Coffee Ceremony Brewed Ethiopian Spiced Coffee

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Traditional Ethiopian coffee brewed with aromatic spices for a ceremonial and flavorful experience. This ethiopian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 20 minutes brings together water, pods cardamom pods, lightly crushed, small stick cinnamon stick 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 is portion-balanced and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Ethiopian cuisine
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small pot, combine 2 cups water with 3 lightly crushed cardamom pods, 1 small cinnamon stick, and 2 whole cloves. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the spices.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 tablespoons freshly roasted Ethiopian coffee beans, coarsely ground, to the spiced water. Stir gently and allow the mixture to come to a low boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes without stirring to let grounds settle.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and let the coffee grounds settle to the bottom for 2 minutes. Carefully pour the coffee into small cups, leaving grounds behind.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately with sugar to taste, enjoying the fragrant, spiced Ethiopian coffee as part of a traditional ceremony.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Coffee Ceremony Brewed Ethiopian Spiced Coffee take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Coffee Ceremony Brewed Ethiopian Spiced Coffee?

Refrigerate any leftover coffee ceremony brewed ethiopian spiced coffee 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 Coffee Ceremony Brewed Ethiopian Spiced Coffee?

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 Coffee Ceremony Brewed Ethiopian Spiced Coffee for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Coffee Ceremony Brewed Ethiopian Spiced Coffee?

Ethiopian 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.

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