Instant Coffee Recipe – Creamy Indian Coffee Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Coffee Recipe – Creamy Indian Coffee Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a good cup of coffee is essential to start the day – or honestly, to get through the afternoon slump! I remember learning to make this instant coffee the way my Dadi (grandmother) did, and it’s been my go-to ever since. It’s quick, easy, and unbelievably comforting. This isn’t just coffee; it’s a little bit of home in a mug. Let’s get brewing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This instant coffee recipe is a hug in a mug. Seriously! It’s incredibly simple, needing just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy mornings, unexpected guests, or when you just need a little pick-me-up. Plus, it’s totally customizable – want it spicier? Sweeter? No problem! You’re in control.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy cup of coffee:

• 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
• 3 tablespoons granulated white sugar (about 30g)
• 2 tablespoons water (about 30ml)
• 1.5 cups full cream milk (about 360ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Coffee Powder: I prefer a good quality instant coffee powder – it really impacts the flavour. Brands like Nescafe Classic or Bru are popular choices in India.
• Milk Fat Content: Full cream milk (around 3.25% fat) gives you that lovely, rich, creamy texture we all crave. But you can definitely adjust this!
• Sugar Variations: White sugar is traditional, but you can experiment! Try using brown sugar for a slightly molasses-y flavour, or even a little bit of jaggery (gur) for a more rustic, Indian sweetness. My friend, Priya, swears by adding a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness – give it a try!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some coffee!

1. First, in a mixer jar, add your coffee powder, sugar, and 1 tablespoon of water.
2. Now, blend it all up until the mixture turns a lovely light brown and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or even a spoon if you don’t have a mixer – just give it a good whisk!
3. Next, boil the milk in a saucepan over medium heat. You want a good, rolling boil – keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overflow!
4. Time to combine! Add the coffee mixture to your favourite mug. Pour in a small amount of the hot milk and mix well. This helps dissolve the coffee paste and prevents clumps.
5. Now, pour in the remaining hot milk and stir everything thoroughly.
6. Finally, sprinkle a tiny bit of coffee powder on top (optional, but I love the look!) and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t skip blending the coffee and sugar with water! It creates a beautiful base for the coffee.
• Heating the milk properly is key. A good boil ensures the milk is hot enough to blend with the coffee.
• Adjust the sugar to your liking. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more if needed.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level – Cardamom/Elaichi: My family loves adding a pinch of cardamom powder (about ¼ teaspoon) to the coffee mixture while blending. It adds such a warm, fragrant flavour!
• Sweetness Level: Feel free to adjust the sugar. My sister prefers her coffee less sweet, so she only uses 2 tablespoons.
• Milk Alternatives – Vegan Option: You can easily make this vegan by using plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Oat milk creates a particularly creamy texture.
• Regional Variations – Filter Coffee Style: For a South Indian filter coffee vibe, add a splash of chicory powder (about ½ teaspoon) to the coffee mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This coffee is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Biscuits (cookies!) – Marie biscuits are a classic choice.
• A slice of cake.
• A hearty Indian breakfast like poha or upma.

Storage Instructions

This coffee is best enjoyed immediately! It doesn’t store well, as it will lose its flavour and creaminess.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe suitable for decaf coffee? Absolutely! Just use decaffeinated instant coffee powder.
• Can I make this coffee ahead of time? Not really. It’s best made fresh to enjoy the creamy texture and flavour.
• What is the best type of milk to use for creamy coffee? Full cream milk will give you the richest, creamiest result, but any milk you like will work!
• How can I adjust the sweetness level? Start with 3 tablespoons of sugar and add more to taste.
• Can I add any spices to enhance the flavour? Definitely! Cardamom, cinnamon, or a pinch of nutmeg are all delicious additions.