What is the Difference Between Short Black and Long Black Coffee

The main difference between short black and long black coffee is that short black coffee is simply an espresso shot with no water added while long black coffee is made by adding two shots of espresso on top of water.

If you are a lover of strong coffee, short black and long black are two perfect options for you. The difference between short black and long black coffee is the amount of water, crema on top as well as their flavour.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Short Black Coffee
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Long Black Coffee
     – Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between Short Black and Long Black Coffee
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Black Coffee, Espresso,  Long Black Coffee, Short Black Coffee

What is Short Black Coffee

Short black coffee is simply an espresso shot, with no added water except for water required to brew the coffee. We call it ‘short’ because we don’t add any extra water; the name ‘black’ comes from the colour of the coffee since there is no milk added. Since short black coffee is not diluted, it has a very thick golden crema on top and a very bold flavour.

A short black coffee is usually 25-30ml extraction of coffee beans, ground finely with an espresso machine. Since a short black is really a shot of espresso, you can drink it straight from the machine. They are usually served in demitasse cup (a half cup that holds up to 60 – 90ml) or small ceramic cups with handles.

What is Long Black Coffee

Long black coffee is a style of coffee similar to Americano, but with a strong taste and aroma. This contains 120 – 180mls of water with an espresso shot poured on top of the water. Long black coffee is usually served in a mug or taller glass. We call it long because its volume is increased by adding hot water. For a larger drink, we can also use a double shot of espresso to maintain the correct ratio of water to coffee.

To make a long black coffee, first heat up water and fill half the cup with hot water (less if you want to make the long black stronger). Then, place the cup in the espresso machine, and wait for it to start drizzling espresso into the cup. Remember, you have to first pour water and then espresso. Moreover, mixing up the order will ruin the taste.

Similarities Between Short Black and Long Black Coffee

• Short black and long black coffee are made with espresso shots.
• These are black coffee, with no added milk.
• Both have strong taste and aroma, and a thick crema on top.

Difference Between Short Black and Long Black Coffee

Definition

Short black coffee is simply an espresso shot with no water added while long black coffee is a style of coffee similar to Americano, but with a strong taste and aroma.

Water

While short black coffee has no added water except for water required to brew the coffee, long black coffee has 120 – 180mls of water.

Serving

Short black coffee is served in a demitasse cup while long black coffee is typically served in taller cups or mugs.

Conclusion

The difference between short black and long black coffee depends on the amount of water, crema on top as well as their flavour. Short black coffee is simply an espresso shot with no water added while long black coffee is made by adding two shots of espresso on top of water.

Reference:

1. “How Do I Make a Short Black Coffee?” Black Market Roasters, 2 Aug. 2014, Available here.
2. “Non-Milk Based Espresso Drinks.” Guide 2 Coffee, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Black coffee white ceramic cup and saucer” (CC0) via PeakPx.com
2. “Macro photography of cup on espresso machine, also, coffee, cafe, wood” (CC0) via Wallpaper Flare