Cardamom Rose Latte Recipe (Both Hot and Iced)

The Cardamom rose latte is a delightful fusion of delicate rosewater and the inviting spiciness of cardamom.

This coffee beverage brings together freshly brewed espresso, velvety steamed milk, and the aromatic essence of rose water, all together with a sprinkle of dried rose petals for a touch of elegance.

The addition of ground cardamom imparts a subtle warmth, elevating this latte to a level of sophistication that is certain to captivate your senses.

In this recipe round, I will tell you how you can make a delicious cardamom and rose latte on your own. You can make this drink for your guests to refresh their mood.

Let’s start.

Ingredients

1) Espresso

1 to 2 shots of espresso, depending on your preference for strength.

2) Milk

1 cup of milk

3) Cardamom

2-3 cardamom pods or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom. Adjust to taste.

4) Rosewater

1 to 2 teaspoons of rosewater, depending on how pronounced you want the rose flavor.

5) Sweetener (optional)

Sugar, honey, agave syrup, or any sweetener of your choice to taste. The amount can vary based on your sweetness preference.

6) Optional Garnishes

Dried rose petals, a pinch of ground cinnamon, or grated nutmeg for decoration and added aroma.

Equipment

1) Espresso Machine

To brew the espresso shots. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a stovetop espresso maker or a Moka pot as an alternative.

2) Milk Frother

A milk frothing device or steam wand on your espresso machine to froth and steam the milk. If you don’t have a milk frother, you can heat and froth the milk using a saucepan and a handheld milk frother or a French press.

3) Mortar and Pestle (if using whole cardamom pods)

To crush and grind the cardamom pods if you are using whole pods instead of pre-ground cardamom.

4) Coffee Mug or Glass

To serve your Cardamom Rose Latte.

5) Spoon

For stirring and mixing the espresso and milk with the cardamom rose mixture.

Step-by-step preparation of cardamom rose latte recipe

In this recipe, we will discuss both the iced and hot versions of this drink. Let’s start with hot first.

How to make hot cardamom and rose latte?

Step 1: Brew Espresso

Start by brewing 1 to 2 shots of espresso using your espresso machine or the brewing method of your choice. Ensure the espresso is strong and aromatic.

Step 2: Prepare Cardamom Rose Mixture

If you’re using whole cardamom pods, lightly crush them using a mortar and pestle to release their flavors. If you have ground cardamom, proceed to the next step.

In a small bowl, combine the crushed cardamom or ground cardamom with rosewater. Stir well to create a fragrant cardamom rose mixture. Adjust the rosewater quantity to achieve your preferred level of rose flavor. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Steam Milk

Froth and steam your choice of milk using either the steam wand on your espresso machine or a separate milk frother. Heat the milk until it’s hot and has a velvety, creamy texture.

Step 4: Sweeten

In the cup or glass where you’ll serve your latte, add your preferred sweetener, such as sugar, honey, or any sweetener of your choice. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Pour the cardamom rose mixture into the bottom of the cup or glass.
Slowly pour the freshly brewed espresso over the cardamom rose mixture, stirring gently to combine.

Step 6: Add Steamed Milk

Pour the hot, frothy milk into the espresso mixture. To ensure the foam doesn’t pour out too quickly, use a spoon to hold back the foam while pouring. Then, add a spoonful of foam on top.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

If you desire, enhance the presentation and aroma of your latte by garnishing it with a few dried rose petals or a light dusting of ground cinnamon.

Serve this espresso beverage immediately, savoring its unique blend of flavors and aromas.

How to make an iced rose cardamom latte?

Step 1: Brew Espresso

As mentioned in the hot version of this drink, you need to brew 1 to 2 shots of espresso and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Cardamom Rose Mixture

Create the cardamom rose mixture by combining crushed cardamom or ground cardamom with rosewater in a small bowl. Stir well to infuse the flavors. Adjust the rosewater to taste.

Step 3: Sweeten and Mix

Add your preferred sweetener to the cooled espresso and stir until it’s fully dissolved. Incorporate the cardamom rose mixture into the espresso.

Step 4: Ice It

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, leaving enough space at the top for milk.

Step 5: Add Cold Milk

Pour cold milk (dairy or non-dairy) over the ice, filling the glass almost to the top. Stir to combine the milk and espresso.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Optionally, garnish your Iced Cardamom Rose Latte with a few dried rose petals or a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon for added visual appeal and aroma.

