Cold brew has quickly emerged as one of the most popular drinks in cafes worldwide and is a welcome drink during warmer months. It can be a good coffee for you if you enjoy smooth, strong, and acidic coffees. But how about when you want the refreshing taste of cold brew but not its caffeine content? You can try decaf cold brew coffee. The following cold brew coffee is delicious—it may even be too good to drink all day.
But keep in mind that more caffeine can affect your physical well-being! Researchers say that even a single moderate cup of regular coffee after 3 p.m. affects the quality of our sleep. Cold-brew coffee has more caffeine than regular hot-brewed coffee. Decaf coffee, on the other hand, is famous for being stale and acidic.
Keep reading below as we share our decaf cold brew coffee home recipe, which is fabulously delicious and delightfully smooth.
What is Decaf Cold Brew?
Decaf Cold Brew coffee is prepared with decaffeinated beans. Ground coffee beans are soaked in cold water for longer, often 12 to 24 hours. The end product is a coffee concentrate that you can mix with water or milk to make every cup of coffee perfect, smooth, and full-bodied. Decaf cold brew tastes like regular cold brew, which is tasty and refreshing. It is best when you are looking to cut down on caffeinated beverages.
Can we use decaf coffee to make cold brew?
While traditional methods of extraction rely on heat to extract caffeine from coffee beans, cold brew does this same task without using any sort of heating element. So technically, you can use this method with decaf coffee, which will also work! Decaffeinated coffee beans are roasted coffee beans. So, you could use these decaf coffee beans to make cold brew.
I also love making iced coffees with cold brew. It tastes silky and sweet, way better than regular coffee. It is convenient and versatile! Decaf cold brew is still made through infusion, just like regular cold brew. They combine coarsely ground decaf coffee with water for a 12 to 24-hour steep. After steeping is complete, the mixture is strained. Then, a tasty decaf cold brew concentrate is made.
Cold-brew coffee is brewed at a relatively low temperature, so it has less acidity, leading to lower bitterness. So, if you make your cold brew with decaf coffee, guess what? It’s just delicious, but you don’t get any extra caffeine from it!
Why You’ll Love Decaf Cold Brew
Quick and easy
This is the easiest 5 Minute Decaf Iced Coffee you can make with simple ingredients!
Cheaper than Starbucks
To be fair, it is a lot cheaper than Starbucks. And you can whip up a glass in under five minutes without leaving your house.
Versatile
I crafted a simple, easy-to-follow cold brew recipe that can be customized to any taste with your desired dairy or nondairy milk and sweetened content. You can also add cold foam or whipped cream on top to add a fancy touch.
Decaf but tasty
Although decaf cold brew comprises less caffeine, it still gives you all the delicious flavor!
How to make Decaf Cold Brew Coffee
Recipe for Decaf Cold Brew Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground decaf coffee beans
- 4 cup cold filtered water
- 1 Large jar orpitcher
- 1 Cheesecloth or coffee filter
Instructions
- Pour the decaffeinated coffee grounds into a jar and add water, stirring.
- Allow it to steep for 14 to 24 hours, depending on the strength you like.
- Use a sieve to filter off all the granules from your coffee.
- Place in a jar and keep in a refrigerator for up to one week.
Decaf cold brew ingredients:
- A cup of coarsely ground decaf coffee beans
- Four cups of cold, filtered water
- Large jar or pitcher
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Cheesecloth or coffee filter
Equipment
- Fine mesh sieve (like this one)
- Measuring cup
- Glass jar with a lid on it
- Glass bottle for storing brewed stuff
- Big bowl.
Now, just follow these three simple steps for your cold brew:
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step one
Add decaf coffee grounds to a large jar and gently pour the water over them. Mix the coffee very well and ensure that it is adequately moistened.
Step two
Close the jar and set it on a counter for an overnight infusion. If possible, let it sit for the next 14-24 hours. The coffee will simply be stronger and bolder the longer you let it infuse. Therefore, depending on your taste and strength, you can leave it as long as you want.
Step three
When the coffee is brewed, strain it using a paper filter or nut milk bag. If you want to ensure no granules are left, feel free to strain the mixture more than once. Next, put the coffee and water mixture back inside a jar or container and refrigerate for up to one week. Use as desired.
Decaf Cold Brew Coffee Variations
Vanilla decaf cold brew
Place a teaspoon of your favorite vanilla extract in the cold brew coffee for extra flavor.
Spiced decaf cold brew
To make this coffee spicy, add a little sprinkle of cinnamon on top, about ¼ teaspoon.
Caramel cold brew coffee
Sweeten and flavor your coffee with caramel syrup when making the drink.
Chocolate cold brew coffee
Coffee and chocolate are a great combo! I threw cocoa powder in for good measure into cold brew iced coffee. Give it a go.
How to make Decaf Cold Brew Iced Coffee
Cold-brew coffee is concentrated, even though you are going to water or milk it down a little. Typically, this ratio makes a drink 2-3 parts water or milk to one part cold brew.
To prepare decaf cold brew iced coffee, just add ice to a glass. Fill with ⅓ decaf cold brew concentrate, then fill to the top with milk and/or water. You can decorate it with additional toppings or flavors like sweeteners, flavored syrups, foams, and whipped cream toppers.
Health Benefits of Decaf Cold Brew Coffee
Not only it is tasty, but it also has many amazing health benefits.
Lower Acidity
Cold-brewed coffee is less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, making it a milder choice for those with delicate stomachs.
Antioxidant-Rich
Though it has caffeine, it still contains antioxidants that fight free radicals in your body. Antioxidants are associated with some health benefits, like reducing inflammation and preventing chronic diseases.
Hydration
The decaffeinated cold brew would work less as a diuretic anyway. You can dilute it with water or milk for a more hydrating drink!
Potential Heart Health
It helps in lowering the risk of stroke, and the decaf version may also offer heart health perks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Decaf Cold Brew taste like?
The taste of decaf cold brew coffee is mild. My favorite flavor came from a 6:1 water-to-coffee ratio brewed for 15 hours, which resulted in a clean, sweet cup with a creamy chocolatey body and an almost pine-like finish.
Is there a limit to decaf coffee?
Decaf coffee contains a small amount of caffeine (only a few milligrams). Even if you react poorly to caffeine, you may wish to ease up on the decaf coffee. It is advised not to exceed three cups a day.
Why is decaf so popular?
These are popular for those who want the coffee experience with less caffeine kick. It works for people with problems with caffeine sensitivity, health freaks, and even just about anyone who wants a coffee before bedtime without having to count dozens of it all.
Final Thoughts
The best way to enjoy a rich, smooth flavor of cold brew with less caffeine is through this type of coffee. It can be made easily at home with few ingredients and tools. You can consider taking it in the evening without affecting your sleep.
It will allow you to tailor your cold brew so that your coffee-to-water ratio stays intact and steeping time is as per flavorings. This means you can create a “cold” decaf version. And with lower acidity, antioxidants, and hydration benefits, it’s great for coffee drinkers.
MD Azizul Hakim is a content creator and the co-founder of www.queekcoffee.com. He has been writing content and reviews for over five years. He loves to brew coffee and serve it with his colleagues.
