Ingredients

  • Coffee: 2 cups brewed strong coffee (preferably cold brew or espresso, cooled)
  • Milk: 1 cup whole milk or plant-based milk (e.g., oat, almond, or coconut milk)
  • Rose Water: 1–2 teaspoons (adjust to taste, as rose water can be potent)
  • Cardamom Pods: 4–5 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed, or 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • Sweetener: 1–2 tablespoons simple syrup, honey, or sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Ice: 2 cups ice cubes
  • Optional Garnish: Dried rose petals or a pinch of ground cardamom for topping

Equipment

  • Coffee maker or cold brew system
  • Small saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer (if using whole cardamom pods)
  • Pitcher or large glass
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Stirring spoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coffee:
    • Brew 2 cups of strong coffee using your preferred method (e.g., espresso, drip, or cold brew). If using hot coffee, let it cool to room temperature or chill in the refrigerator to avoid diluting the drink with melting ice.
  2. Infuse the Milk with Cardamom:
    • In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk with the crushed cardamom pods (or ground cardamom).
    • Heat over medium-low heat until just simmering (do not boil), stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes to allow the cardamom flavor to infuse.
    • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. If using whole cardamom pods, strain the milk through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container. If using ground cardamom, no straining is needed.
  3. Add Rose Water:
    • Stir 1–2 teaspoons of rose water into the cooled cardamom-infused milk. Start with 1 teaspoon and taste, as rose water can be strong. Adjust to your preference.
  4. Sweeten the Mixture:
    • Add 1–2 tablespoons of simple syrup, honey, or sugar to the milk mixture, stirring until fully dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.
  5. Assemble the Iced Coffee:
    • Fill two glasses with ice cubes (about 1 cup per glass).
    • Pour 1 cup of cooled coffee into each glass over the ice.
    • Top each glass with half of the rose-cardamom milk mixture, stirring gently to combine.
  6. Garnish and Serve:
    • Sprinkle a pinch of ground cardamom or scatter a few dried rose petals on top for an elegant touch.
    • Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer.

Tips

  • Cold Brew for Smoother Flavor: Cold brew coffee works best for a less acidic, smoother taste. To make cold brew, combine 1 cup coarsely ground coffee with 4 cups cold water, steep for 12–24 hours in the refrigerator, then filter.
  • Adjusting Flavors: Rose water and cardamom can be strong, so add them gradually and taste as you go.
  • Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk like oat or coconut milk for a creamy texture that complements the flavors.
  • Storage: Store any leftover cardamom-infused milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before using.

Serving Size

  • Makes 2 servings
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus cooling time for coffee)
  • Total Time: 15–20 minutes

Enjoy your refreshing Rose Cardamom Iced Coffee!