For some reason many people feel that a long black coffee is somehow inferior to other types of coffee. What they don't realize is that many people the world over love a good cup of long black, and that it's actually a very popular drink in many places, especially in the Australia area. When it's prepared inexpertly or improperly the drink is ruined, and it requires a skilled hand and knowledge of the drink. Improper preparation is usually what has given it a bad name, but when made properly the drink is actually quite pleasant and mild.
The proper preparation of a long black coffee is relatively simple, and yet also extremely easy to do wrong. What needs to be done is this: a cup is filled to the halfway point with hot water. Enough espresso for a double shot should be prepared, and when it is done the double shot should be poured directly into the hot water. There's no stirring or mixing involved, and nothing else should be added to it. It should simply be served immediately or as soon as possible.
It's essential for the hot water to be added first, then the espresso, or else the cup simple becomes a caf Americano. When you do it in the correct order the crema of the espresso is preserved, and this is essential to the drink. If you use good hot water, a nice blend of good quality espresso grinds, and learn to pull the espresso properly the drink gets even better and becomes more of a delight.
A long black is much milder than a regular espresso due to the hot water, and this is something that many people like about it. Not only that, but the addition of the hot water also makes it a drink that can be enjoyed for longer and appreciated more fully. The water balances out the coffee and still allows for the full coffee flavours. You don't get the flavour of milk mucking up your coffee, and yet you still get the mildness that the addition of milk would normally offer.
If you like stronger or weaker coffee you can also adjust the amount of water the espresso is added to at the beginning. For a weaker brew, simply so a single shot of espresso in of water. Do a triple espresso in a of water for extreme potency. You can modify it according to your preference, and it's a drink that will provide you with just the right amount of kick and flavour for your day.
If you've never had a long black, then perhaps it's time for you to try something new. A long black is really a pleasant and aromatic drink that is great for those who like their coffee and want to experience it as much as possible. It's a milder alternative for those who don't like coffee and a dairy free alternative for those who either don't like or can't take milk and cream.
1 comment:
I was on a long distance trip and had to stop at a Starbucks to get more coffee (there weren't any other options).
I ordered a double shot in the dark i.e. two shots of espresso in my coffee.
The barista (I use the term loosely) poured the shots in first. I had asked her not to do that (being the proactive gentleman I am, I had mentioned when ordering that the shots needed to be poured on top). She actually told me, "Oh, well it mixes better this way."
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