How to Make Masala Coffee: Authentic Indian Recipe with Spices

What is Masala Coffee?

 

Masala Coffee is a beloved Indian beverage that combines rich coffee with aromatic spices, creating a warming and flavorful drink enjoyed across India. This traditional spiced coffee has been part of Indian culture for generations, offering a unique twist on regular coffee with its distinctive blend of spices and preparation method.

 

Masala Coffee Ingredients (2 Servings)

 

Coffee & Spices

• 60g medium-dark roast Robusta coffee beans (recommended Indian brands: Tata Coffee or Blue Tokai)

• 4-5 cardamom pods (crushed to extract seeds)

• 1 small cinnamon stick (about 3cm)

• 1 small piece of ginger (about 2cm, sliced)

• 2-3 cloves (optional, for added aroma complexity)

 

Liquids & Sweetener

• 200ml filtered water

• 300ml whole milk (or almond milk/coconut milk for plant-based alternative)

• 2-3 teaspoons jaggery or regular sugar (adjust to taste)

 

Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan (preferably cast iron to lock in spice flavors)

• Coffee filter or filter cloth

• Mortar (for grinding spices)

• Milk frother (optional, for creating creamy foam)

 

Step-by-Step Masala Coffee Recipe

 

Step 1: Grind the Spices

Place cardamom seeds, cinnamon stick, ginger slices, and cloves in a mortar and gently grind into coarse powder. Key tip: Do not grind too finely; retain some texture to allow spices to release flavor slowly during brewing.

 

Traditional South Indian practice involves dry roasting spices for 10 seconds until fragrant, but beginners are advised to grind directly to avoid burning.

 

Step 2: Brew the Spiced Coffee Base

Add 200ml water to a small pot, add the ground spice powder, bring to a gentle boil over low heat, then simmer for 2 minutes to fully infuse spices into the water.

 

Add coffee powder, stir well, and continue simmering for 1 minute (be careful not to boil over).

 

Turn off heat, cover with lid, and let steep for 3 minutes to allow deep integration of coffee and spices.

 

Step 3: Filter the Coffee Liquid

Place coffee filter over a cup and slowly pour the brewed coffee-spice mixture through it. Filtering tip: Gently press the grounds with a spoon to extract more rich coffee liquid.

 

Step 4: Prepare the Milk Mixture

Pour milk into a small pot, heat over low heat until just simmering (about 65°C), add jaggery and stir until dissolved.

 

If using a milk frother, froth the hot milk until creamy; if not, pour milk into a cup and repeatedly scoop and pour back with a spoon to create simple froth.

 

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Mix the filtered coffee liquid with hot milk in a 1:1.5 ratio (1 part coffee to 1.5 parts milk).

 

Sprinkle a little cardamom powder or cinnamon powder on top for decoration and serve hot.

 

South Indian vs North Indian Masala Coffee Styles

 

 

Expert Tips for Perfect Masala Coffee

 

• Coffee selection: For authentic flavor, use Indian Robusta beans which have a stronger, more bitter profile that balances well with spices

• Spice freshness: Always use freshly ground spices for maximum aroma – pre-ground spices lose flavor quickly

• Water temperature: Never boil the coffee mixture vigorously as it can create a bitter taste

• Milk quality: Full-fat milk creates a richer texture, but plant-based milks work well for vegan alternatives

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Masala Coffee

 

Q: Can I use instant coffee instead of freshly ground coffee?

A: Yes, but the flavor will be compromised. If using instant coffee, choose a strong variety (like Nescafé Sunrise) and reduce the amount to 40g.

 

Q: How to adjust the spiciness level?

A: Reduce ginger quantity to decrease spiciness, or add a small cinnamon stick to balance the taste.

 

Q: Can I make Masala Coffee without milk?

A: Traditional recipes always include milk, but you can try it black by increasing the sweetener slightly and adding an extra 50ml of water.

 

Iced Masala Coffee Variation

 

For a refreshing summer version:

1. Prepare coffee liquid following traditional steps, cool, and refrigerate for 2 hours.

2. Add ice cubes to a glass, pour cold coffee and cold milk (1:1 ratio)

3. Top with a little cardamom powder and a cinnamon stick for garnish.

 

The Cultural Significance of Masala Coffee in India

 

In India, brewing masala coffee is more than just making a drink – it's an important social ritual. Hosts serve it in delicate stainless steel cups (Dabarah), often using a "tea pulling" technique where the coffee is poured back and forth between two cups to cool it down and create a frothy texture.

 

This ritual transforms a simple beverage into a gesture of hospitality and connection. As Bangalore homemaker Priya Sharma shares: "Our family's masala coffee recipe has been passed down for three generations. Every time I brew coffee, the whole house fills with the aroma of cardamom and cinnamon."

 

Whether enjoyed as a morning energizer or an afternoon treat, masala coffee offers a unique taste of Indian culture in every cup.