Step 7: Serve Cold

Serve your refreshing Iced Cardamom Rose Latte cold, and enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors with each sip.

Serving rose cardamom latte

Serving Hot Cardamom Rose Latte

1) Choice of Mug or Glass

Select a heat-resistant mug or glass to serve your hot latte. A clear glass can be great to showcase the layers and garnishes.

2) Garnish (Optional)

Before pouring your latte, consider garnishing the foam with a sprinkling of ground cinnamon or a few dried rose petals. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the aroma.

3) Serve Immediately

Hot Cardamom Rose Latte is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it immediately after preparation to capture the full fragrance and warmth of the drink.

Serving Iced Cardamom Rose Latte

1) Use a Tall Glass

Use a tall, clear glass to serve your iced latte. This allows you to showcase the layers and create an appealing visual effect.

2) Ice Cubes

Ensure the glass is filled with ice cubes before pouring the latte. This will keep your drink chilled and refreshing.

3) Straw (Optional)

Consider providing a reusable or eco-friendly straw for easy sipping, especially if you’ve added ice cubes to the latte.

4) Garnish (Optional)

Similar to the hot version, you can garnish your Iced Cardamom Rose Latte with a few dried rose petals or a light dusting of ground cinnamon to enhance its visual appeal and aroma.

5) Serve Cold

Iced Cardamom Rose Lattes are meant to be enjoyed chilled. The contrast between the cold drink and the warm, fragrant cardamom and rose flavors is part of what makes it so enjoyable.

6) Stir Before Sipping

Before taking your first sip of the iced latte, give it a gentle stir to ensure that the flavors are well mixed, especially if you’ve added any garnishes.

Flavor profile of cardamom and rose latte

1) Earthy and Spicy (Cardamom)

Cardamom brings a warm and earthy spiciness to the latte. It’s a key flavor component that provides depth and complexity to the drink.

The cardamom’s spiciness is often described as a mix of citrusy, floral, and slightly peppery notes.

2) Floral and Fragrant (Rosewater)

Rosewater adds a distinct floral aroma and flavor to the latte. It provides a delicate and sweet floral note that complements the cardamom’s spiciness.

The rosewater’s contribution is both aromatic and slightly sweet, reminiscent of rose petals.

3) Espresso Base

The espresso base provides a robust and slightly bitter foundation for the latte. It brings a rich, roasted coffee flavor that interacts with the cardamom and rosewater and creates a balanced blend.

4) Creamy and Velvety (Milk)

The milk used in the latte brings creaminess and a subtle sweetness to the mix. It softens the overall flavor profile and creates a velvety texture. The milk also serves to balance the spices and floral notes, making the latte smoother.

5) Sweetness (Optional)

Depending on your preference and whether you choose to add sweetener, the latte can have varying levels of sweetness. Sweeteners, such as sugar or honey, can enhance the overall taste by providing a counterbalance to the spiciness and bitterness.

6) Garnishes (Optional)

If you garnish your drink with dried rose petals, ground cinnamon, or other garnishes then they can contribute to the latte’s aroma and visual appeal. They add a layer of complexity and aromatic nuances to the overall flavor profile.

Foods that you can pair with cardamom rose latte

1) Pastries and Baked Goods

Pastries like croissants, scones (especially rose or cardamom-flavored ones), biscuits, and muffins (rose or cardamom-flavored) are perfect choices. Their buttery and flaky textures complement the latte’s richness.

2) Cookies and Biscuits

Consider pairing your latte with shortbread cookies, butter cookies, macarons (rose-flavored ones add a lovely touch), or gingerbread cookies. These sweets offer a delightful contrast to the latte’s flavors.

3) Chocolate Treats

For a touch of indulgence, enjoy your latte with dark chocolate, chocolate truffles, or chocolate-dipped strawberries. The chocolate’s bitterness contrasts with the latte’s floral notes.

4) Fruit

Well, if I were drinking this beverage, I would love to have fresh strawberries, raspberries, or other berries. Alternatively, a fruit salad with a touch of mint offers a light and palate-cleansing option.

5) Nuts and Dried Fruits

Almonds or almond-based desserts, pistachios, and dried apricots or figs provide a pleasant crunch and a complementary nuttiness.

