home. Pour the moka pot coffee over hot water and you’ll create a delicious coffee that captures the spirit of a long black.
What is the Best Coffee Bean to Make a Long Black Coffee?
Arabica coffee beans with medium to dark roasts work best for the perfect long black. Fresh roasted beans ground just before brewing will make the best long black coffee regardless of their specific origin.
What's the Difference Between a Long Black Coffee and a Short Black?
A short black is simply a single shot of espresso served in a small cup, typically 30ml of pure, concentrated espresso coffee.
