Coffee fans who don’t crave the caffeine rush often opt for decaf coffee. Although some may assume that decaf lacks the same rich flavor and aroma of regular coffee, this couldn’t be further from the truth! Decaf coffee can be just as enjoyable and satisfying when used to create cold brew. This innovative brewing method involves steeping coarsely ground beans in cold water for several hours. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best decaf for cold brew options and provide tips on how to get perfect cups every single time.
Table of Contents
Can You Even Make Decaf Cold Brew?
Before we get too deep, we better make sure decaf cold brew is even an option, right?
Yes, decaf cold brew is possible! Decaffeinated coffee tends to be less acidic and mellow than regular coffee, making it the perfect choice for a smooth, refreshing cold brew.
Best Decaf Coffee for Cold Brew
When it comes to finding the best decaf coffee for cold brew, there are a variety of options to consider. Here is our top ten list that will give anyone an excellent option when making some decaf cold brew:
- Colombian Decaf
- Swiss Water Decaf
- Decaf Sumatra
- Decaf Espresso
- Mexican Decaf
- Ethiopian Decaf
- Brazilian Decaf
- Decaf French Roast
- Costa Rican Decaf
- Decaf House Blend
Ultimately, the ideal decaf coffee for cold brew depends on your personal preferences. You may want to experiment with a few options until you find one that works best for you and your palate.
How to Make Decaf Cold Brew
Great, now you know about decaf cold brew and you have chosen one of the coffees above to try with it. But do you not know how to make it yourself? No worries; I have you covered!
Ingredients and Equipment:
- 1 cup coarsely ground decaf coffee beans
- 4 cups cold water
- A large jar or pitcher
- A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Coffee filter (if using a fine-mesh strainer)
- Optional: sweetener, creamer, or any other flavorings
Instructions:
- Coarsely grind the decaf coffee beans. For best results, use a burr grinder set to a coarse grind setting. If you don’t have a burr grinder, you can ask your local coffee shop or grocery store to grind the beans for you.
- In a large jar or pitcher, combine the coarsely ground decaf coffee beans with 4 cups of cold water. Stir gently to ensure that all the grounds are moistened.
- Cover the jar or pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours for a stronger brew. If you prefer a weaker brew, you can steep the coffee for less time.
- After the steeping time has passed, remove the jar or pitcher from the refrigerator and strain the coffee through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a separate container. If using a fine-mesh strainer, you may also need to strain the coffee through a coffee filter to remove any remaining sediment.
- Once the coffee has been strained, transfer it to a clean jar or pitcher and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. You can also add sweetener, creamer, or any other flavorings to taste.
- When ready to serve, pour the decaf cold brew coffee over ice and enjoy!
Note: You can adjust the ratio of coffee grounds to water according to your taste preferences. For a stronger brew, use more grounds or less water; similarly, if you like it weaker, use fewer grounds or more liquid.
Where Can You Buy a Decaf Cold Brew?
Finding a decaf cold brew can be quite difficult in my area. Starbucks is the only coffee shop nearby that offers it, while Dunkin and Tim Horton near me neither do. As such, finding an alternative option at any coffee shop other than Starbucks may prove challenging.
Conclusion
Decaf cold brew coffee is ideal for those who enjoy coffee but want to reduce their caffeine intake. Using high-quality decaf beans and following proper brewing techniques, you can create a refreshing cup of decaf cold brew anytime. Popular options include Colombian Decaf, Swiss Water Decaf, Decaf Sumatra, Decaf Espresso and many more; whether you prefer bold flavor or smooth mellowness, there’s sure to be a decaf coffee that matches your preferences perfectly.
When it comes to finding a coffee shop that offers decaf cold brew, I’ve always had the most luck with Starbucks, but it’s worth a shot to ask your local coffee shop if it’s something they offer.