What is a Long Black & How Do You Make the Perfect Cup?
Everything You Need to Know About Long Black
For coffee lovers, the long black coffee is a classic beverage that stands the test of time. This type of coffee is known for its bold taste, satisfying aroma, and lingering flavor. Despite its popularity, many coffee enthusiasts are not aware of the techniques and processes involved in brewing the perfect cup of long black coffee. In this blog post, we will explore the art of brewing this classic beverage, including the best beans, brewing techniques, and serving options. Get ready to learn how to make your own perfectly brewed long black coffee!
What is a Long Black?
A long black is a coffee drink that is popular in Australia and New Zealand, and is similar to an Americano. To make a long black, a double shot of espresso is poured into a cup, which is then filled with hot water. The key difference between a long black and an Americano is that the espresso shot is added to the hot water, rather than the other way around. This helps to preserve the crema (a creamy layer on top of the espresso) and avoid diluting the coffee's flavor. Additionally, a long black is typically served with no added milk or sugar, as the focus is on the rich and strong espresso flavor.
Choosing the Right Coffee Beans
The quality of the beans you choose will have a significant impact on the taste and aroma of your long black coffee. For the best results, always select freshly roasted beans that are ground on demand. This ensures the coffee remains as fresh as possible, with its oils and flavors intact. Choose high-quality espresso beans to achieve the perfect balance between bitterness and acidity that long black coffee is known for. At 787 Coffee, we offer premium coffee beans sourced from our own coffee farm located in Maricao Puerto Rico. If you are trying a different coffee we recommend you use single origin and specialty coffee bought from a local coffee shop, if you have any questions ask your caffeinated barista.
The origin of long black coffee is often attributed to Australia and New Zealand. In these countries, the traditional coffee culture has been heavily influenced by the Italian style of coffee-making. However, due to the difference in water temperature and pressure from espresso machines used in Italy and Australia, the resulting coffee drinks were different.
To adapt, Australian and New Zealand baristas started to add a double-shot of espresso to hot water, creating a similar coffee to an Americano but with a richer crema. Since then, the long black has become a staple in Australian and New Zealand coffee culture, and is now enjoyed around the world.
Preparing the Coffee
Brewing the perfect long black coffee requires attention to detail, starting with the preparation process. Begin by boiling fresh water in a kettle, ensuring it is heated to the ideal temperature between 195-205°F. While the water is boiling, take a large coffee cup, add one or two shots of espresso into it, and then fill the cup with the hot water. The hot water should be added to the espresso, not vice versa, to avoid compromising the taste and aroma of the coffee.
Perfecting the Crema
To achieve a perfect long black coffee, you need to master the art of creating crema. Crema is the light-colored thick foam that forms on the surface of the coffee when the hot water is poured over it. The crema is responsible for the beautiful, long-lasting flavor and aroma of the coffee. To create an excellent crema, ensure the espresso shot is correctly pulled. This means using the right amount of coffee, tamping well, and brewing at the right temperature and pressure.
Serving Options
The beauty of long black coffee is that it can be served in different ways, depending on your preference. Some people prefer to drink it straight, while others may opt to add a dash of milk. For a stronger and bolder flavor, you can add a twist of lemon peel to the surface of the crema. This enhances the flavor profile of the coffee, and it can be a pleasant surprise for your guests. You can also serve long black coffee with a side of refreshing water to cleanse the palate.
Mastering the Art of Long Black Coffee Brewing
Brewing the perfect cup of long black coffee requires patience, skill, and a bit of practice. Consistency is crucial, so take time to understand the ideal coffee-to-water ratio, the right water temperature, and the correct brewing times. The best way to master the art of brewing long black coffee is to experiment with different brewing methods and ingredients until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds.
How to make a Long Black Coffee?
Start by pulling 2 shots of espresso and then place them in a cup.
Heat the water to just below boiling point.
Pour the hot water into the cup, filling it about two-thirds of the way.
Pour the espresso shots on top of the water. This will create a layer of crema on top of the coffee.
If you desire, you can add a little bit of sugar or milk, but traditionally a long black is served black.
Enjoy your delicious and rich long black coffee!
Remember, the key to making a great long black is to add the espresso to the hot water, rather than the other way around, which helps to preserve the crema and the flavor of the coffee.
Where to find the best long black?
If you are a coffee lover, you must know about 787 coffee shop. We are growing because coffee lovers love the freshness and how strong our coffee beans are. We have a team of experienced baristas who can make the perfect long black for you. Our cozy ambiance and friendly staff will make you feel right at home. 787 Coffee has 25 locations and growing -
Google: 787 Coffee to find the closest coffee shop. We currently have coffee shops in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and we are opening El Paso, TX in June 2023.
Conclusion:
In summary, the long black coffee is a classic beverage that is popular among coffee lovers worldwide. Brewing the best long black coffee requires selecting high-quality, single origin coffee beans, preparing the coffee correctly, perfecting the crema, and experimenting with different serving options. At 787 Coffee, we are passionate about delivering premium coffee beans tailored to suit every coffee lover's taste and preference. So, next time you’re brewing a long black coffee, use our tips and tricks to achieve the perfect cup every time!