You know that feeling when you’re craving a good cup of coffee in the evening but don’t want to be up all night? That’s exactly how I discovered Starbucks Decaf Sumatra, and let me tell you – it was a game changer! I used to think decaf coffee was just a weak imitation of the real thing, but this Sumatra completely changed my mind.
I remember the first time I tried it – I was skeptical, expecting that typical “decaf taste” that so many brands have. But when I took that first sip, I was blown away. The rich, earthy flavors were all there, with those subtle herbal notes that make regular Sumatra so special. It felt like I’d found the perfect solution for my evening coffee cravings without sacrificing any of the quality or enjoyment I get from my daytime brews.
What really impressed me was learning about the Swiss Water Process they use – it gently removes the caffeine while keeping all those amazing flavor compounds intact. As someone who really values both great coffee and a good night’s sleep, this became my go-to for those cozy evening moments when I want the comfort of coffee without the caffeine jitters. Whether you’re winding down after dinner or just want a relaxing cup before bed, this decaf Sumatra delivers that full, satisfying coffee experience you’re looking for.
What You’ll Need
- 24g Starbucks Decaf Sumatra beansCoffee
- 400ml filtered waterWater
- Vanilla extract (optional)Flavor
- Cinnamon stickSpice
My Evening Coffee Setup
Starbucks Decaf Sumatra
Swiss Water Process decaf
Automatic Drip Maker
Consistent decaf brewing
Thermal Carafe
Keeps decaf warm for hours
Coffee Grinder
Fresh grinding for decaf
Let’s Brew This Relaxing Coffee Together
Get Your Decaf Beans Ready
Weigh 24 grams of Starbucks Decaf Sumatra beans – I use a bit more than regular coffee since decaf beans have different density. Grind them to a medium consistency, maybe a touch finer than you would for regular Sumatra. The aroma should be just as rich and earthy as the caffeinated version – that’s how you know you’re in for a great cup of coffee brewing!
Heat Your Water Just Right
Heat 400ml of filtered water to 205°F (96°C). I’ve found that decaf beans really benefit from slightly hotter water to get all those amazing flavors out. The Swiss Water Process does a great job preserving the taste, but that extra heat makes sure you get the full Sumatra experience in your coffee making without any caffeine.
Set Up Your Drip Brewer
Place a paper filter in your drip coffee maker and give it a good rinse with hot water. Then add your freshly ground decaf coffee, gently shaking to make everything nice and even. The drip method works really well for decaf because it gives you that consistent water distribution that helps extract all the preserved flavor compounds evenly.
Brew with Patience
Start your coffee maker and watch the magic happen. You might notice the decaf Sumatra blooms a bit differently than regular coffee, but it should still release those amazing aromatic compounds. The whole brew should take about 5-6 minutes – this extra time really helps pull out all the flavor that makes this decaf so satisfying for your coffee enjoyment.
Check Your Perfect Brew
When the brewing finishes, your coffee should look rich and dark with good body. Take a moment to enjoy that amazing earthy, herbal aroma – it’s the same signature scent that makes regular Sumatra so special. Taste a little bit – it should have all that characteristic Sumatra depth without much bitterness, proving that decaf can deliver full coffee flavor when you brew it right.
Serve and Relax
Pour your freshly brewed Decaf Sumatra into your favorite cozy mug. For that perfect evening touch, try adding a drop of vanilla extract or pop in a cinnamon stick for some subtle sweetness without any caffeine. Sip it slowly and appreciate how this decaf keeps all the sophisticated character that makes Sumatra so beloved – perfect for those relaxing moments when you want all the coffee enjoyment without the buzz.
What’s In Your Cup
Approximate values per serving (black coffee)
5
Calories
0g
Protein
0g
Carbs
0g
Sugar
0g
Fat
5mg
Caffeine
Note: Virtually caffeine-free while maintaining full flavor
My Best Decaf Coffee Tips
For Perfect Decaf Every Time
- Use a bit more decaf coffee grounds than regular to make up for the different bean density
- Store your decaf beans just like regular coffee – in an airtight container away from light and moisture
- Brew decaf at slightly higher temperature (205°F) to make sure you get all that great flavor out
- Enjoy your decaf coffee within 20 minutes of brewing for the best flavor experience
Mix It Up Sometimes
- Decaf Vanilla Dream: Add vanilla bean paste and warm milk for the ultimate comfort drink
- Spiced Evening: Brew with cinnamon, nutmeg and clove for that warm, cozy feeling
- Almond Comfort: Stir in almond extract and honey for a nutty, sweet twist
- Decaf Mocha: Mix in some decaf cocoa powder for a chocolatey treat without the caffeine