How to Make Spiced Moroccan Coffee (Easy Recipe)
Are you tired of your usual coffee routine? I get it.
Lately, I’ve been going nuts testing all sorts of coffee recipes. I’ve been trying to break out of the same old cappuccino loop.
One that caught my eye (and palate) was spiced Moroccan coffee. A barista friend brewed me a cup at his place, and I was instantly hooked.
The aroma alone stopped me mid-sentence, the combo of cinnamon, cardamom, and a touch of black pepper. It was bold but smooth, spiced but balanced. Totally different from anything I’d made at home.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make spiced Moroccan coffee from scratch, the ingredients you need, how to adjust the spices to your taste, and a few extra tips to make it your own. So let’s start brewing!
What Is Moroccan Spiced Coffee?
At its core, Moroccan coffee starts with a medium to dark roast base. Nothing too fancy, just strong and smooth. But what makes it special is the spice blend. We’re talking cinnamon, cardamom, and sometimes a tiny pinch of black pepper or nutmeg.
Unlike a traditional latte, you don’t add milk. It’s typically served straight-up, sometimes sweetened with sugar or honey for balance.
The finish is smooth, with a depth that makes it perfect for sipping slowly. It’s one of those drinks that feels just right on a slow morning or after a hearty meal.
Pro tip: If you’re into spiced drinks or bold coffee, Moroccan spiced coffee is something you’ve gotta try at least once.
How to Make Spiced Moroccan Coffee?
Equipment
- Small saucepan or moka pot
- Fine mesh strainer (if not using French press)
- Measuring Spoons:
- Spoon for stirring
- Small coffee cups or heat-safe glasses
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground coffee (medium to dark roast)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper (optional, for a little kick)
- 1–2 tsp sugar (optional, based on your preference)
- 1½ cups water
- Optional add-ins: pinch of nutmeg, clove, or ginger for extra warmth
Instructions
- Step 1) Combine Spices and Coffee: In a small bowl, mix the coffee and spices. If you’re new to spiced coffee, start with the base amounts, then tweak it to match your taste next time.
- Step 2) Brew the Coffee: Add the spiced coffee blend to your pot along with the water. Next, bring it to a light boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes. You can stir in the sugar at this point if you like it sweet. This helps the flavors melt together better.
- Step 3) Strain and Serve: Let the coffee sit for a minute or two so the grounds settle a bit, or strain it through a mesh sieve. Afterward, pour into small heat-safe cups.Traditionally, this is sipped slowly and enjoyed without milk. You can serve it with dates, almond cookies, or whatever light sweet treat you’ve got around.
Video
Notes
Personal Tip:
Use freshly ground whole spices if you can. It makes a huge difference in aroma and depth. It’s like the difference between dried herbs and fresh in cooking.Tips for Customizing Your Moroccan Coffee
Once you’ve made the base recipe, the fun really begins. This coffee is incredibly flexible, and there’s no one “right” way to enjoy it. So here are some ideas:
1 – Use Freshly Ground Whole Spices for Stronger Aroma
Pre-ground spices work in a pinch, but if you’ve ever crushed your own cardamom pods or cinnamon sticks with a mortar and pestle, you know the difference.
The smell alone is worth the effort. You’ll notice that grinding them fresh brings out a lot more fragrance and depth.
2 – For a Richer Texture
If you like your coffee bold and full-bodied, reduce the water slightly and bump up the amount of coffee grounds. It makes the drink feel thicker and more intense, especially good if you’re skipping sweeteners. Just be careful not to over-extract and burn the spices; simmer gently.
3 – Sweeten with Honey or Date Syrup
Sugar’s fine, but honey or date syrup gives a richer, more complex sweetness that blends beautifully with the spice. Plus, it leans into that earthy, slightly floral profile Moroccan coffee is known for. I usually add a teaspoon of honey while it simmers, so it melts right in.
4 – Add a Dash of Orange Blossom Water
In some Moroccan regions, a splash of orange blossom water is traditional. This gives the coffee a delicate citrus-floral lift. However, don’t overdo it; a few drops go a long way.
Moroccan Coffee: Favorite Coffee Brands
If you’re trying to get that bold, spiced Moroccan coffee just right, the roast you choose matters more than you might think.
For this, medium to dark roasts work best. You want something smooth and rich enough to carry the spices without tasting too acidic or sharp. I recommend trying these three brands:
Lavazza Qualità Rossa
Lavazza’s Qualità Rossa is one of my go-to choices for Moroccan coffee. This coffee is a medium roast that’s smooth, earthy, and has enough depth to hold its own against the spices. Plus, it’s easy to find and budget-friendly, which makes it a solid everyday pick.
Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend
This one’s for those who like their coffee bold and a little smoky. This brand is a dark roast with a rich, layered flavor that works beautifully with the warming spices in Moroccan coffee. Particularly, good if you’re skipping the sugar. You’ll still get tons of flavor without needing to sweeten it.
Café Bustelo
If you want a punchier brew, Café Bustelo brings that espresso-style strength in a finely ground format that works great in moka pots or a basic saucepan.
You can expect a bold, slightly nutty flavor that holds up well to strong spice mixes. Just a heads up, it’s pretty intense. For this reason, use a little less if you don’t want it overpowering the cinnamon and cardamom.
Last Thoughts
And that’s it, your guide to making spiced Moroccan coffee at home. I’m curious to know, have you tried Moroccan coffee? What spices do you love to use? Any special tips you discovered through your experience?Drop it in the comments and voilà!
