“Descafeinado” refers to decaffeinated coffee in Portugal, offering the full taste of coffee without the caffeine.
Perfect for coffee lovers who need to avoid caffeine, this drink maintains the rich flavors of espresso. It’s typically served in a small cup, like regular espresso.
With a descafeinado, you can enjoy aromatic coffee anytime without worrying about the effects of caffeine.
To order it, just say, “Queria um descafeinado, por favor.”
Ingredients
1 Decaffeinated Espresso Shot
How to order a Descafeinado in Portugal?
"Queria um descafeinado, por favor."
History and Origin
Decaffeinated coffee has been available commercially since the early 1900s, when Ludwig Roselius developed one of the first practical decaffeination processes in Germany. The concept spread quickly throughout Europe. In Portugal, where coffee culture runs deep, the “descafeinado” became an important option for those who wanted to participate in the daily coffee ritual without the stimulating effects of caffeine. Portugal’s coffee culture is among the most vibrant in Europe – the country consistently ranks in the top 15 for per-capita coffee consumption. The descafeinado ensures that everyone, regardless of caffeine sensitivity, can join in. Today, virtually every cafe in Portugal stocks decaf options, and ordering one carries no stigma.
How It’s Made
A Portuguese descafeinado is prepared exactly like a regular espresso – the only difference is the beans. Decaffeinated coffee beans undergo a process to remove at least 97% of the caffeine before roasting. Common decaffeination methods include the Swiss Water Process (using water and osmosis), solvent-based methods (using ethyl acetate or methylene chloride), and the CO2 method (using pressurized carbon dioxide). After decaffeination, the beans are roasted and ground normally. The barista loads the decaf grounds into the portafilter and extracts the shot on the espresso machine, just like any other espresso. The result looks, smells, and (with quality beans) tastes very similar to regular espresso. It is served in a standard small cup.
How to Order
To order a descafeinado in Portugal, say: “Queria um descafeinado, por favor” (keh-REE-ah oom desh-kah-fay-NAH-doo, por fah-VOR). You can also simply say “um descafeinado” and the barista will understand. If you want to specify a variation, you can combine it with other Portuguese coffee terms: “descafeinado com leite” (with milk), “descafeinado cheio” (a longer, fuller shot), or “descafeinado curto” (a shorter, concentrated shot). In some cafes, you might be asked whether you want it from the machine or from a packet (some places keep individually wrapped decaf pods).
When and Where Locals Drink It
The descafeinado is popular at all times of day in Portugal, but it is especially common in the evening and after dinner. Portuguese dining culture involves long, leisurely meals, and coffee is the standard way to finish. For those who are sensitive to caffeine or who simply do not want to be kept awake, the descafeinado is the perfect solution. Older Portuguese coffee drinkers are particularly likely to order it, as are pregnant women and people with certain health conditions. You will find it at every pastelaria, cafe, and restaurant in the country. It is a completely normal, everyday order – no one will raise an eyebrow.
Variations
The descafeinado works as a base for any Portuguese coffee variation. You can order a “descafeinado pingado” (decaf with a drop of milk), a “meia de leite descafeinado” (decaf with equal parts milk), or a “galao descafeinado” (decaf in a tall glass of steamed milk). For a shorter, more concentrated decaf, ask for a “descafeinado curto” or even a “descafeinado italiano.” In summer, some cafes will make an iced descafeinado if you ask. Some Portuguese cafes also offer “cevada” (barley coffee) as a completely caffeine-free alternative, though it tastes quite different from actual coffee.
Descafeinado vs Regular Espresso
The main difference between a descafeinado and a regular espresso is caffeine content. A standard Portuguese espresso contains about 60-80 mg of caffeine, while a descafeinado has only 2-5 mg. In terms of flavor, modern decaffeination processes have gotten remarkably good – a quality descafeinado tastes very close to regular espresso, with perhaps a slightly lighter body and mildly different flavor notes. The crema might be slightly thinner, and some coffee enthusiasts claim they can detect a subtle difference, but for most drinkers the taste is nearly indistinguishable. The preparation, serving size, and ritual are all identical.
How to Make at Home
To make a Portuguese-style descafeinado at home, you need quality decaffeinated coffee beans or pre-ground decaf espresso. Portuguese brands like Delta and Nicola both offer decaf versions of their popular blends. Grind the beans finely (if using whole bean) and brew using an espresso machine or a moka pot. For a moka pot, fill the water chamber to the valve, add the decaf grounds to the basket, and heat on medium until the coffee rises to the top chamber. For an espresso machine, use 7-9 grams and extract for about 25 seconds. Serve in a small, warm cup with sugar on the side. The quality of your decaf beans matters a lot – cheap decaf can taste flat, while premium decaf beans retain most of the complexity of regular coffee.
FAQ
Is descafeinado completely caffeine-free?
Not quite. Decaffeinated coffee retains a small amount of caffeine – typically 2-5 mg per shot compared to 60-80 mg in regular espresso. For most people, this trace amount has no noticeable stimulating effect.
Does descafeinado taste different from regular coffee?
With quality beans, the difference is minimal. Modern decaffeination processes preserve most of the flavor and aroma. You might notice a slightly lighter body, but many drinkers cannot tell the difference in a blind taste test.
Is ordering decaf common in Portugal?
Absolutely. There is no stigma attached to ordering a descafeinado in Portugal. It is a perfectly normal, everyday order at any cafe or restaurant.
Can I get a descafeinado with milk?
Yes. You can combine “descafeinado” with any milk option – pingado (drop of milk), meia de leite (half milk), galao (tall glass of milk), or any other variation.
