Toasted Spiced Coffee with Cardamom and Cinnamon

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

A fragrant Ethiopian-style coffee brewed with fresh roasted beans and infused with warming cardamom and cinnamon spices. This ethiopian-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 20 minutes brings together whole coffee beans, pods green cardamom pods, (3-inch) 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 lands at about 5 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Ethiopian cuisine 5 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/4 cup whole coffee beans for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until aromatic and lightly browned but not burnt. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Step 2: Lightly crush 4 green cardamom pods and break 1 cinnamon stick into smaller pieces.
  3. Step 3: Grind the cooled coffee beans coarsely using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
  4. Step 4: In a small pot, combine 2 cups water, ground coffee, crushed cardamom, and cinnamon pieces. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and coffee to brew.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let grounds settle for 2 minutes. Pour coffee through a fine mesh strainer into cups.
  7. Step 7: Add sugar to taste if desired and serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Toasted Spiced Coffee with Cardamom and Cinnamon take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Toasted Spiced Coffee with Cardamom and Cinnamon?

Refrigerate any leftover toasted 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 Toasted 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 Toasted 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 Toasted 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.

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