This iced cardamom rose latte is one of my favorite go-to drinks when I want something a little fancy but super chill. It’s floral, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet.
The cardamom gives it a warm, cozy vibe, while the rose makes it feel like a treat you’d get at a cute little cafe. You can make it in under 10 minutes with just a few ingredients.
It’s seriously that easy—and it feels like a full-on moment of self-care in a glass.
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this, I was just experimenting with flavors I already had—rose water from a Middle Eastern dessert and ground cardamom from a chai recipe. I didn’t expect them to work together so well, but one sip and I was hooked. Now it’s part of my regular routine when I want a little extra joy in my day.
- No fancy equipment needed
- Makes your kitchen smell amazing
- Can be enjoyed hot or cold
- It feels like a luxury, but it’s easy
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots espresso, cooled
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or any milk you like)
- 1 1/2 tsp rose water
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Dried edible rose petals for garnish (optional)
Pro Tips
- Brew your coffee a little stronger than usual so the flavor doesn’t get lost with the milk and ice.
- Don’t overdo the rose water—it can go from floral to soapy real quick.
- Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but oat milk is a great non-dairy option.
- Chill your coffee ahead of time to avoid watering it down with melting ice.
- A pinch of cardamom is plenty—it adds warmth without overpowering.
Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Tall glass
- Measuring spoons
- Coffee maker or espresso machine
- Ice cube tray or store-bought ice
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap milk with oat, almond, or coconut milk
- Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey
- Try cinnamon instead of cardamom for a different warm flavor
- Skip the coffee and use strong black tea for a tea latte version
Make Ahead Tips
- Brew your coffee the night before and chill it
- Mix the cardamom, rose water, and sweetener ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Keep milk chilled separately, and just mix when ready to serve
Recipe (Serves 1 | Takes 8 minutes)
Step 1: Brew and Chill Your Coffee
Brew 1/2 cup of strong coffee or 2 shots of espresso and let it cool completely. You can also make this the night before and refrigerate.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor Base
In a small bowl, mix 1 1/2 tsp rose water, 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, and 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Add Ice to Your Glass
Fill your glass about 3/4 full with ice cubes.
Step 4: Add the Flavor Base to the Glass
Pour the rose-cardamom-honey mixture over the ice.
Step 5: Add the Cooled Coffee
Pour in the 1/2 cup cooled strong coffee or espresso.
Step 6: Add Milk
Top with 3/4 cup milk. Pour slowly to let it swirl beautifully into the coffee and spice mixture.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle dried edible rose petals and a tiny dusting of cardamom on top. Add a straw if you like.
Leftovers and Storage
This drink is best fresh, but you can store the mixed flavor base in the fridge for up to 3 days. Don’t store the finished drink—ice will melt and dilute everything.
Macros (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 19g
- Sugar: 15g
Macros will vary slightly based on the type of milk and sweetener used.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cardamom pairs naturally with coffee due to its warm, citrusy flavor which enhances bitterness in a smooth way.
- Rose water adds an aromatic note that feels sweet without needing much sugar.
- Honey or maple syrup adds body and subtle sweetness that blends easily in cold drinks.
- Layering the milk last creates that beautiful swirl and also keeps it from separating too quickly.
Common Mistakes
- Using hot coffee—it melts the ice and waters everything down.
- Adding too much rose water—it can overpower the drink fast.
- Forgetting to stir the honey until dissolved—it’ll sink to the bottom and not blend evenly.
- Not chilling the coffee long enough—you’ll lose that bold flavor.
What to Serve With
- Almond biscotti
- Pistachio shortbread cookies
- A light fruit salad
- A slice of lemon pound cake
FAQ
Can I make it hot instead of iced?
Yes! Just skip the ice and warm the milk before mixing everything together.
What kind of rose water should I use?
Look for food-grade rose water in the baking or international section of your grocery store.
Can I use ground cardamom from tea bags?
Try to use fresh ground cardamom for stronger flavor. Tea bags may be too mild.
Can I make a big batch?
Definitely. Just multiply the recipe by however many servings you want and store the coffee and flavor base separately.
Final Thoughts
This iced cardamom rose latte feels like a little luxury you can make in under 10 minutes. It’s easy, comforting, and something a little different from your regular iced coffee. If you try it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out—or how you made it your own!
