Ethiopian Coffee-Spiced Cardamom Tea

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-31 · Updated 2026-07-31

A fragrant hot beverage blending Ethiopian coffee spices with cardamom and black tea for a warming traditional drink. This Ethiopian-inspired recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, brings together water, black tea leaves, 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

• 3 cups water
• 2 tbsp black tea leaves
• 5, lightly crushed green cardamom pods
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 4 whole black peppercorns
• 2 tbsp or to taste sugar
• 1/2 cup (optional) milk

The coffee makers we’d brew this with → Best Coffee Makers in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups water with 2 tbsp black tea leaves, 5 lightly crushed green cardamom pods, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, and 4 whole black peppercorns.
2. Step 2: Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes to infuse the spices and tea.
3. Step 3: Remove from heat and strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve into a teapot or heatproof container.
4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste) and 1/2 cup milk if desired. Heat gently if adding milk until warm but not boiling.
5. Step 5: Serve the tea hot in small cups, enjoying the aromatic blend of spices reminiscent of Ethiopian coffee ceremonies.