The world of the espresso is one filled with specialty drinks and niche vocabulary, which makes it possible for coffee lovers to have endless options. If you are a dedicated black coffee fan, or just experimenting and looking for a new spunky drink to try, why not order Long Black on your next coffee run?

So, what is Long Black?

Long Black is an espresso drink that is often considered to be a close relative of caffé Americano but with a stronger aroma and taste. It is first made in Australia and New Zealand. What's special about Long Black is its layer of crema found on top of the coffee. Crema is the thin layer of foam that sits on the top of a freshly brewed cup of espresso, forming when soluble oils found in coffee beans combine with air bubbles resulting from the brewing process. It gives Long Black a creamier texture and also enhances its flavors compared to other black coffee beverages.

Going Back in Black

Like most espresso-related origin stories, this one begins in Italy as well. Historically Italians made two types of coffee, Espresso, and Cappuccino. So when black coffee-loving Americans visited Italy, they asked for a large cup of black coffee, which was foreign to the Italian Barista who was used to making black coffee as a small espresso. So in order to please American tourists, they adapted their methods by adding espresso into a cup and then pouring hot water into it. This was useful because it came close to the black coffee that many people were used to, but it also diluted the strength of espresso for those who were not accommodated to it originally. Thus, the Americano was born and popularized.

When the Americano concept reached Australia, the specialty coffee drink was further improved, resulting in a stronger final beverage called Long Black.

Long Black vs. Americano: What's the Difference?

If you ask for Long Black in a coffee shop, you'll get something that might look similar to Americano at first glance. That's because both Americano and Long Black is kind of espresso-based drink. Their ingredients are the same - espresso and hot water. The difference, however, is in the preparation.

The Americano is espresso with water added, which tastes more like strong coffee; while the Long Black is water with espresso added, which is stronger and fuller in taste - this is the best way to produce a sweet black brew that retains the beautiful crema and avoids burning the flavors.

Besides, Long Black is also prepared with less water than Americano – Long Black is typically made with three to four ounces of water, while Americano needs six to twelve ounces of water. Therefore, Long Black is more concentrated, meaning that the flavor of the espresso is more pronounced.

Benefits of Drinking Long Black

Long Black may be able to help manage symptoms of or even prevent a number of health problems.

Lose weight. Long Black contains chlorogenic acid and antioxidants, which help to slow down glucose production, stimulate metabolic activity, increase the energy level as well as suppress hunger. Meanwhile, it's a low-calorie drink and contains no fats or cholesterol, meaning that you do not put on any weight by drinking black coffee daily.

Improve your memory. Long Black is rich in caffeine, a psychoactive stimulant. When you drink it, the caffeine that travels into your brain blocks one of your inhibitory neurotransmitters, Adenosine. This leads to an increase in other neurotransmitters, causing the neurons in your brain to fire more rapidly. All chemicals and neurons conglomerate to boost your mood, energy, memory, response times, and general cognitive functioning. Plus, drinking Long Black regularly can help keep your brain fit and healthy, thus reducing the chances for Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Parkinson's diseases.

Fight against depression. Depression affects more than 18 million adults nationwide. Caffeine can increase dopamine, known as the "pleasure chemical", in the brain. Studies have shown that coffee may help to reduce depression risk, especially if you drink four or more cups per day.

Reduce the risk of many diseases. Drinking Long Black may help to prevent some forms of cancer and various cardiovascular diseases, reduce the risk of cirrhosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, as well as boost liver health.

How to Make a Long Black

Making a Long Black is as simple as pouring but what's important is the order of components you'll pour in first. Here is the recipe.

1)Grind fresh coffee beans.

2)Pull your shot(s) of espresso.

3)Pour hot water, typically around 195-205 degrees Fahrenheit, into your cup of choice.

4)Gently pour in your espresso shots on top.

Long Blacks are normally with a ratio of 3/4 water and 1/4 espresso, or 4/5 water 1/5 espresso. You'll know you've made a proper long black when you see some crema floating atop the water.