Ingredients

  • Coffee: 1 cup coarsely ground coffee (medium roast, preferably Ethiopian or Colombian for floral notes)
  • Water: 4 cups cold, filtered water
  • Cardamom: 4-6 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  • Rose Water: 1-2 teaspoons food-grade rose water (adjust to taste)
  • Sweetener (optional): Simple syrup, honey, or sugar to taste
  • Milk or Cream (optional): For serving, if desired
  • Ice: For serving
  • Dried Rose Petals (optional): For garnish, food-grade

Equipment

  • Large jar or pitcher (at least 1.5-quart capacity)
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Coffee filter (optional, for smoother brew)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or stirrer

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coffee Base:
    • In a large jar or pitcher, combine 1 cup coarsely ground coffee, 4 cups cold filtered water, and the lightly crushed cardamom pods.
    • Stir gently to ensure all coffee grounds are fully saturated.
  2. Steep the Mixture:
    • Cover the jar or pitcher and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-18 hours. This slow extraction creates a smooth, low-acidity cold brew.
  3. Strain the Cold Brew:
    • After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove the coffee grounds and cardamom pods.
    • For a clearer brew, strain a second time through a coffee filter.
  4. Add Rose Water:
    • Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of food-grade rose water. Start with 1 teaspoon and taste, adding more if you prefer a stronger floral note. Be cautious, as rose water can be overpowering.
  5. Sweeten (Optional):
    • If desired, add simple syrup, honey, or sugar to taste. Stir until fully dissolved. For simple syrup, mix equal parts sugar and water, heat until dissolved, and cool before use.
  6. Serve:
    • Fill a glass with ice cubes.
    • Pour the cold brew over the ice, filling the glass about ¾ full.
    • If desired, add a splash of milk or cream for a creamy texture.
    • Garnish with a sprinkle of food-grade dried rose petals for an elegant touch.

Tips

  • Coffee Choice: Use a medium roast with fruity or floral notes to complement the rose and cardamom.
  • Cardamom Intensity: Lightly crush the pods to release flavor without overpowering the brew. Adjust the number of pods for stronger or milder spice.
  • Rose Water: Use high-quality, food-grade rose water, as low-quality versions may taste soapy or artificial.
  • Storage: Store the strained cold brew in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Add rose water and sweetener just before serving to maintain freshness.
  • Variations: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra depth.

Serving Size

  • Makes approximately 4 cups (32 oz) of cold brew, yielding 4-6 servings depending on glass size.

Enjoy your aromatic and refreshing Cardamom Rose Cold Brew!