Decaf iced coffee: your perfect summer brew!

Hot summer days are the perfect time for sipping iced coffee. But even though it cools you down, too much caffeine can give you other problems. Like stopping you from sleeping, feeling anxious and wound up. I know what that feels like. As you can imagine, writing a coffee blog means I drink a LOT of coffee. So to avoid the headaches and jitters, I used to limit the number of coffees I drank. Well, that was until I discovered just how good decaf coffee has gotten over the last few years. Honestly, there are times when all I need on a hot summer’s day is an decaf iced coffee.

What is an Iced Decaf?

As the name suggests, iced decaf coffee is simply iced coffee with the caffeine removed. The decaffeination process removes around 97% of caffeine content, which means you can probably drink it whenever you want.

So, imagine making up a pitcher full of great-tasting iced decaf. You and your family and friends can drink a few cups without any problems.*

*I must mention, though, that drinking 5 cups of decaf is roughly equal to drinking 1 cup of caffeinated coffee. So, if you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine, limit yourself to less. Also, if you have any medical issues, you should check with your doctor before deciding to drink decaf coffee. Remember it is NOT 100% caffeine free.

The Taste of Iced Decaf

There are so many great decaf coffees available, that the exact flavor depends on the beans you use. Oh, and how you brew them!

Chilling any coffee has the effect of reducing acidity and bitterness. So, like regular iced coffee, iced decaf is more mellow than the steaming hot version.

The flip side of reducing the bitterness and acid levels means the other flavors are magnified. That means you get to taste more of what the beans have to offer, whether that’s chocolate notes or citrus or caramel and brown sugar.

You can even give it a kick of extra flavor by adding your favorite syrup or creamer, such as vanilla, hazelnut, or caramel. For ideas on syrups check out my guide to the best syrups for coffee. And guess what? I even have posts on how to make some of the very best flavors!

So prepare your taste buds for the experience of a lifetime.

Don’t stop reading now – I’m going to walk you through making the best iced decaf you ever tasted.

How to Make an Iced Decaf

Making iced decaf coffee is simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

Equipment

• Espresso machine or Coffee maker
• Glass or mug
• Spoon

Ingredients

• 2 shots of decaf espresso or 1/2 cup strong coffee
• 1/2 cup chilled filtered water
• 1/2 cup ice cubes
• 1/2 cup chilled milk (optional)
• 1-2 tsp sugar or other sweetener (optional)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Method

• Brew 2 shots of espresso or brew a pot of strong decaf coffee with a coffee maker
• Allow the coffee to cool for 10 minutes
• Add the ice cubes to a glass
• Pour the coffee over the ice cubes
• Add any sugar or other sweetener (optional)
• Add any milk – either dairy or non dairy.
• Enjoy!

Top Tips

• Use the best quality decaf coffee beans you can and only grind what you need when you are ready to brew. That keeps the coffee as fresh as possible.
• If you are using a coffee maker, brew the coffee stronger than you would for hot coffee to ensure the taste isn’t diluted.
• If you make up a jug full, pour it into an insulated pitcher to keep the coffee cold for longer.
• Why not experiment with different flavorings, such as syrups or non-dairy milk, to find your perfect combination. To get you started check out my guides to:
• Best flavored syrups for coffee
• Best dairy milks
• Best non-dairy milks

The Bottom Line

Iced decaf is a refreshing and delicious drink that’s perfect for summer days. With its smooth taste and customizable nature, there’s no limit to how you can enjoy it.

Whether you prefer it straight up or with added flavorings, iced decaf coffee is sure to quench your thirst, without giving you a caffeine buzz.

So, next time you’re feeling the heat, grab a glass of iced decaf and relax. You deserve it.

Other great iced coffees you can enjoy

If iced decaf isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other great iced coffees to try. Here are a few of my current favorites:

• Cold Brew – it’s so mellow, you just have to relax
• Iced hazelnut Latte – another favorite relaxing summer coffee.
• Iced espresso – if you want to cool down but need an energy boost – look no further!
• Mocha iced latte – Could there be a better pairing than coffee and chocolate?
• Iced shaken espresso – another short energy boost, but so much smoother than regular espresso.
• Iced caramel latte – you see the theme here! Yes, this is another coffee to relax with.
• Instant cold brew – a totally mellow coffee experience, even with instant coffee!
• Instant iced coffee – Super fast mellow chilled coffee for a hot day. And it’s budget friendly.

FAQs

What is iced decaf coffee?

It is a coffee brewed with decaf coffee, served over ice. Iced decaf offers all the flavor and complexity of regular iced coffee without caffeine.

So it’s an ideal choice when you want to enjoy a cup of joe without worrying about feeling overly energized or wired.

How do you make iced decaf coffee?

Brew 2 shots of espresso and pour over 1/2 cup of ice cubes. Add any milk, sugar or flavoring. Then simply relax and enjoy!

Are there health benefits of drinking iced decaf?

Yes! As mentioned above, since iced decaf contains virtually no caffeine, there’s a much-reduced risk of suffering from the jittery side effects of too much caffeine.

Is decaf iced coffee just as good as regular iced coffee?

Yes! It has all the same flavor and complexity of regular iced coffee without the caffeine content.

If you’re looking for a great-tasting cup that won’t leave you feeling over-energized, then decaf iced coffee is the perfect choice.

How long can I store decaf iced coffee?

You should aim to drink it within 2 hours of preparing it, as prolonged exposure to air and light will give any coffee a stale taste.

If you need to store it for longer, you can put it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

Can I make decaf iced coffee with cold brew?

Yes, you can.

Cold brewing is a great way to create a smooth and flavorful cup of decaf iced coffee. All you need to do is steep your favorite ground decaf coffee in water in the fridge for 12-24 hours then strain it before pouring it over ice.

Ready to give it a try? Check out my guide on how to make cold brew decaf iced coffee for the perfect refresher. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading! Stay cool and enjoy your iced decaf coffee!