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Coffee Recipes, Decaf Coffee Guide
3 Decaf Coffee Recipes You Can Enjoy Any Time of Day
Sep
We’ve all seen recipes for coffee drinks made with regular coffee. But what about decaf? Can you use decaffeinated coffee in the same recipes? Do you use the same amount of coffee? And does decaf espresso actually taste different when you turn it into a Dirty Coffee, Espresso Martini or Affogato? The short answer is yes. You can use decaf for all of these drinks, and in most cases, you can use the same coffee-to-water ratio as you would with regular coffee. What matters more is the decaf coffee itself, the roast level and how you brew it. A good decaf can still have plenty of body, aroma and flavour. Making it just as delicious in a coffee recipe as its caffeinated. So we decided to put it to the test.
For all three decaffeinated coffee recipes below, we’re using two of our favourites: Nutty Lover Decaf, a smooth dark roast, and Sawasdeee Decaf, an organically grown medium-dark roast. Both bring plenty of flavour and body to these recipes, but you can, of course, use your favourite decaf espresso or strong brewed decaf coffee too. Here are three delicious decaf coffee recipes you can make at home.
1. Dirty Coffee, Decaf Recipe
If you’ve never tried Dirty Coffee, this is a really delicious coffee. It’s made with a creamy cold milk and a hot espresso shot poured directly over the top.
You’ll need:
- 120 to 150ml cold milk
- 1 double shot (about 36 to 40ml) of Nutty Lover Decaf espresso, freshly pulled
- A tall glass
Whole milk gives the drink a lovely creamy texture, but if you prefer non-dairy milk, macadamia, almond or oat milk are all great alternatives.
How to make it:
- Pour the cold milk into a clear glass, leaving a little space at the top. Add ice if you prefer a colder drink. We don’t recommend this, though. Instead, chill the glass in the freezer beforehand.
- Pull your decaf espresso shot.
- Slowly pour the espresso over the back of a spoon held just above the milk, or pour it in a thin stream directly over the milk. Do not stir.
- Watch as the espresso sinks through the cold milk and creates those beautiful layers.
- Serve immediately.
Coffee Culture tip: The contrast between the cold milk and hot espresso is what makes a Dirty Coffee so enjoyable. Keep your milk cold and pull the espresso just before serving.
2. Decaf Espresso Martini
Coffee and cocktails are a natural pairing, and an Espresso Martini is one of the classics. Using decaf espresso means you can enjoy the rich coffee flavour in an after-dinner cocktail without the caffeine that comes with regular espresso, making it a great option when you’re craving coffee in the evening but want to avoid caffeine before bed. It’s also a great alternative for restaurants and hotels looking to offer decaf coffee options, giving guests the choice to enjoy coffee-inspired drinks later in the evening without reaching for a caffeinated coffee.
You’ll need:
- 50ml vodka
- 25ml coffee liqueur
- 1 double shot, about 36 to 40ml, decaf espresso
- 10ml simple syrup, adjusted to taste
- Ice
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
How to make it:
- Pull your decaf espresso and allow it to cool slightly.
- Fill a cocktail shaker generously with ice.
- Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, decaf espresso and simple syrup.
- Shake vigorously for around 15 to 20 seconds.
- Double-strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Finish with three coffee beans in the centre of the foam.
Coffee Culture Decaf Coffee Recipe Tips:
Don’t be shy with the shaking. A good, vigorous shake helps create the light, foamy top that makes an Espresso Martini so appealing.
Choose a decaf with a rich body and deeper roast profile. For this both our Thai decaf coffee, the Nutty Lover Decaf or our Sawasdee Thai Decaf, works really well with this.
No espresso machine? No problem. If you have a Nespresso machine, simply use 1 decaf capsule to make your coffee. For a stronger coffee flavour, use 2 capsules. Let the coffee cool for a minute or two before adding it to the shaker.
3. Decaf Affogato
Sometimes the simplest coffee drink is the one you want most.
Affogato is an Italian dessert made by pouring hot espresso over vanilla gelato or ice cream. It’s one of those desserts we all crave after dinner, but for some of us, there’s always that little decision to make. “Do I order it and risk being wide awake later, or skip it even though its so delicious?” Well, now you can have your Affogato without the caffeine, using this decaf Affogato coffee recipe.
You’ll need:
- 1 to 2 scoops good quality vanilla ice cream or gelato
- 1 double shot, about 36 to 40ml, hot decaf espresso
- Optional: cocoa powder or chocolate-covered coffee beans
How to make it:
- Place one or two scoops of vanilla ice cream or gelato into a small glass or serving bowl.
- Pull your decaf espresso just before serving.
- Pour the hot espresso directly over the ice cream.
- Add a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few chocolate-covered coffee beans if you like.
- Serve immediately with a small spoon.
Our Coffee Tip: Serve the espresso and ice cream together while they are at their best. The magic is in that first spoonful, when the hot coffee meets the cold, melting gelato.
Why Decaf Coffee Works So Well in These Recipes
Decaf isn’t just for people who want a coffee before bed. A good decaf can still give you the aroma, body and flavour you look for in coffee, making it a great choice for drinks where coffee is an important part of the recipe.
The quality of the decaffeination process and the original coffee beans both matter. Different decaf coffees can have very different flavour profiles, so choosing one with a character you enjoy is just as important as it is with regular coffee. We wanted to create a Thai decaf that didn’t compromise on flavour, which is why we created our own Thai Decaf Coffee.
There is something quite nice about knowing you can enjoy a coffee whenever you feel like it.
Morning coffee. Afternoon pick-me-up. After-dinner treat. A weekend cocktail.
Decaf coffee gives you the opportunity to enjoy the flavour and ritual of coffee at different times of day, without the caffeine. So the next time you’re reaching for your coffee, try something a little different.