Clean Coffee Decaf Recipe

Heat water

Heat 12 oz (about 355 ml) of filtered water to 200°F (93°C). If you don't have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it sit 30 seconds.

Prepare coffee

Measure 0.33 cups (about 2.6 oz or ~28 g) of coarsely ground decaffeinated coffee. Use a medium-coarse grind similar to sea salt for an even extraction.

Brew (French press)

Add the grounds to a French press. Pour half the hot water over grounds to saturate them, wait 30 seconds for bloom, then pour remaining water. Stir gently, place the lid (plunger up), and steep for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, press the plunger down slowly and evenly.

Brew (Pour-over alternative)

If using a pour-over, place a rinsed paper filter in the dripper, add grounds, pour a small amount of water to bloom for 30 seconds, then continue pouring slowly until you reach 12 oz total. Let drain completely.

Brew (AeroPress alternative)

For AeroPress, use the inverted or standard method with the same coffee-to-water ratio (approx. 1:13). Steep 1–2 minutes, then press steadily.

Taste and season

Taste the brewed decaf black. If desired, stir in a pinch (0.25 tsp) of sea salt to round bitterness and enhance sweetness. Mix until dissolved.

Add dairy or milk alternative

Stir in 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice) for a smoother mouthfeel. For a creamier beverage, increase to 1–2 oz (2–4 tbsp) to taste.

Sweeten

If you prefer sweetened coffee, add 1 tsp maple syrup, honey, or simple syrup and stir until fully incorporated.

Serve hot or iced

For hot: pour into a warmed mug and enjoy immediately. For iced: fill a tall glass with 4 ice pieces (or a handful of ice), pour brewed coffee over ice, optionally add an extra ounce of cold filtered water if you want it less intense, then add milk and sweetener as above.

Clean-up note

Discard grounds and rinse your brewing equipment promptly. If using a paper filter, compost used grounds and filter if possible.