Long Black vs. Americano: The Subtle Difference Every Coffee Lover Should Know
At first glance, a long black might look just like an Americano . Both are made with espresso and hot water — so aren’t they basically the same thing? Not quite. Once you dig a little deeper, you’ll discover that the difference lies in the details — and it makes a world of difference in flavor. Where the Long Black Comes From The long black originated in Australia and New Zealand. Traditionally, it’s made by pouring a shot of espresso or ristretto over about 100–120 ml of hot water. That might sound like a small variation, but it’s exactly what separates it from an Americano. An Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso, while a long black does it the other way around — espresso onto hot water. This simple reversal helps preserve more of the espresso’s crema, giving the drink a richer body and deeper aroma. The long black also uses less water than the Americano, resulting in a more concentrated flavor and a more intense espresso character. How It Tastes Despite it...