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