Long Black, the new coffee order that's becoming a UK Favorite
February 16 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
The rising popularity of the “long black” coffee in the UK, a trend that originated in Australia and New Zealand is essentially a reverse of Americano, where a double espresso is poured over hot water instead of the other way around. This method helps preserve the “crema”, the golden-brown foam on top of the espresso, resulting in a better-looking and potentially tastier drink.
The trend was kickstarted by Tamp's Coffee, a café in Chiswick, London, which shared an Instagram reel of the long black in October 2022. Since then, the drink has gained traction, with a 2023 survey revealing it as London's fifth most popular coffee order, accounting for 9% of coffee sales.
Baristas and coffee experts, like Dave Olejnik from Laynes Coffee in Leeds, explain that the long black offers a better texture and taste compared to the traditional Americano. The hot water cools slightly before the espresso is added, which enhances the drink's quality.
Coffee culture has evolved over the years, from simple pleasures to more intricate and personalized orders, influenced by social media and the rise of large coffee chains like Starbucks and Costa. The long black is seen as part of this ongoing trend of optimizing and individualizing coffee offerings.
While it remains to be seen whether the long black will surpass the popularity of the Americano or the flat white, it is clear that the coffee market continues to innovate, catering to the ever-changing tastes and preferences of consumers.
The long black has its roots in Australia and New Zealand, two countries renowned for their high-quality coffee culture. This is largely attributed to the influence of post-war Italian immigrants, who brought their espresso traditions to the region. Over time, Australian and New Zealand baristas developed their own unique coffee styles, including the flat white and, of course, the long black.
The drink’s popularity in the UK is part of a broader trend of Australian and New Zealand coffee culture influencing global coffee habits. The flat white for example, became a global sensation in the 2010s, and the long black seems to be following a similar trajectory.
1. Aesthetic Appeal: The preserved crema makes the long black visually striking, which is perfect for the Instagram era, where how a drink looks is almost as important as how it tastes.
2. Improved Texture and Flavor: By adding the espresso to slightly cooled water, the long black retains more of the espresso’s natural oils and flavors, resulting in a smoother, more balanced taste.
3. Efficiency: Baristas note that the long black is quicker to make than some other coffee drinks, making it a practical choice for busy cafes.
4. Cultural Shift: There’s a growing interest in specialty coffee and optimizing traditional drinks. Just as the flat white refined the latte by using less milk, the long black refines the Americano by preserving the crema.
The long black fits into this modern coffee landscape as a drink that balances simplicity with a touch of sophistication, appealing to both traditionalists and trend-seekers.
The long black is more than just a new coffee order—it’s a reflection of how coffee culture continues to evolve, blending tradition with innovation. Whether it becomes a lasting trend or a passing fad, it’s clear that coffee drinkers are always on the lookout for new ways to enjoy their favorite beverage.