The perfect long black coffee

A long black coffee is a great pick-me-up coffee that can be enjoyed any time of day. You don’t have to head to the local cafe to get a good coffee, but to make the perfect long black , you do need the right equipment and technique. Let’s break that down – it’s not that hard!

The Equipment

First of all, you’ll need a high-quality coffee grinder to ensure that your coffee beans are ground to the perfect consistency. The best coffee grinders have adjustable settings, allowing you to fine-tune the grind to suit your specific preferences. You’ll also need a good coffee machine. A manual espresso machine is ideal for making a long black coffee, as it allows you to control the pressure and temperature of the water for the perfect extraction. Whilst I love my manual Rocket Appartamento, any manual or semi-manual machine will get you a good coffee machine. The Breville Dual Boiler did me very well for many years. 

The Beans

Once you have the right equipment, the next step is to select the best coffee beans. Look for high-quality, freshly roasted beans that have been carefully sourced and roasted to bring out their unique flavour characteristics.

The Process

When making your long black coffee, it’s important to use the right ratio of coffee to water. A general rule of thumb is to use one to two tablespoons of coffee for every six ounces of water. This will give you a strong, rich coffee with a balanced flavour.

To make the perfect long black coffee, start by heating your water to the ideal temperature, around 90-96 degrees Celsius (195-205 degrees Fahrenheit). Grind your coffee beans and tamp them firmly into the filter basket of your espresso machine. Then, slowly pull a shot of espresso, using the right amount of water to extract the maximum flavour from the beans.

Pour the espresso over a cup of hot water, and enjoy your delicious, perfectly brewed long black coffee. With the right equipment and technique, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying cup of coffee every time.