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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
6 Min
22/01/2026
Indian coffee is usually synonymous with South Indian filter coffee. But did you know that coffee can also be made the Indian way by infusing spices in it? This article looks at the different ways coffee can be Indianised with a few spices, for example, cardamom in a cappuccino, turmeric in a latte or masalas like cinnamon and nutmeg in mocha. Dive deeper to know more.
South Indian filter coffee has an iconic status in India and even across the world, but at the same time, India is also known for infusing spices into hot beverages, like masala tea, haldiwala doodh or herbal kadhas. All these drinks are based on the science of blending spices with milk, water, and heat. Coffee, however, is a bit new to this tradition. There hasn’t been a lot of spice mixture in coffee, although a lot of Indian households add cardamom to the coffee made at home for guests to give that Indian touch.
There are other spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or black pepper that would create a new coffee flavour that would be a bit familiar and a bit new. These additions would not be a departure from the classic filter coffee but certainly an extension that would take coffee beyond a particular realm. This cup of coffee will have a perfect blend of Indian spices and the caffeine that would create an enriching taste.
For anyone who loves hot chocolate and coffee, this would be their go-to drink! To make this masala mocha, you need a shot of espresso, mixed with cocoa and warm milk, with added spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Spices, chocolate, and coffee, all with strong flavours, will make a strong coffee with an Indian touch. This can be a perfect companion to the winter favourite, hot chocolate, and could also become its strong competitor!
Cardamom has a deep connection with Indian drinks; be it chai, masala doodh and now, coffee. To make this version, you just need to sprinkle some cardamom powder over the frothy cappuccino. Cardamom also has a rich aroma, which will pair well with the strong caffeine aroma of coffee. Nutrition-wise, cardamom is supposed to aid digestion, and if you have this cup of coffee in the morning, it will be a total win-win situation!
Turmeric is a staple in Indian kitchens for centuries; be it in drinks, on wounds or in Indian dishes. Haldi doodh is probably one of the healthiest drinks that gives relief from a runny nose, cough, or soar throat. What if a shot of espresso is added to the turmeric latte? It would result in a bold and strong drink, indeed. Coffee will get a total desi makeover with haldi doodh, jaggery, and ginger. You can also add a pinch of black pepper powder to balance the strong espresso flavour. This drink is the ultimate healthy one, which is immunity boosting along with the shap caffeine, ideal for people looking for caffeine and boosting their immunity!
There are a lot of cold brew lovers out there, but adding cinnamon to it will take this drink to another level! Cinnamon, with its sweet and woody flavour, would complement the cold brew perfectly. This would be a perfect drink for summer mornings, as cinnamon is also supposed to aid digestion! This drink would be a perfect example of how Indian spices gel well not only with hot drinks but also with cold ones.
If you are a fan of adrak chai and espresso, this would easily become your favourite drink! To make this drink, add some grated ginger to the freshly brewed espresso shot. This will be a strong and sharp drink that will wake all your senses up! This drink would have a spicy and earthy flavour and making it one of the most sought-after monsoon drinks. Ginger also has some anti-inflammatory qualities, which will make this drink not only sharp but also healthy one.
The above coffee drinks highlight how the coffee culture in India is evolving. By adding the most beloved ingredients in Indian kitchens, spices, to coffee, a new flavour is certainly invigorated with these drinks. These cups also highlight how tradition can be reimagined in a modern cup, and how Indian coffee is much beyond just the filter coffee!
