There’s something really grounding about starting the day with a hot, spiced cup of coffee. This Masala Coffee isn’t your usual latte – it’s bold, aromatic and just the right mix of caffeine and comfort.

Think cardamom, ginger, pepper, maybe even a touch of saffron if you're in the mood. It’s a coffee with character – something I like to make when I want more warmth and depth than a regular brew.

In India, masala chai is part of everyday life – sweet, milky, full of spice. Masala coffee is less known, but just as traditional in many homes. Often made during cold or rainy weather, it’s brewed strong and spiced for both flavor and well-being. I started making it as a way to switch things up from my usual coffee routine – and it quickly became a favorite.

A Little Background & Why I Love It

Masala coffee – sometimes called spiced filter coffee or kadha coffee – has its roots in Ayurvedic tradition, where warming spices are used not just for taste but also for digestion and immunity. In many Indian households, especially in the South, coffee is simmered with spices like dry ginger, pepper, and cardamom during monsoon or winter. It’s less of a café drink and more of a home remedy – something made with care, usually passed down in families.

This version is my take on that tradition. It’s cozy, strong, and full of warmth – perfect for slow mornings, rainy afternoons, or whenever regular coffee feels a bit too plain.

It’s easy to make, and once you’ve tried it, you might just find yourself reaching for the spice jar every time you brew a cup. Here’s how I like to make it – rich, spiced, and with just enough kick to wake up your senses.

Print Recipe

Masala Spiced Coffee

Sometimes coffee just needs a little more soul. This Masala Spiced Coffee is bold, warming, and full of character – think cardamom, ginger, pepper, maybe a touch of saffron.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Indian

Servings:

Calories: 84kcal

Ingredients

20 –25 g freshly ground coffee beans medium roast Arabica works well
300 ml water
200 ml milk
1 –2 teaspoon honey to taste, do not boil
6 green cardamom pods
1 small cinnamon stick
6 black peppercorns
4 cloves
1 cm piece of fresh ginger sliced
A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
4 –6 saffron strands
Optional: a small piece of star anise or a pinch of chili flakes for extra warmth

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Make the spice infusion: Bring the water to a boil with all the spices, including saffron.
Let it simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until deeply aromatic.
Brew the coffee: Let the spiced water cool slightly to around 90–95 °C.
Pour it over the freshly ground coffee in your French Press or pour-over filter.
– French Press: Let it steep for 4 minutes, then press
– Pour-over: Let it drip through as usual
Heat the milk: Warm the milk separately (do not boil). Froth if you like.
Sweeten & serve: Pour the brewed spiced coffee into mugs, add hot milk (about 1:1 or stronger, to taste).
Stir in the honey only at the end, directly in the cup, to preserve its natural goodness.
Optional: Dust with a little cinnamon or serve with a cinnamon stick for stirring.

Notes

🌿 Use fresh spices – they make all the difference in flavor and aroma.
🔥 Simmer the spices properly – don’t rush this step, it’s where the magic happens.
🌡️ Let the water cool slightly before brewing, to avoid bitterness.
🍯 Add honey last – never boil it, so its natural benefits stay intact.
🥛 Choose a creamy milk – full-fat dairy, oat, or cashew milk work best.
🫙 Strain well if using grated ginger or fine spice bits – especially with pour-over.

✨ Twist Ideas

🥥 Coconut Masala Coffee
Swap part or all of the milk for creamy coconut milk – adds richness and a subtle tropical note.
🌶️ Add a chili kick
A pinch of dried chili flakes or a sliver of fresh chili brings warming heat.
🍦 Vanilla infusion
A splash of vanilla extract or a few vanilla seeds add a soft, comforting layer.
🍫 Chocolate version
Stir in 1 teaspoon cocoa powder with the milk – works beautifully with cinnamon and cardamom.
🧊 Iced Masala Coffee
Let it cool, then serve over ice with chilled milk and honey for a refreshing summer version.
🍵 Ayurvedic (caffeine-free) version
Skip the coffee and simmer just the spices with jaggery and a splash of lemon – soothing and grounding.

Nutrition

Once you’ve made it, you’ll see how much comfort a few spices can add to a simple cup of coffee. It’s a small extra step – but one that’s totally worth it.