Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee with Cardamom and Cinnamon

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

A fragrant coffee drink infused with Ethiopian traditional spices cardamom and cinnamon, perfect for a warming treat. This ethiopian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together freshly brewed strong coffee, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon 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 80 calories 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Ethiopian cuisine 80 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brew 2 cups of strong coffee using your preferred method (espresso, drip, or French press).
  2. Step 2: While coffee is hot, stir in 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 2 tsp sugar until completely dissolved and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/4 cup milk or cream gently on the stove or microwave until steaming but not boiling, then froth if desired.
  4. Step 4: Pour the spiced coffee into cups and top with the warm frothed milk or cream for a smooth finish.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately to enjoy the warm aromatic spices reminiscent of Ethiopian coffee ceremonies.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee with Cardamom and Cinnamon take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee with Cardamom and Cinnamon?

Refrigerate any leftover ethiopian-inspired spiced coffee with cardamom and cinnamon 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee with Cardamom and Cinnamon?

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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee with Cardamom and Cinnamon 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 Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Coffee with Cardamom and Cinnamon?

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.