- In a cup, combine instant coffee and sugar.
- Add hot water and mix thoroughly until sugar dissolves.
- Vigorously whisk the mixture for 3-4 minutes until light, frothy, and creamy.
- Heat milk in a saucepan, then transfer to a heat-resistant glass or jar.
- Shake the jar vigorously for 1-2 minutes to create foam.
- Pour half the frothed milk into the coffee mixture and stir gently.
- Add the remaining milk, ensuring the frothy layer tops the drink.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with cocoa or cinnamon.
- Calories:150 kcal25%
- Energy:627 kJ22%
- Protein:4 g28%
- Carbohydrates:20 mg40%
- Sugar:15 mg8%
- Salt:50 g25%
- Fat:6 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Easy Indian Coffee Recipe – Frothy & Creamy Homemade Delight
Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything better than a steaming cup of perfectly brewed coffee to start your day? Or, honestly, any time of day? I remember learning to make this particular style of Indian coffee from my auntie – she always made it extra frothy, and it just felt so special. It’s incredibly simple, but the result is a rich, creamy, and utterly delightful coffee that rivals anything you’d get at a café. And the best part? It takes just minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just any coffee recipe. This is about recreating that comforting, familiar taste of Indian coffee, made right in your own kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, the frothy texture is seriously addictive! If you’re looking for a simple way to elevate your coffee game, you’ve come to the right place. It’s perfect for a cozy morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a sweet treat after dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:
- 1.5 teaspoon instant coffee (about 6g)
- 1.5 tablespoon sugar (about 15g)
- 3 tablespoon hot water (about 45ml)
- 1 cup milk (240ml)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.
- Instant Coffee: I usually use a good quality instant coffee – Nescafe Classic is a popular choice in India and works wonderfully. But feel free to experiment with your favourite brand!
- Milk Variations: Full cream milk gives the richest, creamiest result, just like my auntie always made. However, you can absolutely use toned milk, or even plant-based alternatives like oat milk or almond milk. Keep in mind that plant-based milks might not froth quite as well, but they still taste delicious.
- Sugar Options: White sugar is traditional, but you can use caster sugar, brown sugar, or even a sugar substitute like stevia, adjusting to your taste.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get brewing!
- First, in a mug or cup, combine the instant coffee and sugar.
- Pour in the hot, boiling water. Give it a good stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. You want a nice, smooth base for your coffee.
- Now for the fun part! Vigorously beat the coffee mixture with a spoon for about 3-4 minutes. Don’t be shy – really go for it! You’re aiming for a light, frothy, and creamy consistency. This is where the magic happens.
- While you’re doing that, pour the milk into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, transfer it to a heat-resistant glass jar or a stainless steel jar.
- Now, shake that jar like you mean it! Shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the milk becomes thick and foamy. This is the key to that perfect Indian coffee froth.
- Gently pour about half of the frothed milk into the coffee mixture and stir.
- Finally, add the remaining milk, making sure that lovely frothy layer sits right on top of your coffee.
- Serve immediately! A sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon is a lovely touch, if you’re feeling fancy.
Expert Tips
Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:
- The key to a good froth is vigorous beating and shaking. Don’t skimp on the effort!
- Using hot (almost boiling) water for the coffee helps dissolve the sugar and creates a better froth.
- If you don’t have a heat-resistant jar, you can use a French press to froth the milk.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Spice Level – Cardamom Infusion: Add a pinch of cardamom powder to the coffee mixture for a fragrant and warming twist. My grandmother always did this!
- Sweetness Level – Adjust Sugar: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Milk Alternatives – Vegan Option: As mentioned before, oat milk or almond milk work beautifully for a vegan version.
- Iced Coffee Adaptation: Let the coffee cool completely, then pour it over ice. It’s the perfect summer treat!
Serving Suggestions
This coffee is wonderful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:
- Biscuits or cookies (especially Marie biscuits – a classic Indian pairing!)
- A slice of cake
- A light breakfast of toast and fruit
Storage Instructions
Honestly, this coffee is best enjoyed immediately. The froth will settle over time. However, if you must store it, you can refrigerate it for up to a few hours, but it won’t be quite the same.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions:
- Is this recipe suitable for beginners? Absolutely! It’s incredibly simple and straightforward.
- Can I use a French press to froth the milk? Yes, definitely! Just pump the plunger up and down vigorously until the milk is frothy.
- What type of instant coffee works best for this recipe? Nescafe Classic is a popular choice, but any good quality instant coffee will work.
- How can I adjust the sweetness level? Simply add more or less sugar to suit your taste.
- Can I make this coffee ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the coffee concentrate (coffee, sugar, and water) ahead of time and froth the milk just before serving.