The Best Ways to Make Decaf Cold Brew

It’s late afternoon, and you’re craving the rich taste of an iced coffee. But you don’t want to be up all night, thanks to the caffeine.

Local coffee shops don’t offer their own decaf cold brew, and even if they did, you’d like to avoid the high price tag.

Is there a simple way to get all the delicious flavours of coffee without the caffeine or the steep coffeehouse prices?

The good news is that there is a perfect way to solve this problem!

And it involves cold brewing your coffee at home.

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What is decaf cold brew?

Before we go any further, let’s dive into cold brew and how it differs from the traditional brewing process.

Brew times for cold brew are longer than hot drip coffee and range anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.

A French press can be used to make both hot coffee and cold brew coffee concentrate.

Several companies make a dedicated cold brew maker. But it’s also possible to make a small batch of cold brew with a simple coffee filter and pitcher.

If you haven’t yet purchased a coffee maker, a French press coffee maker is worth considering. A French press coffee maker is the easiest way to completely customize your hot or cold brew and a great alternative to a regular coffee maker.

Check out this post for the difference between an Iced Americano vs iced coffee.

Is there a difference in taste between cold brew and hot brew?

Great cold brew has a low acidity compared to regular coffee. Compared to drip coffee, the cold brew method lends a slight sweetness to this brew.

To obtain a bold flavor or slightly weaker brew, you can adjust the water ratio.

What is the caffeine content in decaffeinated coffee beans?

The caffeine level in cold brew is generally higher because it is more concentrated than in hot coffee.

But according to the National Coffee Association, decaf beans have around 97% of the caffeine removed.

A coffee drinker opting for the decaf version will consume approximately 2 mg of caffeine compared to a standard cup with about 95 mg of caffeine.

Decaf cold brew coffee is the best option for cutting down on caffeine intake.

Why should you make decaf cold brew at home?

Most coffee shops and grocery stores only offer caffeinated cold brew. If you want to enjoy an iced coffee at any time of the day, it’s up to you to make it yourself!

Decaf Cold Brew Your Way

Aside from the question about caffeine content, making it at home allows you to customize the brew your way.

You have complete control over whether you use a light roast or a medium roast. Add a splash of cream here or a bit of added sugar there.

If you love flavored coffee, you can quickly transform the flavor of your cold brew without added calories.

Low Effort, Exceptional Taste

Making cold brew coffee at home is a very simple “set it and forget it” way to make coffee. It’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to exert too much effort toward an ideal cup of joe.

Cold brew is also a fantastic option for anyone who loves coffee in the morning but doesn’t have time to brew a fresh pot daily.

Save Your Moola

And did I mention how much money you can save? The savings alone would pay for a cold brew pitcher in almost no time!

What is the best way to make decaf cold brew at home?

The first step in making a delicious decaf cold brew is finding the perfect decaf whole beans. You will get the best result from fresh, high-quality coffee beans.

If you don’t have a grinder, try to find coarse ground coffee. And if you’re grinding your own, adjust the setting more coarsely than regular drip coffee.

Choose Your Cold Brewing Method

Next up is deciding which method to use. Choose one of the following:

1. French press method
2. Dedicated cold brew pitcher method
3. Regular pitcher and coffee filter method

The Coffee to Water Ratio

Once you’ve settled on a brewing method, it’s time to figure out your perfect water to coffee ratio. The ratio could range from 1 part coffee to 4 parts water down to a 1:8 ratio.

Remember that cold brew forms a more concentrated final product than drip coffee. Even the most dedicated coffee drinkers dilute it with ice and water.

Water Temperature

Some brewing guides say you should use cold water, while others recommend using hot water to moisten the ground coffee initially.

Remember that using cold water takes longer, but the final product is not as bitter. Hot water changes the chemical structure of the final product and, although it is faster, is also typically more acidic.

Length of Brew

The very next step is to combine the coffee grounds and water.

If you are brewing your coffee for less than 12 hours, you can leave it out on the counter. But if you will be leaving it for longer, put it in the fridge instead.

Let it sit for 12-24 hours, and voila! Your perfect decaf cold brew is ready.

When it’s done, strain the grounds according to your brewing method and store the cold brew in the fridge for up to 10 days.

Personalize Your Brew

Now comes the fun part. It’s time to optimize your cold brew concentrate!

Add Some Dairy …. Or Non-Dairy

Creamer, milk, or half-and-half are perfect additions to dress up your decaf concentrate! If you’re lactose intolerant, try a non-dairy option such as soy, oat, or almond milk.

Add a Shot of Flavor

Try adding a shot (or two!) of flavor syrup. Caramel, French vanilla, and Irish cream are tasty options.

Finish with Whipped Cream or Soft Top

Treat yo’self with a dollop of whipped cream! Or, for an extra special treat, try this simple two ingredient recipe for copycat Dutch Bros Soft Top!

Final Thoughts

The next time you’re craving a late afternoon treat, pull out this cold brew recipe using delicious decaf coffee. It’s the perfect fix for your coffee craving that won’t keep you awake at night.

And if you love this recipe, pin it for later!

Equipment Mentioned in this Post

Coffee Grinder

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Cold Brew Coffee Maker

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French Press Coffee Maker

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Decaf Coffee Beans

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