Lightly spiced, smooth, and naturally sweet.
If you’ve never added cardamom to your coffee, you’re in for a treat.
This Cardamom Honey Cold Brew is smooth, a little sweet, and has just the right hint of warm spice.
I love this drink when I want something a little fancy but still easy.
The cardamom makes it feel cozy, and the honey adds the perfect natural sweetness.
You don’t need any fancy gear—just time, a jar, and your favorite coffee.
Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s a go-to summer drink for me. I first tried a cardamom coffee in a tiny café that made their own syrups—and I was hooked. I decided to bring those flavors home with this cold brew twist.
- It’s way cheaper than buying fancy coffee out.
- You can make a big batch and sip all week.
- Honey + cardamom = flavor magic.
- Cold brew is smoother and less acidic than hot coffee.
Makes
4 servings
Time
10 minutes prep + 12–24 hours steeping
What You’ll Need
- ¾ cup coarsely ground coffee
- 3 cups cold filtered water
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- 2–3 tbsp honey, to taste
- Ice cubes
- Optional: milk or cream for serving
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cold brew is brewed slowly, so it pulls fewer acids from the beans—making it smoother and easier on your stomach.
- Cardamom is fat-soluble, so pairing it with a little cream or milk helps the flavor bloom.
- Honey dissolves better in a little warm water or stirred into a cold brew that’s been sitting at room temp a bit.
Common Mistakes
- Using fine coffee grounds – This makes your cold brew cloudy and over-extracted. Go coarse.
- Not steeping long enough – You need 12+ hours to get full flavor.
- Too much cardamom – It’s strong. Start small.
- Adding honey to cold coffee directly – It won’t mix well unless you stir it in slowly or slightly warm it.
What to Serve With
- Almond biscotti or a buttery shortbread cookie
- A fruit bowl with berries and mint
- Yogurt + granola breakfast bowl
- A simple avocado toast with flaky salt
Tools You’ll Need
- Quart-size mason jar or pitcher
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Small bowl (for honey)
- Spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tall glass for serving
Substitutions and Variations
- Maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version
- Use whole green cardamom pods (about 3–4) cracked instead of ground if you like a more subtle flavor
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for warmth
- Try with oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free sip
Make Ahead Tips
- Make a double batch and store in the fridge for up to 1 week
- Mix in the honey just before serving for best flavor
- You can steep it overnight and strain in the morning—it’s ready when you are
How to Make Cardamom Honey Cold Brew
Step 1: Combine Coffee & Cardamom
In a mason jar or pitcher, add ¾ cup coarsely ground coffee and ¼ tsp ground cardamom.
Step 2: Add Water & Stir
Pour in 3 cups cold filtered water. Stir gently to combine the coffee and spices evenly.
Step 3: Steep Overnight
Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the stronger the flavor.
Step 4: Strain
Strain the cold brew through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. Discard the grounds.
Step 5: Sweeten with Honey
Stir in 2–3 tbsp honey, or more to taste. If needed, let the cold brew sit at room temp for a few minutes to help the honey dissolve easier.
Step 6: Serve Over Ice (Optional: Add Milk)
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, pour your cold brew over, and add a splash of milk or cream if you like.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store extra cold brew in the fridge for up to 1 week
- Keep it in a sealed jar or bottle
- Shake or stir before serving—settling is normal
- Don’t leave it with milk added—add that fresh
FAQ
Q: Can I use decaf coffee?
Yes! Same process, same delicious flavor.
Q: Can I use fresh cardamom pods?
Absolutely. Just lightly crush 3–4 pods and steep them with the coffee.
Q: Do I need special equipment?
Nope. Just a jar and a strainer.
Q: Can I heat it up?
You can gently warm it on the stove if you prefer a hot version!
Let’s Make It!
This Cardamom Honey Cold Brew is a simple way to treat yourself with café vibes at home. Once you try it, you might just skip the coffee shop. If you make it, I’d love to hear what you think—drop a comment and let me know how it went or if you have any questions!
☕💛
