Guatemalan Cardamom Coffee: A Hidden Gem with Exotic Flavor

If you love rich coffee and exotic spices, Guatemalan cardamom coffee is a hidden gem you shouldn’t overlook. This aromatic drink blends the deep, chocolatey base of high-altitude Guatemalan Arabica with the bright, menthol-citrus lift of green cardamom pods. The result: a cup that’s both comforting and captivating, rooted in Guatemala’s unique agricultural heritage as one of the world’s top cardamom producers.

Quick Cardamom Coffee Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup freshly brewed Guatemalan medium or dark roast coffee

• 1–2 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed

• Optional: sugar or honey to taste, milk for lattes

Method:

1. Brew your coffee using your preferred method (pour-over, drip, French press, or espresso).

2. Lightly crush the cardamom pods and add them to the coffee grounds before brewing—or steep them directly in the finished cup for 2–3 minutes.

3. Strain if needed, sweeten to taste, and enjoy.

👉 For a cardamom latte: pull a double espresso, steam milk with crushed cardamom, and strain before pouring over the shot.

Why Cardamom and Coffee Work So Well Together

Cardamom has been paired with coffee for centuries across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Its cooling, citrusy, slightly floral notes balance coffee’s bitterness, adding complexity without overwhelming the cup. Guatemalan cardamom stands out for its intense aroma and freshness—grown in the same fertile volcanic soils as some of the world’s best Arabica beans.

Flavor Profile: What to Expect

A well-made cup of Guatemalan cardamom coffee delivers:

• Base: chocolatey, nutty Guatemalan Arabica

• Accent: lemon zest, eucalyptus, and sweet spice from cardamom

• Finish: clean and aromatic, with a refreshing lift

You can also experiment with Arabic-style cardamom coffee (very spiced, often boiled with sugar) or subtle lattes where cardamom is infused in milk for a smooth, creamy cup.

How to Make Coffee with Cardamom (Methods)

• French Press: Add 1–2 crushed pods to grounds before pouring hot water. Steep for 4 min, plunge, enjoy.

• Pour-Over / Drip Mix crushed pods with coffee grounds for even infusion.

• Espresso / Latte: Add pods to portafilter basket for a lightly spiced shot or infuse cardamom in milk.

• Traditional Arabic / Turkish Style: Simmer cardamom and sugar with finely ground coffee for 3–5 minutes in a small pot (cezve), then pour unfiltered.

FAQs

Is cardamom good in coffee?

Yes — it adds aromatic complexity, freshness, and can help reduce perceived bitterness.

What is coffee with cardamom called?

In Middle Eastern traditions, it’s often referred to simply as “Arabic coffee with cardamom” or “spiced coffee.” In Guatemala, the combination is a natural extension of local crops.

How do you make cardamom coffee?

Brew coffee with lightly crushed green cardamom pods mixed in, or steep pods in the finished drink. Adjust spice intensity to your preference.

Where to Buy Guatemalan Cardamom Coffee

You can buy pre-blended Guatemalan cardamom coffee from select specialty roasters or make your own at home using freshly roasted Guatemalan beans and high-quality green cardamom pods. Look for:

• Single-origin Guatemalan Arabica (medium or dark roast)

• Fresh, whole green cardamom pods

• Airtight packaging with roast dates and origin details