Why Long Blacks Are Taking Over UK Coffee Culture

Introduction: A New Favourite Brewing in the UK

If you’ve been enjoying your local speciality coffee shop lately, you might have noticed a new drink quietly making its way onto menus and into conversations: the long black. While the Americano has long been the go-to for those wanting an espresso-style coffee with a longer pour, the long black offers something altogether different. Richer flavour, smoother mouthfeel, and an origin story rooted in Australian and New Zealand coffee culture.

At RISE Coffee Box, we’ve been tracking coffee trends for years, and this one is growing fast in the UK. It's Bens go to coffee order, but what exactly is a long black, and why is it becoming the drink of choice for discerning coffee lovers?

What is a Long Black?

A long black is made by pouring a double shot of espresso over hot water, rather than adding water to an already brewed espresso (as with an Americano). This subtle difference makes a huge impact on taste: the crema, that golden layer of aromatic oils on top of an espresso, stays intact, giving you a fuller, more complex cup.

How a long black is made:

• 100–120ml hot water

• Double espresso shot (about 60ml)

Long Black vs Americano: The Key Differences

While both drinks contain the same basic ingredients, i.e. coffee and water. The order of preparation makes the long black the coffee equivalent of a perfectly plated meal: the flavours stay layered and nuanced, giving you a whole different coffee. 

Why Long Blacks Are Taking Over UK Coffee Culture

1. Flavour First
   UK coffee drinkers are becoming more adventurous, moving away from milk-heavy drinks towards brews that let the bean’s origin and roast shine. The long black’s crema preserves more of these nuanced flavours.

2. A Health-Conscious Shift
   As more people reduce dairy intake or cut calories, long blacks offer a satisfying, low-calorie alternative without sacrificing depth or body.

3. The Specialty Coffee Boom
   With more independent roasters and cafés, many featured in the RISE Coffee Box,  serving single-origin beans, customers want drinks that highlight terroir. The long black does exactly that.

4. Home Brewing Trends
   Thanks to affordable home espresso machines, more people can now make café-quality long blacks in their kitchens.

How to Make the Perfect Long Black at Home

You’ll need:

• Freshly roasted coffee beans (ideally from a specialty roaster — try our RISE Coffee Box picks)

• Espresso machine

• Kettle for heating water

• Scales (optional but recommended)

Steps:

1. Heat your water to 92–96°C. Pour 100–120ml into your cup.

2. Pull a double espresso shot directly over the hot water.

3. Sip and enjoy the richer, more intense flavour.

Pro tip: Use freshly ground beans within 14 days of roasting for maximum flavour.

Best Beans for a Long Black

A long black will expose both the beauty and flaws of your beans, so choose carefully. Here are three RISE Coffee Box favourites:

1. Formative Coffee - Fazenda São Mateus, Brazil
   Hazelnut, nectarine, milk chocolate. Rainforest Alliance certified, rich and smooth.

2. Mission Coffee Works - Hermosa, Costa Rica
   Chocolate mocha, pear, cashew nuts. From the world’s first carbon-neutral coffee processor.

3. Two Chimps Coffee - My Calculator Is Ringing, Guatemala
   Milk chocolate, vanilla and green apple. From a carbon neutral coffee roaster

Where to Find the Best Long Blacks in the UK

• Origin Coffee, London & Cornwall - Meticulously sourced single-origin coffees with plenty of long black fans.

• Ozone Coffee Roasters, London - Known for perfectly balanced espresso extractions.

• Allpress Espresso, London - A Kiwi classic in the heart of Shoreditch, serving long blacks as they were meant to be.

The Rise Coffee Box Connection

At RISE, we’re passionate about introducing coffee lovers to new ways of enjoying their brew. The long black is a perfect example of how a small change in preparation can completely transform the experience. Each month, we blind taste and select coffees that shine in this format - so our subscribers can try the long black at its best, no matter where they are in the UK.

Final Thoughts

The long black isn’t just a passing fad — it’s part of a wider shift towards quality over quantity in UK coffee culture. With its richer flavour, velvety crema, and ability to showcase the nuances of single-origin beans, it’s quickly becoming a staple for both home brewers and café-goers.

If you haven’t tried one yet, now’s the perfect time. And if you want the perfect beans for your first attempt? You know where to find us.