Cardamom Latte

This cardamom latte can rival seasonal favorites from the big coffee chains. And you don't need any syrups or barista skills to make it.

Simply steep the milk with the right amount of ground cardamom, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Then froth it and mix with freshly brewed coffee or espresso.

Such a treat!

If you're looking for more cardamom spiced hot beverages, try my cardamom hot chocolate or cardamom milk.

Ingredient notes

Here are some helpful notes on ingredients you'll need. See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

• Milk – full fat milk is ideal, but feel free to use low fat options.
• Ground cardamom (aka cardamom powder) – you can find it in Middle Eastern, Pakistani and Indian grocery stores – or online. Also often available in baking or international food sections of some big stores. In case you only come across whole cardamom pods, grind them into a fine powder using spice/coffee grinder.
• Vanilla extract – best to use pure extract, but artificial one (aka essence) will also be fine.
• Sugar – I prefer brown sugar for a hint of molasses but if you don't have it, feel free to use white sugar.
• Strongly brewed coffee or espresso – you can adjust the coffee strength to your liking. Prefer a milkier latte? Feel free to reduce the quantity. If you're new to making coffee at home, Sonja Overhiser has a good blog post with 6 different methods you can check out.
• Ground cinnamon – optional but highly recommended. It pairs really well with the cardamom taste.

How to make cardamom latte

Follow these simple, photo-assisted instructions to prepare this recipe. Check out recipe card below for a printable version that has quantities, instructions and notes in one place.

Step 1 – add milk, ground cardamom, vanilla extract, brown sugar to a saucepan. Bring to a simmer on medium heat. Then turn down the heat to low and let it steep 10 minutes. Stir frequently.

Step 2 – meanwhile, prepare your strong coffee or espresso, pour into a mug.

Step 3 – after the milk mixture has steeped, turn the heat off, use a milk frother to froth to your desired consistency. If you don't have a frother, whisk vigorously by hand or use hand blender. You can also skip the frothing step altogether.

Step 4 – then pour the frothy milk into the mug containing coffee, sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon on top. Enjoy!

Recipe troubleshooting

• Burnt milk – always use medium to low heat when heating up milk. And stir frequently to prevent scorching. A heavy-bottomed saucepan can help distribute heat evenly.
• Separated or curdled milk – older milk and low fat varieties are more prone to curdling. If using non-dairy milk, choose varieties known for heat stability – like barista blends.
• Weak cardamom flavor – the potency of ground cardamom can diminish over time. If yours isn't freshly ground, taste the milk after steeping. If it needs more punch, add a little extra cardamom and simmer a bit more.
• Cinnamon garnish overpowering the drink – remember, a tiny pinch goes a long way. Don't use more or it will overshadow the cardamom taste.

Substitutions and variations

• Dairy alternatives – almond, soy and oat milk are good options. Barista blends will give better froth.
• Different types of coffee – regular drip coffee, instant coffee or even decaf variants can be used. Adjust the strength and quantity to your liking.
• Sweetener variations – maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can be used instead of sugar.
• Chocolate twist – add a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a few chocolate chips/shavings into the milk as it simmers.
• Iced version – let the cardamom infused milk cool, then mix with cold-brewed coffee or iced espresso. Serve over ice. Oh and if you enjoy chilled coffee treats, also try this coffee float.
• Garnish options – try a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a dash of nutmeg instead of ground cinnamon.
• Luxurious touch – top your latte with a dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of caramel sauce.

What to serve it with

• Cakes and quick breads – a slice of moist pound cake, lemon loaf or banana bread will be a great pairing.
• Warm pastries – think flaky pastries such as croissants, Danish pastries or even a slice of warm apple pie.
• Savory snacks – choose light ones like crackers or savory scones for a delightful balance to the spiced latte.
• Nutty treats – almond or pistachio flavored treats like macarons or nut bars will also pair well.
• Assorted biscuits or cookies – like digestive biscuits, oat cookies or chocolate chip cookies for some sweet crunch.

Storage and reheating

• Storage – let the cardamom latte cool to room temperature, then pour into a clean bottle or jar with a tight lid. Or simply cover your cup/mug with plastic wrap. Refrigerate up to two days. Don't worry if you see some separation – it will get fixed with a good stir when reheating.
• Reheating – transfer to a saucepan and gently warm on low heat. Stir often. If using microwave, heat in 30 second spurts, stirring in between.

Just so you know

• The tradition of spicing coffee with cardamom is not new. In the Middle East, traditional coffee (like Qahwa) is often brewed with it.
• This latte also takes inspiration from traditional South Asian chai flavors, where cardamom is a frequently used ingredient.
• You can prepare the cardamom infused milk up to 2 days in advance of use. Store in the fridge, then reheat and froth when needed. Make fresh coffee/espresso and combine the two. I love to use this time-saving hack when I'm entertaining.

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