Iced Cardamom Lattes

Iced cardamom lattes make the perfect afternoon pick-me-up when the weather is still warm, but you’ve got fall on the brain. If you love warm spices like maple, cinnamon and cardamom, you will love this seasonal drink!

Swedish Coffee

In Minneapolis there’s a coffee shop called Bread & Chocolate. They serve a Swedish coffee that has steamed milk, cardamom and cinnamon (and it’s just as awesome as it sounds). I don’t normally get fancy with my coffee. I’m a “cold brew splash of cream” lady – but this was so delicious and very unique. It had a touch of sweetness, just enough to bring all of the flavors together since cardamom can be a little bitter on its own.

Sweden is also one of the world’s top coffee consumers, even ahead of the U.S. according to one article I read. I am part Swedish you know. It all makes so much sense.

The Swedes use the term “fika” in reference to grabbing coffee together. It could mean both the act of getting together or as a noun (i.e. “see you at fika”). Perhaps you should invite a friend to fika and make these iced cardamom lattes and everyone can just be happy.

Cardamom

Cardamom seems to be one of those flavors you would likely recognize, unable figure out where you last tasted it. In general its most often used in baked goods like quick bread, spice cakes, muffins and desserts (probably right alongside cinnamon). Interestingly, I recently learned that while the Swedish might not actually use cardamom in coffee, it’s still a favorite spice in Swedish cooking and baking.

This might be my new fall obsession. Get on board the cardamom latte train and even better, make it iced!

The weather in Denver is amazing this time of year; crisp and cool in the morning and evening with summer temperatures still creeping in during the day. It’s a little awkward on the cooking front because I usually start adding soups and chili back into the meal plan but then get slightly overheated when I have the leftovers for lunch the next day.

I like to think this drink is the perfect “in-between seasons” drink because I get to incorporate fall flavors and stay nice and cool. It’s the best afternoon pick-me-up and tastes just like the coffee shop drink I was hoping to recreate.

How to Make a Shortcut Iced Latte

Most latte recipes are on the more complicated side, whether it involves a homemade syrup, milk frothers or expensive espresso machines. Those are all great, but this technique is simpler and all you need is a mason jar. My trusty mason jar strikes again!

• Milk (sub your favorite plant-based alternative per preference!)
• Chilled coffee (cold brew, or leftover hot brewed coffee that has been chilled)
• Sweetener (optional)
• Spices
• Lot’s of ice (this is important)

Shake the heck out of it to get some froth on top. I like to pour it into a separate glass and top with extra cardamom for presentation, but you can also dirty one less dish by drinking it straight from the jar.

I’m not sure if this iced cardamom latte would be worthy of any of the menus in Sweden, but I’m a big fan and I think you will be too.

You might also like:

• Tahini Cardamom Peach Crisp
• Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• Dirty Chai Spiced Pecans

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This post was originally published on 9/10/18 and was updated and republished on 9/22/2020.