Coffee lovers often like to treat their tastebuds to different coffee flavors. Americano is one of the more popular options among the various varieties of coffee.
If you are sensitive to caffeine, these caffeinated beverages will not be suitable for you. However, many coffee shops offer decaf coffee varieties thanks to the decaffeinated option.
This coffee greatly benefits caffeine-intolerant people, as they can taste coffee without any negative consequences.
The decaf coffee varieties also include decaf Americano. Suppose you hear this for the first time, then this blog is for you!
Decaf America is similar to regular America, but manufacturers use decaffeinated coffee beans here. They prepare and dilute decaf espresso with hot water to make decaf Americano.
Decaf Americano
Any decaf coffee is made using decaffeinated coffee beans. Similarly, decaf Americano is also made from decaffeinated 100% Arabica coffee beans.
You can also use other high-quality decaf coffee beans if you still want 100% Arabica beans.
Decaf Americano is nothing but diluted espresso. So the espresso is prepared using finely ground decaf coffee beans. Next, the manufacturer will add 50% hot water to dilute the beverage. Some coffee shops also add ⅔ hot water to ⅓ espresso.
When purchasing decaffeinated Americao or any other decaffeinated beverage, it is essential to check the decaffeination method.
It is best to consume decaf Americano prepared using the Swiss water process of decaffeination, as this method does not involve any chemicals.
Note: Although decaf Americano is prepared using decaffeinated coffee beans, the beverage is not caffeine-free. Around 97% of the caffeine is removed during decaffeination, so there will be a small amount of this stimulant in your decaf coffee.
How to Make Decaf Americano at Home
Here is some good news for decaf coffee drinkers: you can easily make decaf Americano at home. Here we will explain step-by-step how to make decaf Americano at home.
Carefully follow the instructions below to make a delicious cup of decaf Americano.
Ingredients:
- Decaffeinated coffee beans: many brands offer decaf coffee beans, but choosing the best quality is vital as low-quality ones will spoil the beverage’s taste. We recommend purchasing 100% Arabica decaffeinated coffee beans or dark espresso beans.
- Hot water
- Sweetener (optional)
Directions:
There are simple methods by which you can make decaf Americano at home. You will need an espresso machine, Moka pot, or Nespresso machine.
Method 1: Using the Espresso Machine
The traditional method of preparing decaf Americano is by using an espresso machine. For a double-shot machine, you will need around 18 to 21 grams of decaf dark espresso beans.
Grind these beans well to a fine powder. Fill the portafilter with the ground decaf coffee powder and tamp them to spread evenly. Next, attach the portafilter to the espresso machine and pull a shot.
This may take around 3 minutes. Meanwhile, you must boil some water in the kettle or microwave. The good rule of thumb is to mix hot water and decaf espresso in a 2:1 ratio.
Anyway, you can adjust the ratio according to your taste. If preferred, you may also add some sweetener. There you go, the decaf Americano is ready to enjoy!
Method 2: Using a Moka Pot
Initially, grind around 20 grams of decaf dark espresso coffee beans and fill the basket with them. Without typing the coffee grounds, flatten them. Up to the fill line, pour water into the bottom chamber of your Moka pot.
Place the pot on the stove and allow it to brew on a medium flame. After around three minutes, decaf espresso percolates into the top chamber. While the espresso is brewing, you must heat three to four ounces of water in a kettle. Finally, pour the prepared decaf espresso into the hot water to make a decaf Americano.
Method 3: Using the Nespresso Machine
Suppose you are using the Nespresso machine to prepare decaf Americano. In that case, there are only two steps that you need to follow.
Start with brewing decaf Arpeggio Intenso (2 capsules) into a mug. Now you can press the button and add hot water to it. Your decaf Americano is ready to drink!
Note: Apart from this equipment, you may also use FrechPress and AeroPtress to prepare decaf Americano. According to your equipment, there will be a slight change in your decaffeinated beverage. The best-recommended method is using an espresso machine.
Decaf Americano vs. Decaf Coffee
In recent times, decaffeinated beverages have become popular and are served in various coffee shops. However, the demand for decaffeinated coffee needs to be higher than that for traditional caffeinated coffee.
Hence, many sources have started emphasizing the health benefits of decaf coffee. Suppose you are wondering why some coffee shops, like Starbucks, offer decaf Americano instead of traditional decaf coffee. The two main reasons for this are given below.
Preparing Time
You can prepare decaf espresso three times faster than regular decaf coffee. In contrast, making decaf coffee consumes more time, and the pour-over method needs attention, effort, and frequent stirring.
So the coffee shop prepares decaf espresso within a few seconds and dilutes it with hot water to make Americano.
Low return on Investment
The time, effort, and other resources used to make decaf coffee will not aid in a proper return on investment. This is because the demand for decaf coffee is low. So many coffee shops prefer something other than regular decaf coffee.
Final Thoughts
By reading this blog, you might have an idea about decaf Americano. This beverage is diluted decaf espresso. For people who intend to limit their caffeine intake, decaf Americano will be a great choice.
You can easily prepare decaf Americano at home with an espresso machine. Generally, manufacturers mix hot water and decaf espresso in a 2:1 ratio to make decaf americano.
You may also alter the ratio to get your preferred flavor. When preparing this decaffeinated beverage at home, purchase the best-quality decaffeinated espresso coffee beans.
We hope this blog was informative!
FAQs
Should I Pour Decaf Espresso into Hot Water When Making Decaf Americano?
Yes, the best practice is to pour the pulled espresso shot over the hot water when preparing decaf Americano. This method will prevent disrupting the crema.
Does Decaf Americano have caffeine?
Yes, decaf Americano will have a small amount of caffeine. The caffeine content will be slightly lower than other decaf coffees since the beverage is diluted with hot water.
Can You Add Milk to Decaf Americano?
Yes, the taste of decaf Americano is bitter. To enhance the flavor, you may include additives like milk, honey, or sweeteners.
