For true coffee lovers, the long black is more than just a morning ritual – it’s a celebration of pure espresso flavour. Known for its bold character, velvety crema and aromatic depth, the long black has cemented its place as a favourite among Australian coffee drinkers. But achieving that perfect balance of strength, aroma, and smoothness isn’t as simple as pressing a button.
At Coffee Bean Roasting House, we believe that understanding how to make a long black the right way is an essential skill for anyone serious about their coffee. Whether you’re brewing at home or behind a café counter, this guide will walk you through everything you need to make a long black coffee that hits the mark… every time.
What’s a Long Black?
A long black is a style of coffee that originated right here in Australia and New Zealand. It consists of a double shot of espresso poured over hot water. The result? A coffee that preserves the rich crema of the espresso while maintaining a longer, more diluted form than a traditional short black – all without compromising on flavour. Unlike an Americano (where water is added after the espresso), the method of preparing a long black enhances both body and aroma, offering a smoother drinking experience with less bitterness.
How to Make a Long Black Coffee Step-by-Step
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a long black coffee with café-level quality at home, here’s the method trusted by baristas and coffee enthusiasts alike:
- Start with Great Beans: The foundation of any good long black is a quality espresso roast. Choose freshly roasted coffee beans that offer a balanced flavour profile – rich, full-bodied blends work beautifully. At Coffee Bean Roasting House, our Supreme Blend and Cafe Crema are both popular choices for long blacks, offering smooth chocolate notes and a lingering biscoff or honeycomb sweetness.
- Boil Fresh, Filtered Water: Use clean, filtered water and heat it to approximately 93-95°C (just below boiling). This temperature is ideal for releasing the flavours of the espresso without burning the coffee.
- Pour Hot Water First: This is one of the most important steps in mastering how to make a long black. Always pour the hot water into your cup first – typically around 100-120ml. Pouring espresso into the water (rather than the other way around) preserves the crema and improves the overall texture.
- Extract a Double Shot of Espresso: Using a quality espresso machine, grind your beans fresh and extract a double shot (around 60ml) of espresso directly over the hot water. This allows the crema to sit nicely on top, creating that signature long black look and taste.
- Adjust to Taste: Prefer a stronger coffee? Reduce the amount of water slightly. Like it a little smoother? Add a touch more. The beauty of the long black lies in its flexibility – you can tailor it perfectly to your preferences.
Here are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned coffee drinkers can get it wrong sometimes, so here are a few tips to ensure you’re making the best long black possible:
- Don’t overheat the water:Boiling water can scald your coffee and strip away the nuanced flavours.
- Avoid using stale beans: Coffee should be consumed within 2-4 weeks of roasting for optimal flavour.
- Use proper ratios: Too much water will dilute the espresso, while too little may make it overly intense.
Recommended Products for the Perfect Long Black
Ready to elevate your home coffee game? Coffee Bean Roasting House offers everything you need to make the perfect long black coffee at home or in your business:
- Fresh Roasted Coffee Beans: Choose from our award-winning blends and single origins, roasted weekly in Dubbo and Tamworth.
- Home Espresso Machines: From manual machines to automatic brewers, we stock equipment trusted by baristas.
- Accessories and Grinders: Don’t underestimate the impact of a consistent grind – our range of grinders and tampers help you brew with precision.
Whether you’re a home barista or a café owner, our team is here to guide you on your coffee journey. With decades of industry experience, we’re proud to be one of Australia's leading coffee experts. Explore our full range of coffee beans, espresso machines, and barista accessories; all curated to help you brew the perfect long black.
Ready to get started?
Mastering how to make a long black isn’t just about the steps… it’s about using the right ingredients, equipment, and technique. With a bit of care and the right tools, you’ll be making consistently delicious long blacks at home in no time.
