Long Black Coffee: A Blend Of Tradition
This long black coffee is very popular among Australians. Basically, you can say that it is like an Americano. Only two ingredients are needed to make this coffee blend, just like an Americano.
But there is a negligible difference. That is why many restaurants serve only one variation, whether an Americano or a long black coffee.
What is a long black coffee?
Long black coffee is a coffee drink that is made with water and espresso. Now, by knowing this, you will feel like these two are the same, but they are not. The crema and the process make these two drinks different from each other.
In long black coffee, first of all, hot water is poured into a cup, and then espresso is added. Following this process leaves a beautiful crema on the top. And this is another factor that differentiates it from Americano.
Americanos don’t have crema on top. First, espresso is poured, then hot water is added to the cup.
A Little History
It actually seemed interesting to me. The history goes like this: while dealing with American tourists, the Italian baristas offered this long black coffee.
In Italy, only espresso and cappuccino were available. But American tourists were asking for large black coffee. So, to satisfy them, the Italian baristas poured espresso shots into the water to make large black coffee.
What Does Crema Mean?
Crema is a layer of bubbles. It is produced by adding espresso at the end. Let me break it down for you all.
When espresso is added to the hot water, the carbon dioxide doesn’t get emitted in the wind, and the coffee blend can retain more carbon dioxide. That’s how delicate layers of tiny bubbles appear on the top. It is called crema.
But when hot water is mixed with espresso, the blend cannot retain more carbon dioxide and doesn’t produce crema.
Ingredients You Will Need
Ingredients are very simple to make this long black coffee.
Espresso:
Prepared by a coffee machine or hand-brewed espresso, anything will make a good long black coffee. Traditionally, this coffee is made by using hand-brewed coffee. If you just want to do it traditionally or want to spend some quality time, then this method is definitely worth it.
Busy schedule! Don’t worry; you can make it with instant coffee, too. But maybe it will be tough to get crema on top of this. Americano and long black don’t have any big taste difference, so you can still get your desired coffee drink.
Arabica will be an excellent match for this coffee! You have to prepare hot coffee or espresso. But keep in mind that it can get sour for some reasons. So, be careful while preparing it.
Keep In Mind
Without a coffee machine, you will not get enough crema because of the lack of pressure extraction. But all the other things, like taste and flavor, will stay the same. To brew coffee without a machine, read our article “How to make espresso without a machine.” Check it out!
Water:
The water used here should be hot but not too hot. Otherwise, it will ruin the coffee taste. You can do it on the stove or maybe in the microwave where you feel it’s easy.
Water is used less than in Americano, so you don’t need much to make this.
Steps To Make Long Black Coffee
You will need
- Espresso 2 shots
- Water 120 ml
The Process of making long black coffee is easy, just like its ingredients.
Step 1- Prepare Espresso
I am making it in a coffee machine. Using a machine makes the coffee more rich and dense because of pressure. Also, it will help to produce more crema. So, first, put some roasted beans in a grinder.
After that, fill the water reservoir with water. Pour the ground coffee beans into the coffee basket. Then press the brew button and collect the espresso.
You are done!
Step 2 – Make Hot Water
Just microwave the water for 1 minute, and it will be hot enough. Or on a stove, put the saucepan and pour water. Bring it to a simmer and put off the stove.
Heat the water to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is excessively hot, it can ruin the taste. You can use 100 to 120 ml of water per serving with a double shot of espresso.
Step 3 – Combine These Ingredients
Pour the hot water into a mug. You are gonna add the espresso after pouring the water. So, the next step is adding the espresso.
After adding the espresso, don’t stir it. Otherwise, the crema you’re expecting will not look good. It’s ready to drink!
Calories
If you are drinking black coffee, don’t bother to calculate calories. It has fewer calories than other drinks. According to Starbucks, a single shot of espresso has 5 calories.
So, if you are using a double shot of espresso, then the calories won’t go above 10.
Benefits Of Drinking Black Coffee
It has many benefits, so if it suits you, you will get many benefits from it.
- It may decrease cancer risks.
- Boost energy.
- It can boost your brain health.
- Good for weight loss
Some Variations You Can Try
Long black coffee has very few calories because of its ingredients. That’s why health-conscious people often prefer it. But if you are not very strict with diets, you can try other variations, such as with milk or with sugar, etc.
Add Milk
In long black coffee, milk is not added. But if you find it too strong and want a smooth taste, then add some milk to it. It will be like a traditional macchiato.
Ghee Coffee
To boost your metabolism you can also try this one. Just pour 1 or 2 tablespoons of ghee into your black coffee, and your coffee is ready!
Iced Long Black Coffee
If you want this drink cold to serve in summer, you can make the iced version of it. It’s not much work. After adding water, just add some ice and then, at the end, add the espresso. The water doesn’t need to be warm here.
You can use regular or cold water. Just make sure the water is safe to drink! But another thing is that using cold water will not produce much crema.
FAQs
How much coffee is safe to drink per day?
1-3 cups. As it is acidic, sometimes consuming it excessively can lead to problems like insomnia.
Is a black coffee stronger than an Americano?
Yes, because a black coffee contains less water than an Americano.
What temperature is ideal for heating water?
195-205 degrees Fahrenheit is great for making hot water.
Conclusion
Caffeine is bad for your health when consumed excessively. But if you can control the consumption time, it won’t hamper your health. This version of coffee is healthier than other variations. So, you can go for it without any hesitation to maintain a healthy diet.
Coffee alone can burn fat, but ghee coffee will be better in this case. You can also try this variation.
Hi! I’m Semiul Bennett. After spending so many years in the coffee industry, I’ve developed a deep passion for all things coffee—from the beans to the brewing process. Now, I’m on a mission to help people have a better coffee experience at home and outdoors. Together with my team, we’re here to share expert tips, brewing techniques and the latest coffee trends, so you can enjoy your perfect cup every time.
