Long Black - Discussion/Tips

[Elliebee]

Hello fellow CSs,

Just wondering about technique in making A "long black" as this is all my father will drink, should I pour the espresso shot before or after adding boiling or hot water?

Is it better to brew the shot in a separate glass and add it to the water?

Dont particularly want to ruin any crema so stirrin sounds a bad idea? Will the coffee mix evenly with the water regardless?

So many variable, as with everything coffee!

Hope this sparks some discussion

[Thundergod]

Re: Long Black - Discussion/Tips

I put hot water into a cup and then pour the shot into that cup.
With practise you learn how much water to start with so you wont have to top it up and ruin the crema.
No need to stir.

The only problem I can have with this is that if I draw water from the machine it will start to refill the boiler and kill the steam power briefly, so I always make long blacks last.

If Im only making the one its not an issue.

[JJJ]

Re: Long Black - Discussion/Tips

I put hot water into a cup and then pour the shot into that cup.

Yep.
Water first, shot on top.
And for the OP, definitely no stirring.

[Elliebee]

Re: Long Black - Discussion/Tips

Ah! Think thats a better idea, book that came with the machine suggested the other way around

Good to hear there are no mixing issues!!

[beanflying]

Re: Long Black - Discussion/Tips

Shot first is also refered to as an Americano rather than a long black and looks more like a brewed coffee in the cup. For me like the others water and shots on top.

[Yelta]

Re: Long Black - Discussion/Tips

Yep, hot water first then shot on top, and if he takes sugar add it to the hot water, allow it to dissolve and stir before adding shot, this saves having to stir in the crema with the sugar.

[JJJ]

Re: Long Black - Discussion/Tips

Shot first is also refered to as an Americano rather than a long black and looks more like a brewed coffee in the cup.  

Americano - The perfect way to turn a beautiful looking coffee into a faux instant (in looks only, of course).

[Yelta]

Re: Long Black - Discussion/Tips

Americano - The perfect way to turn a beautiful looking coffee into a faux instant (in looks only, of course).

Thats one opinion, Americano or long black as we call it in Aus is my choice for breakfast, Im looking for a drink at this time of day, not a mouth full of nectar, shots? some time after 4 pm.

[JJJ]

Re: Long Black - Discussion/Tips

Thats one opinion, Americano or long black as we call it in Aus is my choice for breakfast, Im looking for a drink at this time of day, not a mouth full of nectar, shots? some time after 4 pm. Wink

Long blacks are fine, its the Americano that is an aesthetic abomination.

I know taste is the bottom line but i like coffee to be beautiful too, and pouring water over a shot turns the beautiful into ugly faux instant in one fell swoop.

[Rocky]

Re: Long Black - Discussion/Tips

Agree with what has been said but always do it the opposite way, reason being that the steaming is my last action and its convenient to use 60ml of the water purged before steaming to make my long black. Yes, it does bugger up the crema but I dont care as I also make myself a Macchiato which provides the eye appeal.

[phrostyboi]

Re: Long Black - Discussion/Tips

water first then shot for me
should try a short long black - halfway between espresso and long black, seems to be quite nice (kudos to chris from talk coffee for showing me that one)

[Yelta]

Re: Long Black - Discussion/Tips

i like coffee to be beautiful too

I agree, presentation is important to me as well.