6) Cheese

Mild cheeses like brie or camembert pair well with a Cardamom Rose Latte. You can also try goat cheese drizzled with honey for a sweet and savory combination.

7) Middle Eastern Sweets

Middle Eastern desserts like baklava or rosewater-infused Turkish delight are natural partners, harmonizing with the rose and cardamom flavors.

8) Indian Sweets

If you’re feeling adventurous, enjoy your latte with Indian sweets like gulab jamun (a milk-based dessert soaked in rosewater syrup) or ras malai (cheese dumplings in cardamom-flavored milk).

9) Ice Cream

Add a scoop of rosewater or cardamom-flavored ice cream to this drink for a delightful dessert experience.

Variations to try

This beverage has lots of variations. You can try each of them one by one as per your liking. Let’s go through them.

1) Honey-Cardamom Rose Latte

Instead of traditional sweeteners like sugar, use honey for a natural and floral sweetness. Adjust the amount to your taste.

2) Vanilla-Cardamom Rose Latte

Add a dash of pure vanilla extract to your latte for a subtle vanilla undertone. It complements the floral notes of rosewater beautifully.

3) Chai-Style Cardamom Rose Latte

Prepare a strong chai tea (black tea infused with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves) and use it as the base for your latte instead of coffee or espresso. Then, add rosewater and steamed milk.

4) Almond Cardamom Rose Latte

Use almond milk instead of regular milk for a nutty twist. The combination of almond and cardamom is heavenly, and it pairs wonderfully with rosewater.

5) Coconut Cardamom Rose Latte

Substitute coconut milk for dairy or other milk alternatives. The creamy coconut flavor complements the exotic flavors of cardamom and rosewater.

6) Iced Coconut Cardamom Rose Latte

Take the coconut variation a step further by turning it into an iced latte. It’s a refreshing and tropical twist on the classic.

7) Orange-infused Cardamom Rose Latte

Add a few strips of orange zest to your latte for a citrusy kick. Orange, cardamom, and rosewater create a vibrant combination of flavors.

8) Chocolate-Cardamom Rose Latte

Stir in a teaspoon of cocoa powder or a piece of dark chocolate to your hot latte for a luxurious mocha-like variation.

9) Maple-Cardamom Rose Latte

Replace traditional sweeteners with pure maple syrup for a natural and earthy sweetness.

10) Rose Syrup Cardamom Latte

Instead of using plain rosewater, consider using rose syrup for a more intense and sweet rose flavor. Adjust the quantity to your liking.

11) Cardamom Rose Latte Affogato

Pour a shot of hot espresso or strong coffee over a scoop of rosewater ice cream or vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle with cardamom for a decadent dessert-style variation.

12) Spicy Cardamom Rose Latte

If you enjoy a kick of heat, add a pinch of ground red chili powder or a small slice of fresh chili pepper to your latte. The spice pairs surprisingly well with the floral and spicy notes.

Conclusion

Here, I have got you covered with the step-by-step process of making cardamom rose latte coffee.

This recipe is easy to make and won’t take more than 15-20 minutes. So, even if you have a busy schedule, you can make this drink on your own.

Not sticking to this recipe, you can also give try to experiments. You can try different ratios of cardamom and rose water. You can add more ingredients to match your taste preference and a lot more.

FAQs

1) How to store left-over cardamom rose latte?

First, ensure the latte has cooled down to room temperature, and then transfer it to an airtight container. Label the container with the date to track freshness. For best results, try to consume the leftover latte within 24 to 48 hours.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature.

Keep in mind that while refrigeration and reheating are safe, the latte may not maintain the same frothy texture as when freshly made.

2) How to froth milk to the desired consistency?

Use a dedicated milk frothing device, such as the steam wand on your espresso machine or a separate milk frother.
Position the steam wand just below the surface of the milk, allowing it to create a whirlpool effect. As you froth, listen for a soft hissing sound, indicating that air is being incorporated into the milk.

Continue frothing until the milk reaches your desired consistency, which is typically creamy with a microfoam texture. Proper frothing can take some practice, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it just right.

3) What is the best time to drink this coffee beverage?

While the iced version of this beverage is best for summer, its hot version is suitable for cold winters. You can serve this drink as a dessert on various occasions. If I talk about a day, I think morning is the best time to drink its hot version and afternoon is the best time to drink its cold version.