Coffee with cardamom – a recipe for an aromatic coffee with an oriental character
Coffee with cardamom is a blend of classic and exotic – the intense aroma of freshly ground beans meets the spicy note of a seasoning that has been cherished in Middle Eastern countries for centuries. It is a drink of remarkable depth and harmony: stimulating like a classic espresso while also bringing a sense of calm and warmth. Cardamom for coffee gives the drink an oriental character and a dash of refinement with a slightly citrusy accent that awakens the senses and relaxes you, like aromatherapy in a cup. Sipped slowly in a moment of peace, it becomes a little ritual – a moment that connects energy with relaxation.
In this article, we will show you how to make coffee with cardamom step by step. We will also explain why this combination is worth trying – both for its flavour qualities and its pleasant effect on your wellbeing. If you love experimenting with coffee, or are simply looking for inspiration for your daily rituals in a new version, you are in the perfect place!
Find more aromatic inspiration on our blog in the category “Coffee Recipes”. For now, take a short break, grab your favourite cup and discover coffee with cardamom – an aromatic drink that will transport you to oriental atmospheres.
Summary:
- Coffee with cardamom – what effects does it have?
- Coffee with cardamom – recipe step by step
- Which cardamom for coffee?
- Cardamom for coffee – its effects and beneficial properties
Coffee with cardamom – what effects does it have?
There is a reason why cardamom is one of baristas’ favourite additions when they want to draw out the full flavour and aroma of a drink. Cardamom is more than just a spice – it is a true superfood, appreciated for its intense scent and warm, spicy character that pairs perfectly with the depth of coffee. In many cultures it is considered a spice that brings a hint of freshness and lightness to a beverage, and when combined with coffee, it creates a duo that delights with both flavour and aroma.
In this section, we will bring you closer to this extraordinary combination – its flavour, effect, and a touch of history that began in the Orient. Let’s start with the taste of coffee with cardamom and how it differs from a classic black coffee.
Coffee with cardamom – oriental flavour in your cup
Coffee with cardamom is a journey through time and space – just one sip can make you feel as though you are in an aromatic café in Istanbul or Amman. For centuries, this spice has been a symbol of hospitality throughout the Middle East, where the fragrant brew is served as a gesture of respect towards guests.
Its flavour is a fusion of the intensity of traditional coffee and the lightly citrusy, spicy note of cardamom. Thanks to this spice, the beverage gains a more balanced profile – less bitterness, more depth. Cardamom softens the perceived acidity of coffee and highlights its naturally sweet tones, making it especially recommended for those who prefer milder coffee varieties.
If you love experimenting, besides cardamom you can add a hint of cinnamon – coffee with cinnamon and cardamom has a distinctly dessert-like character and evokes the oriental spice blends used for Turkish coffee.
💡 Did you know? In countries such as Saudi Arabia and Oman, coffee with cardamom (called qahwa) is a traditional drink served on every important occasion – from welcoming guests to family celebrations. It is often enhanced with a pinch of saffron or rose petals.
Cardamom for coffee – effects and qualities worth knowing
Cardamom is a spice with a unique aromatic profile – intense yet fresh and subtly sweet. It is valued not only for its flavour but also for the way it adds lightness and harmony to the coffee experience. In Ayurvedic tradition, cardamom was believed to bring balance and warmth – today, we appreciate it mainly for its exceptional taste and aroma.
- ✔️ Brings a pleasant warmth – particularly satisfying on chilly mornings.
- ✔️ Balances the flavour of coffee – it makes the drink smoother and more harmonious.
- ✔️ Awakens the senses – its fragrance adds freshness and complexity to your cup.
- ✔️ Accentuates natural coffee notes – drawing out the sweetness and aroma of high‑quality beans.
📌 Take a look: If you want to choose the perfect beans for your coffee with cardamom, explore our selection of speciality coffees. To learn more about how acidity and bitterness influence flavour profiles, read our blog post “Coffee acidity and bitterness – how to choose the perfect beans for your taste”.
In the next section, we’ll reveal an exact coffee with cardamom recipe – step by step, complete with practical tips and spice proportions to help you achieve the perfect balance of flavours. You’ll also discover which cardamom for coffee to choose and how best to combine it with your preferred brewing method.
Coffee with cardamom – recipe step by step
It is time to move from theory to practice. Below you will find a simple yet impressive coffee with cardamom recipe that will allow you to enjoy this unique aroma in the comfort of your own home. No special equipment is required – just your favourite coffee beans, some fresh cardamom and a few minutes to create a drink of exceptional character.
Ingredients needed to prepare coffee with cardamom
To make aromatic coffee with cardamom, you only need a few ingredients. Remember, however, that the quality of your ingredients matters enormously – it directly affects the final flavour of the drink. Choose freshly roasted beans, ideally from our range of speciality coffees. Their complex flavour profiles pair perfectly with the bold aroma of spices.
