Easy DIY Homemade Rice Coffee Recipe

Quick Answer

Rice coffee is a caffeine-free drink made by roasting rice until dark brown, then steeping it in hot water. To make it, toast ¼ cup rice over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes until deep brown, steep in 2 1⁄4 cups boiling water for 5-10 minutes, strain, and add sweetener if desired. This traditional Filipino beverage offers a warm, earthy alternative to regular coffee without the caffeine jitters.

Key Takeaways

• Rice coffee contains no caffeine. It is ideal for those sensitive to stimulants.
  
• Roasting time sets the flavor: longer for darker “roast,” shorter for lighter taste.
  
• The drink started in Filipino cuisine as “kapeng bigas.”
  
• You can customize with any sweetener or milk alternative.
  
• Research shows rice coffee blends have far less caffeine than regular coffee.
  
• Store roasted rice for up to a month in an airtight container.

That afternoon I had a headache from too much caffeine. The midnight tossing and turning after a late cup of coffee. The jittery feeling that comes from one espresso too many. If you want a cozy cup without the crash, then rice coffee (a simple Filipino kitchen idea) might be your solution.

What Is Rice Coffee?

Rice coffee is not coffee at all as it uses zero coffee beans. You get a coffee-like color and a roasty taste by toasting rice grains dark, then steeping them in hot water like tea. Simple. So what is it to you? A gentle sip that still feels like your morning cup.

Known as “kapeng bigas” in the Philippines, rice coffee began as a low-cost stand-in when coffee beans were hard to buy. Today, you’ll see more people pick it as a no-caffeine option that still feels warm and homey.

Many coffee substitutes try to copy coffee. This drink plays its own tune. It tastes nutty, toasty, and a bit sweet with an earthy finish. Roast longer for a bold cup. Roast less for a lighter sip.

A study found that when brown rice was roasted to a reddish-brown color and added to brewed coffee, caffeine dropped from 627.31 mg/L to 497.73 mg/L. That shows rice coffee blends can help you cut caffeine without losing the warm habit.

Health Benefits of Rice Coffee

The draw goes past taste. First, it has no caffeine. That’s great for pregnant women, people with anxiety, heart issues, or anyone who wants fewer jolts in the day.

Rice coffee is low in calories, often under 30 a cup when plain. You still get a cozy mug, but not a big hit of energy or sugar. Many people say it feels kinder on the gut than regular coffee, likely because it lacks the acids that can cause reflux for some folks.

Rice is naturally gluten-free, so this drink is safe for people who avoid gluten. It also helps your budget. You pay less for rice than for coffee beans. That matters when prices go up, right?

How to Make Rice Coffee

You can make it at home with just a pan, water, and a strainer. The steps are easy, and you can tweak the roast to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup uncooked rice (any variety works)
  
• 2¼ cups water
  
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
  
• ¼ cup plant-based milk (optional)
  

Equipment

• Small pan
  
• Wooden spoon
  
• Tea infuser or strainer
  
• Kettle or pot for boiling water
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wash the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water to lift off extra starch and any bits.

2. Toast the Rice: Warm a dry pan over medium-low heat. Add rice and stir slowly with a wooden spoon so it toasts, not burns.

3. Watch the Color: Keep stirring 5-10 minutes until deep brown, almost black. You’ll smell a nutty, toasty scent.

4. Remove from Heat: Take the pan off the heat once the color looks right to you.

5. Prepare for Steeping: Using a teapot with an infuser? Move the toasted rice into it. If not, move on.

6. Boil Water: Bring the water to a rolling boil.
7. Steep the Rice: Pour the boiling water over the rice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Longer means stronger.

8. Strain: If you skipped an infuser, strain out the grains.

9. Add Sweetener and Milk (Optional): Stir in brown sugar and plant-based milk if you want a softer taste.

10. Serve: Pour into mugs and enjoy hot.

The full process takes about 15-20 minutes. Most of that is careful toasting. Don’t rush it as it is the key to deep flavor.

Rice Types and Flavor Variations

Your rice pick shapes the taste in fun ways. White rice makes a gentler cup with a clean, light sweetness. Want a softer sip? Start here.

