Rose and Cardamom Iced Latte: A Middle Eastern Coffee Dream
The Drink Saudi Arabia Deserves
Rose water and cardamom are two of the most iconic flavours in Saudi and wider Middle Eastern cuisine. Rose appears in everything from baklava to maamoul; cardamom perfumes qahwa, tea, and rice dishes. Combining these flavours with espresso and cold milk creates a latte that feels entirely at home in the region. Familiar, comforting, and yet distinctly special.
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 2 shots espresso, cooled
- 200ml cold whole milk (or oat milk)
- 1 tablespoon rose syrup (or 1 teaspoon rose water + 1 teaspoon sugar)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- Ice cubes
- Dried rose petals and a pinch of cardamom, to garnish
Method
- Stir the cardamom into the cooled espresso.
- In a separate glass or jug, combine the milk with the rose syrup and stir until blended.
- Fill a tall glass generously with ice.
- Pour the rose milk over the ice.
- Gently pour the cardamom espresso over the back of a spoon to float it on top.
- Garnish with dried rose petals and a light pinch of cardamom.
Serving Suggestions
This latte is as photogenic as it is delicious. The pink rose milk, dark coffee layer, and scattered rose petals make it a natural for social media, though I’d argue it tastes even better than it photographs. It works beautifully as a mid-morning treat, an afternoon refresher, or an elegant drink to serve to guests. Rose syrup is widely available in Saudi Arabia; look for good-quality brands that use natural rose extract rather than artificial flavouring for the best result.
This is a drink that belongs in Saudi Arabia. Make it yours.
This latte draws on the same flavour palette as Arabic qahwa. Cardamom is the defining spice of Arabian coffee. For more recipe ideas in this style, see coffee and dates recipes and the Ramadan coffee recipes.