Citrus-Infused Cold Brew Coffee with Cardamom
Smooth cold brew coffee brightened with fresh citrus zest and fragrant cardamom for a vibrant and aromatic caffeine boost. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 970 minutes brings together coarsely ground coffee beans, cold filtered water, crushed green cardamom pods for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 60 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans
- 4 cups cold filtered water
- 4 crushed green cardamom pods
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp simple syrup
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (optional)
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large jar or pitcher, combine 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans, 4 cups cold filtered water, 4 crushed green cardamom pods, and 1 tsp orange zest.
- Step 2: Stir gently to combine, cover, and steep in the refrigerator for 16 hours.
- Step 3: Strain the cold brew concentrate through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean container.
- Step 4: To serve, fill a glass with 1 cup ice cubes, pour 1 cup of cold brew concentrate, add 2 tbsp simple syrup, and stir well.
- Step 5: Add 1/4 cup milk or cream if desired, and stir until blended.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Infused Cold Brew Coffee with Cardamom take to make?
Total time is about 970 minutes (10 min prep + 960 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Infused Cold Brew Coffee with Cardamom?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-infused cold brew coffee with cardamom in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Infused Cold Brew Coffee with Cardamom?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Infused Cold Brew Coffee with Cardamom for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus-Infused Cold Brew Coffee with Cardamom?
General cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
