When I opened the window, half of Austin ordered an americano and the other half asked what a long black was. They're the same two things, espresso and hot water, but the order changes the cup.
Americano: water on top
Pull a shot, then pour hot water over it. The water breaks up the crema and the whole thing goes a bit thin and bitter.
Long black: water first
Hot water in the cup first, then pull a double shot straight on top. The crema sits on the surface, you get the aroma with the first sip, and the coffee tastes rounder and sweeter. It's what Kiwis and Aussies order when they want coffee and nothing else.
How to make one at home
- About 120ml of water just off the boil
- A double shot pulled straight into it, 18g in, 36g out
- No stirring, no milk
I named a coffee after it because it's the order that taught me the most about Austin. Long Black is a Colombian from Huila: red apple, panela and a bit of cocoa. It's hard to get wrong however you brew it.
Liam