Brown rice keeps its bran layer. That brings a deeper, nutty note with earthy tones many coffee fans enjoy. It’s a bit fuller in the mouth too.

Aromatic rice like jasmine adds a soft floral hint. That tiny lift can make the drink feel bright and a touch fancy.

Some people love glutinous or sticky rice for its natural sweetness and fuller body. It feels creamier, so it pairs well with a splash of milk.

You can mix types as well. Many home brewers blend rice or add grains like barley for extra depth. The classic Filipino style often uses local white rice, but you can use what you have on your shelf. I like a 70/30 blend of brown and white rice. It gives depth from the brown and a clean finish from the white.

Storage Tips

Making rice coffee gets easier when you toast big batches of rice ahead of time. After toasting, let the rice cool fully, then store it in an airtight glass or metal container. This prepped rice stays fresh for up to a month and lets you brew in minutes without repeating the toasting each time.

If you got extra brew then store the liquid in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you're ready for another cup. Do not boil when reheating, as that can sharpen any bitter notes.

Make sure your storage containers are completely airtight. Toasted rice soaks up moisture and fridge odors, which can change its flavor a lot. For maximum freshness, I label my containers with the toasting date to track it.

Tips for Perfect Rice Coffee

The secret to standout rice coffee sits in the toasting. High heat burns the rice fast and gives a bitter, acrid taste that no sweetener can fix. Keep the heat medium-low and stay close, stirring so the grains brown evenly. This is not a multitasking moment; rice can go from just right to ruined in seconds.

For your first few batches, try a small test. Pull a spoonful at light, medium, and dark browning and steep each one on its own. This helps you find your preferred “roast” level without risking a whole batch. Some like a light toast for gentle flavor, others enjoy the deeper, more intense notes from a darker toast.

If you want it stronger or gentler then simply adjust the water-to-rice ratio to match your taste. The recipe gives a starting point. Like regular coffee, personal preference matters a lot here.

Steep time changes flavor in a big way. A quick 3-minute steep yields a lighter drink, the suggested 5–10 minutes gives a balanced cup, and adventurous brewers might try a 15-minute steep for maximum intensity.

Conclusion

Rice coffee gives a satisfying caffeine-free option with simple prep and lots of room to play. You might want to cut back on caffeine, save money, or explore new flavors. This traditional Filipino drink deserves a place in your rotation.

The process of making rice coffee brings a calm little ritual many coffee fans enjoy. And unlike many commercial coffee alternatives, rice coffee uses one simple, whole-food ingredient when made in its purest form.

If you would like to grab an afternoon cup but are worried about sleep then toast some rice instead of brewing beans, and your body may thank you for the caffeine break as your taste buds find a new favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use any type of rice for rice coffee?

Yes, any rice variety works, though each type creates slightly different flavors. White rice gives a milder taste, brown rice adds nuttier notes, and aromatic rices like jasmine add a gentle fragrance.

How can I tell when the rice is properly toasted?

Aim for a deep brown color—almost black but not burned. You’ll also notice a nutty, toasty aroma. If it smells acrid or burnt, the rice has gone too far.

Is rice coffee completely caffeine-free?

Yes, pure rice coffee has no caffeine naturally. Unlike coffee beans, rice doesn’t contain caffeine compounds. If you mix it with regular coffee, the caffeine drops but does not vanish.

How does rice coffee compare to regular coffee nutritionally?

Plain rice coffee has fewer calories and no caffeine compared to regular coffee. It lacks coffee’s antioxidants but also avoids caffeine-related jitters or sleep disruption.

Can I make rice coffee in a coffee maker?

Standard drip coffee makers aren’t ideal for rice coffee. The steeping method pulls flavor best from the toasted rice. But you could use a French press once the rice is properly toasted.

How long does rice coffee stay fresh?

Brewed rice coffee stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Dry toasted rice can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month for quick prep.

About the Author

This article was written by the Lifeboost Coffee team using traditional brewing methods and modern research into coffee alternatives. We referenced information from studies on rice coffee and its potential health benefits.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult healthcare professionals about dietary changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Grata Medium Roast .