For one serving you will need:
- coffee – 2 teaspoons of freshly ground beans (approx. 10 g per 200 ml of water)
- cardamom – a pinch of ground spice or 2–3 crushed pods (to taste)
- water – about 200 ml, preferably filtered
- milk (optional) – add to taste if you prefer a milder coffee
- honey or sugar (optional) – to slightly enhance the sweetness
Tip: if you use cardamom pods, lightly crush them in a mortar just before use – this helps release more essential oils and a fuller aroma. With ground spice, a small amount will suffice – remember that cardamom has a very intense flavour.
Freshly ground cardamom has a noticeably stronger scent than a pre‑ground spice that has been stored for a long time, so it is best to grind it fresh whenever possible.
☕ How to make coffee with cardamom – recipe
Preparing coffee with cardamom does not require any special barista skills. Just a few minutes and good‑quality ingredients are enough to obtain a drink of remarkable depth. Below is a simple, universal method that you can easily adjust to your preferred brewing style.
- 1️⃣ Prepare the spice: if using whole cardamom pods, crush them lightly in a mortar to release their aroma. For convenience, you can simply measure out ground cardamom with a teaspoon.
- 2️⃣ Add coffee and cardamom to the vessel: put about 2 teaspoons of coffee and a pinch of cardamom into a French Press or cup. Stir to mix the spice evenly with the coffee.
- 3️⃣ Pour over hot water: fill with about 200 ml of water at 90–95 °C (not boiling). This temperature helps preserve the full aroma and delicate taste.
- 4️⃣ Wait 3–5 minutes: cover the vessel and let the coffee steep. After this time, press down the plunger or strain the brew through a fine sieve.
- 5️⃣ Season to taste: add a little honey, sugar or milk if you prefer. The plain version, without additions, will be more intense and aromatic.
This is a universal way to prepare coffee with cardamom that works perfectly at home. If you feel like experimenting, here are a few other brewing methods to give your coffee a slightly different character:
- ✔️ Turkish coffee: place coffee and cardamom in a small cezve pot, pour over cold water and heat slowly almost to boiling. The result is a thick, aromatic brew reminiscent of a coffee cream.
- ✔️ Moka pot: add a small pinch of cardamom directly to the filter basket with the ground coffee. During brewing, steam will carry the spice’s aroma through the coffee.
- ✔️ Espresso with cardamom: sprinkle a little spice into the finished espresso or add cardamom to frothed milk – you’ll get a quick, warming drink with an oriental note.
Adding cardamom for coffee is a wonderful way to rediscover your beans – even familiar coffee can taste completely new alongside this spice. Try different proportions; sometimes just a pinch of cardamom completely transforms the flavour profile of your drink!
If you’d like a more refined version, combine cardamom with a hint of cinnamon or vanilla. Coffee with cardamom and cinnamon is perfect as a cosy afternoon drink, especially on colder days.
Which cardamom for coffee?
Although the recipe simply mentions cardamom for coffee, this term actually covers several varieties of the spice. Each has slightly different characteristics and aroma – from fresh and citrusy to deeply smoky and earthy. Choosing the right type of cardamom can completely change the flavour of the drink, so it’s worth understanding their differences and matching them to the kind of coffee you enjoy.
What are the differences between types of cardamom?
There are three main types of cardamom – green, black and white. Although they come from the same botanical family, they differ in aroma intensity, flavour, and how they are used. Here’s a short comparison:
- 💚 Green cardamom – the most common and versatile variety. It has a fresh, slightly citrus scent with hints of eucalyptus and mint. This is the one that works best with coffee – it emphasises the natural sweetness of the beans and gently tones down their bitterness. Perfect for pour‑over, espresso machines or a French Press.
- 🖤 Black cardamom – has a stronger, smokier and more earthy aroma. It’s used more often in Indian cuisine, where it’s added to savoury dishes and masalas. In coffee, it’s rarer, but in small amounts it can bring a deep, distinctive flavour – for example, to espresso or Turkish‑style coffee.
- 🤍 White cardamom – a bleached form of green cardamom (often through drying or bleaching). It has a lighter aroma and a simpler flavour. It’s suitable when you want just a gentle hint of spice in milk‑based or dessert coffees.
If you’re looking for the classic, aromatic effect, choose green cardamom – ideally in pods that you can crush yourself in a mortar just before brewing. This preserves freshness and the full spectrum of essential oils. The ground form is convenient if you value speed, though it does lose its aroma faster than whole pods.
How much cardamom to add to coffee for the perfect aroma?
Although cardamom is intensely aromatic, you need only a small amount to achieve the ideal result. Too much will overpower the coffee’s taste. So, how much cardamom to add to coffee?
- For one cup (about 200 ml): a pinch of ground cardamom (about ⅙ teaspoon) or 1–2 crushed pods.
- For a pot (about 600–700 ml): use ½ teaspoon of ground spice or 4–6 pods.
It’s best to experiment – different brewing methods (espresso, pour‑over, cold brew) release the spice’s aroma differently. If you’re new to this combination, start with a minimal amount and gradually increase it until you find your perfect taste balance.
