Cardamom Cold Brew Coffee Recipe – Easy Maple Sweetened Iced Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cardamom Cold Brew Coffee Recipe – Easy Maple Sweetened Iced Drink

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you need your coffee, especially when the weather heats up. But sometimes, a regular iced coffee just doesn’t cut it. That’s where this Cardamom Cold Brew comes in. It’s a little bit special, a little bit fragrant, and seriously addictive. I first made this when I was craving something different, something that felt a little more…me. And honestly, it’s been a summer staple ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another iced coffee. The cardamom adds a warm, aromatic spice that beautifully complements the smooth, rich cold brew. Plus, the maple syrup gives it a natural sweetness that’s just chef’s kiss. It’s super easy to make, requires minimal effort, and is the perfect pick-me-up on a hot day. Trust me, you’ll be making this all summer long!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful drink:

• 3-4 ice cubes
• ?? cup cold brew coffee
• ?? cup milk of choice
• ??> teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will really elevate your cardamom cold brew.

Cold Brew Coffee: Choosing the Right Roast

Cold brew is key here. It’s less acidic and naturally sweeter than hot brewed coffee, which makes it perfect for this recipe. I prefer a medium-dark roast for a bolder flavor, but feel free to experiment! You can easily make your own cold brew (I’ll share a tip later!), or grab a pre-made concentrate from the store.

Milk Options: Dairy & Non-Dairy Varieties

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Use whatever milk you love! Dairy milk will give you a classic creamy texture. For plant-based options, oat milk and almond milk work beautifully. Coconut milk adds a subtle tropical twist, too.

Cardamom: The Queen of Spices – Types & Flavor Profile

Cardamom is the star of the show! I use ground cardamom for convenience, but you can also use cardamom pods. Green cardamom is the most common and has a sweet, floral aroma. Black cardamom has a smokier, more intense flavor – use it sparingly if you’re feeling adventurous!

Maple Syrup: Natural Sweetener vs. Refined Sugar

Maple syrup adds a lovely depth of flavor that refined sugar just can’t match. But if you don’t have maple syrup, honey, agave, or even a simple syrup will work in a pinch. Just adjust the amount to your liking.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get brewing! This is seriously simple.

First, fill a glass with 3-4 ice cubes. Don’t skimp on the ice – it keeps everything nice and chilled.

Next, pour in ?? cup of cold brew coffee and ?? cup of your preferred milk. I usually eyeball it, but a good starting point is a 1:1 ratio.

Now, add ??> teaspoon of ground cardamom and 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup. This is where you can really customize things to your taste.

Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and the maple syrup is dissolved.

Finally, taste and adjust the sweetness or spice level if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Want to take your cardamom cold brew to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tricks:

Brewing the Perfect Cold Brew

If you’re making your own cold brew, use a coarse grind and steep the coffee grounds in cold water for 12-24 hours. This results in a smooth, less acidic concentrate.

Adjusting Spice Levels

Start with a smaller amount of cardamom and add more to taste. Remember, a little goes a long way!

Sweetness Customization

Maple syrup is my preference, but feel free to use your favorite sweetener. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.

Ice Quality Matters

Use good quality ice! Cloudy ice melts faster and dilutes your drink.

Variations

Let’s get creative! Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Vegan Cardamom Cold Brew

This recipe is already easily vegan if you use a plant-based milk! Oat milk is my personal favorite for a creamy texture.

Spice Level Adjustments: More or Less Cardamom

My friend, Priya, loves a really spicy kick, so she often adds a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the cardamom. Feel free to experiment!

Festival Adaptations: A Refreshing Summer Drink for Celebrations

During Diwali, my family loves to add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios and a tiny saffron strand for a festive touch. It’s absolutely gorgeous and delicious!

Iced Coffee Concentrate Variation

If you’re using a cold brew concentrate, start with about ¼ cup and adjust to your desired strength.

Serving Suggestions

This cardamom cold brew is perfect on its own, but you can also get fancy! Try topping it with a dollop of whipped cream (or coconut whipped cream for a vegan option) and a sprinkle of cardamom. It also pairs beautifully with a slice of biscotti or a warm croissant.

Storage Instructions

This is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavor might mellow slightly, but it will still be delicious!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the best type of coffee to use for cold brew?

A medium-dark roast is generally recommended for cold brew, as it provides a good balance of flavor and smoothness.

Can I use cardamom pods instead of ground cardamom? If so, how much?

Yes, you can! Use about 3-4 green cardamom pods per teaspoon of ground cardamom. Lightly crush the pods to release the flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator?

You can, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. The ice will melt and dilute the flavor over time.

What milk alternatives work best in this recipe?

Oat milk and almond milk are excellent choices. Coconut milk adds a nice tropical flavor.

How can I adjust the sweetness without using maple syrup?

Honey, agave, or simple syrup are all good substitutes. Adjust the amount to your liking.

Is cold brew coffee less acidic than hot brewed coffee?

Yes, cold brew coffee is significantly less acidic than hot brewed coffee, making it easier on the stomach.

Enjoy your delicious cardamom cold brew! Let me know in the comments how you like it and if you tried any of the variations. Happy sipping!