How to Make Decaffeinated Cold Brew Coffee?

Sure, a good cup of iced coffee is a treat in the summer, but have you ever tried making a decaf cold brew?

Well, it's truly a game-changer. Decaf cold brew is easier to make and less acidic, saving you time and extra caffeine intake altogether.

Cold brew coffee has recently gained popularity as an alternative to regular coffee precisely because regular cold brew is very caffeinated indeed.

In fact, it’s arguably one of the highest caffeinated beverages possible, so decaffeinated cold brew is a great way of enjoying cold brew coffee without the caffeine!

How much caffeine is in regular caffeinated cold brew?

Well the amount of caffeine in cold brew coffee can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of coffee beans used, the strength of the brew, and the serving size.

But, on average, a cup of cold brew coffee made with medium to coarsely ground beans can contain anywhere from 100-200 mg of caffeine, although some cold brews can contain as much as 300 mg of caffeine per serving.

In comparison, a cup of hot brewed coffee can contain anywhere from 60-100 mg of caffeine per serving.

So, it’s definitely worth switching to decaffeinated cold brew coffee!

What is Decaf Cold Brew?

Decaf cold brew coffee is a type of coffee made by steeping coarsely ground decaffeinated coffee beans in cold water for a longer time, typically 12 to 24 hours. The resulting coffee is a smooth and full-bodied drink that is lower in caffeine than regular coffee but still contains some caffeine.

Decaf cold brew is made the same way as regular cold brew coffee but with decaffeinated beans instead of common beans. The steeping process extracts the flavours and oils from the beans but does not extract all of the caffeine.

Decaf cold brew typically contains a tiny amount of caffeine compared with regular cold brew, but the exact amount can vary depending on the type of beans used and the decaffeination method. For example, the Swiss Water Decaf Process is certified 99.9% caffeine free.

Decaf cold brew is a good option for people who want to enjoy the flavour and smoothness of cold brew coffee but want to avoid or limit their caffeine intake. It can be served over ice or diluted with water or milk to taste, and it can be flavoured with sweeteners or other ingredients if desired.

How to make Decaf Cold Brew?

To make decaffeinated cold-brew coffee, you will need the following:

Ingredients for decaf cold brew:

1 cup of coarsely ground decaffeinated coffee beans
4 cups of cold, filtered water
A large jar or pitcher
A fine-mesh strainer
Cheesecloth or a coffee filter

Instructions for decaf cold brew:

Combine the coffee grounds and cold water in the jar or pitcher. Stir the mixture gently to ensure that the coffee is fully saturated.
Cover the jar or pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours.
After the steeping period, strain the coffee through the fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
Discard the coffee grounds and transfer the cold brew concentrate to a clean container.
Dilute the concentrate with water, milk, or your preferred type of milk alternative to taste. You can also add sweeteners or flavours as desired.
Serve the cold brew over ice, and enjoy!

Since everyone has their taste preference, adjust the ratio of coffee to water as it can also affect the flavour of your cold brew. If your cold brew is too weak, try using more coffee beans or steeping it for a longer period. If it's too strong, you can dilute it with more water.

Note: Decaffeinated coffee is not completely caffeine-free but contains much less caffeine than regular coffee. The amount of caffeine in decaffeinated coffee can vary depending on the method used to remove the caffeine and the type of coffee beans used.