💡 Tip: add the spice before brewing rather than to the finished drink – this allows the cardamom to release its natural essential oils and enhance the aroma. For espresso, you can sprinkle a little directly on the ground coffee in the portafilter before extraction.
Cardamom for coffee – its effects and beneficial properties
Coffee with cardamom is a real feast for the senses, as well as a combination that has been part of many cultures for centuries because of its traditional uses. Cardamom is a spice known for its intense aroma and rich history – from India to the Middle East it has been appreciated not only for its culinary qualities but also for the comforting warmth and harmony it brings to drinks. While we don’t attribute medicinal properties to it, we can certainly say that it gives coffee a distinctive character that promotes a pleasant mood and a sense of relaxation.
Why does coffee with cardamom support digestion?
In traditional Asian cuisines, cardamom has long been considered a “soothing” spice – one that brings balance and harmony to the flavour of dishes and drinks. Its aromatic oils and slightly citrus notes make beverages with its addition taste smoother and lighter, which is why they are often enjoyed after meals. Many people also note that the spice gives drinks a pleasant feeling of warmth, especially on colder days.
Coffee with cardamom, thanks to these qualities, is often chosen as an alternative to stronger or heavier drinks – it has a clear aroma yet remains gentle on the palate. It’s a perfect way to combine the pleasure of drinking coffee with a subtle spicy accent that creates a calming atmosphere.
💡 Did you know? In many Middle Eastern countries, coffee with cardamom is traditionally served after meals – it’s a sign of hospitality that combines the joy of savouring aroma with the ritual of sharing. In Arab homes, the drink is often poured into small porcelain cups, unsweetened yet filled with warmth and sincerity. The host serves it to each guest, starting with the eldest, as a symbol of respect, gratitude and openness. In many parts of the world, this gesture is seen as a mark of true hospitality and a way to pause and enjoy a moment of togetherness “here and now”.
Cardamom for coffee – for better mood and concentration
The scent of cardamom is one that’s impossible to ignore. It’s one of those spices that can instantly lift your spirits – gently invigorating and soothing at the same time. No wonder that coffee with cardamom has become popular not only in traditional Arabic cafés but also in modern speciality coffee shops looking for unique flavour combinations.
The aromatic duo of coffee and cardamom can aid focus – the spice’s refreshing scent helps awaken the senses, making it a great choice in the morning. At the same time, its warm, spicy nature adds a relaxing touch – a balance between stimulation and calm that encourages you to start the day with a smile.
- ✔️ A scent that energises – the fresh, intense aroma of cardamom acts like a natural burst of energy.
- ✔️ A mindful ritual – drinking this coffee is not only a moment of pleasure but also a pause in a busy day.
- ✔️ Natural flavour harmony – coffee’s bitterness meets the sweet, fresh note of the spice, creating both depth and delicacy of taste.
Coffee with cardamom is therefore more than just a drink – it’s an experience that engages all the senses. It brings aromatic balance to your day: energising yet harmonious and calm.
This is where the magic of small rituals lies. A freshly brewed coffee with cardamom can energise you, spark imagination and give special meaning to everyday moments. If you’re looking for more flavour inspiration, make sure to explore our recipe section – you’ll find other combinations of coffee and spices that surprise with their harmony. We especially recommend the autumn‑inspired Pumpkin Spice Latte. And if you’d like every cup of your favourite brew to taste even richer, discover our collection of freshly roasted speciality coffees – ideal for experimenting with spices and creating your own mindful coffee rituals.
Let every cup become your ritual – aromatic, mindful and full of flavour.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Coffee with Cardamom
1. How much cardamom to add to coffee?
It only takes a small amount – for one cup (around 200 ml) use a pinch of ground cardamom or 1–2 lightly crushed pods. In larger quantities the spice can overpower the drink. It’s worth experimenting with proportions to find the ideal balance between the intensity of your coffee and the subtle spice aroma.
2. Which cardamom for coffee is the best?
Green cardamom is most often chosen – it has a fresh, slightly citrus aroma that beautifully complements coffee. You can use whole pods or ground spice (for convenience). Keep in mind that freshly crushed pods release a stronger aroma than pre‑ground powder.
3. Can you add cardamom to espresso?
Yes! Add a pinch of spice to the ground beans before brewing or sprinkle a little ground cardamom into the finished espresso. This gives the drink a gentle, spicy character and a fresh aroma typical of coffees served in Arabic regions.
4. What other spices go well with cardamom in coffee?
Cardamom combines wonderfully with other warm spices. You can mix it with cinnamon for a sweet note, cloves and ginger for a more warming effect, or vanilla for a dessert‑like flavour. The combination of cardamom and nutmeg or a dash of cocoa also works great, giving coffee a chocolaty depth and a pleasantly rich aroma.
5. Does coffee with cardamom have health benefits?
Cardamom is valued for its aroma and traditional uses in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. It brings a sense of warmth and harmony to drinks and helps coffee taste smoother on the palate. It’s a great alternative when you’re looking to enrich your daily brew with something aromatic and different from classic black coffee.
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