A Gran Lungo is a larger version of the regular Nespresso Lungo capsule. This means that it packs a size of 150ml and a caffeine level of 120 to 200 mg. Meanwhile, a double espresso holds 60 ml and tends to have between 60 to 100 mg of caffeine. A Gran Lungo is much more watery and has a much longer extraction time than espresso shots, this brings a strong, less bitter flavor and a thinner layer of crema than a (double) espresso shot.
Lungo, Gran Lungo, espresso, double espresso? What does all of this mean and how do they compare to each other?
The Gran Lungo and Double Espresso seem to be far family from each other, but I’ll leave that thought up to you.
Let’s get started.
Contents
What Exactly is a Lungo?
A regular lungo is a stretched out, longer version of a single espresso shot.
The Nespresso Lungo capsules are the same size as other Nespresso capsules, so what makes them different to the others?
Lungos are specifically designed for more intensity during the brew and are longer stretched out coffees. Your traditional espresso shot is typically pulled for 18 to 25 seconds, however a lungo shot is pulled for 35 to 40 seconds.
This makes a regular lungo coffee 110ml, while a regular espresso shot has around 40ml.
To remember what a Lungo exactly is, it can be helpful to know what it stands for.
Lungo comes from italian origin and translates to “Long”, hence a longer extracted espresso shot. Now, that was easier than expected, right?
Gran Lungo VS Double Espresso
Gran Lungo
To keep it simple, a Gran Lungo is a larger version of a regular Nespresso Lungo.
It has a capsule size of around 150 ml, weights a good 5 ounces, and comes with a caffeine level of 120 mg to 200 mg, which is a lot compared to a single espresso shot. As single espresso shots have a size of 30 ml and pack around 60 mg of caffeine.
Lungos and Gran lungos have a much longer extraction process and are less concentrated than a traditional espresso shot.
This comes with a strong, bitter flavor and a thinner layer of crema. Which you might not like if you’re a fan of your frothy foam on top of your shot.
Because you pull the shot for longer, the drink is bigger and more watery. This automatically doesn’t make it as strong, which you may like if you’re not into the strong flavor of espresso.
Note: Make sure to use the Gran Lungo button on your Nespresso machine if you’re making a Gran lungo (and the Lungo button for a regular Lungo). If you use the espresso button with a Lungo capsule it will use a shorter extraction time than what’s needed for a proper (Gran) Lungo.
Double Espresso
Our beloved espresso doesn’t need an as lengthy explanation as the Gran Lungo.
A double espresso is simply 2 espresso shots on top of each other. This comes in a size of 60 ml and tends to have between 60 to 100 mg of caffeine.
This makes it a much smaller drink with quite a bit more caffeine if we look at the size ratios.
Double espressos, just as single espresso shots are very concentrated and have almost no water added to them. This makes them perfect if you need a quick kick of caffeine in you.
Double espressos surprisingly have the same flavor as a single espresso shot. With a unique, bold, and less acidic taste. But overall a stronger and richer flavor than a lungo.
What Is the Point of a Gran Lungo?
Honestly, not much.
The only point they have is that you are able to enjoy your cup of coffee for a longer time, as the regular Lungo holds 110 ml while a Gran Lungo holds 150 ml.
So, if you’re a fan of the Lungo and think it’s too small, then try a Gran Lungo!
Is Gran Lungo Stronger Than Coffee?
Both the Gran Lungo and regular coffee are quite watery beverages. So, how do they compare to each other?
First we need to remember that a Gran Lungo has a size of 150 ml, while a regular coffee holds 237 ml.
When we look at caffeine levels, the Gran Lungo holds between 120 to 200 mg of caffeine per capsule while a regular coffee sits between 70 to 140 mg of caffeine with an average of 95 mg.
This means that the Gran Lungo is clearly stronger than a regular cup of coffee, since not only its size is smaller, but it also holds on average around 40% more caffeine than a cup of joe.
The Bottom Line
The main differences about these 2 drinks are the extraction time and of course the water quantity. This plays with caffeine and taste levels, so just play around and see what you like most.
Double espressos are a great way to wake up to with the big boost of energy it brings, while a gran lungo is fantastic for when you’re relaxing and reading a book.
