If you’re craving a bold and beautifully spiced coffee experience, you’re in for a treat with this Thai Iced Coffee with Cardamom and Almond or Amaretto Recipe. This vibrant beverage perfectly blends the richness of strong coffee with warm cardamom notes and a touch of nutty sweetness, made even more delightful with either almond extract or a splash of Amaretto for a spirited twist. Whether you’re after a refreshing caffeine fix or a charming cocktail, this recipe delivers layers of flavor that feel like a warm hug on a hot day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Thai Iced Coffee with Cardamom and Almond or Amaretto Recipe is wonderfully simple. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, from the deep, robust coffee to the fragrant cardamom and the creamy sweetness that rounds it all off.
- 8 tablespoons strong black coffee grounds: Use a bold roast to ensure the coffee shines through the spices and sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom: This spice adds an aromatic, slightly citrusy warmth that makes this drink uniquely Thai.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (for NON-alcoholic version): Provides a gentle nutty note that complements the coffee without overpowering it.
- 3 ounces Amaretto (for COCKTAIL version): A sweet, almond-flavored Italian liqueur that elevates the drink into a delicious adult treat.
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk (plus more if desired): Adds creamy sweetness that softens the bold coffee and spices beautifully.
- Crushed ice (for serving): Essential for that classic iced coffee chill and refreshing texture.
How to Make Thai Iced Coffee with Cardamom and Almond or Amaretto Recipe
Step 1: Brew the Fragrant Coffee
Start by blending the ground cardamom with your coffee grounds to infuse the brew with its warm, irresistible aroma. Brew the mixture following your coffee maker’s instructions—aim for a rich, strong coffee to form the base of this drink.
Step 2: Add the Almond or Amaretto Flavor
Once brewed, pour the coffee into a large pitcher or glass. Stir in almond extract for a cozy, alcohol-free version, or opt for Amaretto if you’re indulging in the cocktail variation. This step is what makes the Thai Iced Coffee with Cardamom and Almond or Amaretto Recipe exceptionally special and customizable.
Step 3: Assemble the Iced Coffee
Fill four 12-ounce glasses generously with crushed ice. Pour the spiced coffee mixture over the ice and add a tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk to each glass. Stir gently and taste — add more condensed milk if you prefer it sweeter. Serve immediately for the best refreshing effect.
How to Serve Thai Iced Coffee with Cardamom and Almond or Amaretto Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of ground cardamom or a few whole cardamom pods on top makes a lovely visual and aromatic garnish. You can also add a cinnamon stick for sipping or a sprig of fresh mint for a bright contrast. These small touches elevate the sensory experience when serving this coffee.
Side Dishes
This Thai Iced Coffee pairs beautifully with lightly sweetened desserts such as coconut sticky rice or simple butter cookies. The creamy and spiced flavors complement the subtle sweetness of these treats, making for an indulgent yet balanced pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party twist, serve this Thai Iced Coffee in mason jars with colorful straws or in clear glasses showcasing the layers of coffee, milk, and ice. You can also try layering the condensed milk first, then slowly pour the coffee over for a dramatic effect before stirring together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover coffee mixture, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Be sure to keep the crushed ice separate until serving to preserve the best texture.
Freezing
While freezing the coffee itself is not recommended due to changes in texture and flavor, you can prepare coffee ice cubes ahead of time to use in place of regular ice, preventing dilution as the ice melts.
Reheating
This recipe shines served cold, so reheating is not typical. However, if you prefer a warm cup, gently heat the coffee mixture without ice and add condensed milk to taste, but you’ll miss out on the refreshing chill that defines this Thai iced coffee.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is integral to achieving the creamy sweetness characteristic of this Thai Iced Coffee with Cardamom and Almond or Amaretto Recipe. Regular milk will not provide the same richness or sweetness, but you can try combining milk with sugar to approximate the taste.
Is cardamom essential for this recipe?
Absolutely! Cardamom gives this iced coffee its signature fragrant warmth and exotic flair. Omitting it would change the flavor profile drastically, so try to include it if you want an authentic taste experience.
Can I make a vegan version of this coffee?
Yes! Replace the sweetened condensed milk with a plant-based condensed milk alternative like sweetened coconut or soy condensed milk. Ensure your almond extract doesn’t contain any animal products to keep it fully vegan.
How strong should the coffee be brewed?
For the best results, brew your coffee strong and bold. It needs to hold its own against the sweetened condensed milk and spices so that the final drink is flavorful and balanced, not watered down.
What’s the difference between using almond extract and Amaretto?
Almond extract adds a pure, sweet almond flavor without alcohol, making it perfect for a family-friendly drink. Amaretto adds the same almond notes but with a boozy, rich twist that turns the coffee into a delightful cocktail for adults.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Thai Iced Coffee with Cardamom and Almond or Amaretto Recipe—it’s a fantastic way to brighten your coffee routine and impress your friends with something a little unexpected and delicious. Whether you stick to the classic almond extract or opt for the spirited Amaretto version, this recipe is a winner for any time you want a caffeine fix that feels like a treat. Give it a try and savor every sip!
Print
Thai Iced Coffee with Cardamom and Almond or Amaretto Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
A refreshing Thai Iced Coffee recipe that combines strong brewed coffee infused with cardamom, sweetened condensed milk, and a choice between almond extract for a non-alcoholic version or Amaretto for a flavorful cocktail twist. Perfectly served over crushed ice, this drink delivers a creamy, aromatic, and cooling experience ideal for hot days or as a unique coffee treat.
Ingredients
Coffee Base
- 8 tablespoons strong black coffee grounds
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
Flavoring
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (for NON-alcoholic version)
- 3 ounces Amaretto (for COCKTAIL version)
Sweetener
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk (plus more if desired)
Serving
- Crushed ice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee: Add the ground cardamom to the strong black coffee grounds and brew the mixture according to your coffee maker’s instructions to infuse the coffee with a warm, spicy flavor.
- Flavor the Brew: Pour the freshly brewed coffee into a pitcher or a large glass. Add either 1 teaspoon of almond extract for the non-alcoholic version or 3 ounces of Amaretto for a cocktail version, then stir well to ensure the flavors are evenly combined.
- Serve with Ice and Sweeten: Fill four 12-ounce glasses with crushed ice. Divide the coffee mixture evenly among the glasses. Top each glass with 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently, taste, and add more condensed milk if you prefer a sweeter or creamier drink.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sweetened condensed milk.
- The Amaretto version is alcoholic; omit or substitute for a non-alcoholic alternative if desired.
- Use freshly crushed ice for the best texture and cooling effect.
- Cardamom can be adjusted or omitted depending on your flavor preference.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste and best chilled experience.
