How to Make Traditional Indian Coffee with Espresso and Anise Liqueur

If you’ve ever wondered what kind of coffee people actually drink in India — beyond chai and stereotypes — here’s your answer. Indian coffee isn’t about curry flavor or masala blends. It’s a bold, spiced, and often boozy layered drink made with espresso, sweetened condensed milk, anise liqueur, and cinnamon. This version skips the chai entirely and brings you a true-to-tradition preparation using simple tools and just a few key ingredients.

To make classic Indian coffee, you’ll need just six items: a long spoon, 60ml of espresso, 10ml of anise liqueur (like Ouzo or Arak), 10ml of condensed milk (in a ‘love milk ball’ or single serving), a cinnamon stick, and a sturdy cup. That’s it. No milk steaming, no frothing — just layering and stirring.

What Is Indian Coffee?

Indian coffee, in this context, refers to a layered hot drink combining espresso, anise-flavored liqueur, condensed milk, and cinnamon. It’s not the filtered South Indian coffee you might know from Kerala or Tamil Nadu cafés, nor is it a spiced chai hybrid. This version is closer to a spiced European-style coffee cocktail, often associated with North Indian home recipes and old-world café culture. It’s aromatic, slightly sweet, and lightly boozy — perfect for cold evenings or as a digestif.

Why This Recipe Works

This coffee works because of its balance: the boldness of espresso, the warmth of cinnamon, the licorice-like sweetness of anise liqueur, and the creamy thickness of condensed milk. Unlike traditional lattes or cappuccinos, there’s no milk foam or steaming involved. Instead, you build the drink in layers, letting the flavors marry as you stir. The cinnamon stick isn’t just garnish — it infuses the liquid as you sip.

What You’ll Need

• 1 long-handled spoon
• 60ml freshly brewed espresso (single or double shot)
• 10ml anise liqueur (such as Ouzo, Arak, or Sambuca)
• 10ml condensed milk (often served as a ‘love milk ball’ or single-dose container)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 coffee cup (approximately 60ml capacity)

How to Make Indian Coffee: Step by Step

1. Pour 60ml of espresso directly into your coffee cup.
2. Add 10ml of anise liqueur to the espresso and stir until fully combined.
3. Insert the cinnamon stick into the cup, letting it stand upright in the liquid.
4. Slowly pour the 10ml of condensed milk over the back of a spoon or directly into the center of the cup to form a distinct layer on top. Do not mix immediately — let it sit for a moment before stirring.

Tips & Notes

The order of addition matters. Pouring the condensed milk last and not stirring right away allows for visual layering and a gradual blend of flavors as you drink. You can stir everything together before drinking if you prefer a uniform mix. The cinnamon stick is meant to stay in the cup — use it as a stirrer as you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use a specific type of espresso for Indian coffee?

No special espresso is required. Any standard 60ml shot of espresso, whether from a home machine or café, works fine. The key is that it’s freshly brewed and has good crema for texture.

What can I use instead of anise liqueur?

If you don’t want alcohol or can’t find anise liqueur, you can skip it — though it’s a core flavor component. Substitutes include Sambuca, Ouzo, or Arak. Avoid using regular liqueurs like coffee liqueur or amaretto, as they’ll change the flavor profile significantly.

Can I make this without alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the anise liqueur. The drink will still taste good, but it won’t have the same licorice-spiced depth. Consider adding a tiny pinch of ground star anise or fennel seed to replicate some of the aroma if you skip the liqueur.

Is the cinnamon stick just for garnish?

No, the cinnamon stick is meant to infuse the coffee as you sip. It also functions as a stirrer. Leave it in the cup while drinking to enhance the flavor gradually.

What’s a ‘love milk ball’?

A ‘love milk ball’ refers to a single-serving container or dose of sweetened condensed milk, often used in Asian-style layered coffee recipes. You can substitute it with 10ml of your own condensed milk, poured directly into the cup.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Spiced Espresso Drinks

For making Indian coffee or any spiced espresso-based drink, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend is an excellent choice. Designed for espresso and milk drinks, it delivers a rich, full-bodied profile with smooth crema — ideal for layering with condensed milk and spices. If you prefer a deeper, chocolatey backbone to complement the anise and cinnamon, try the Black Cocoa Blend. Both blends are optimized for espresso extraction and hold up well under milk and flavor additions. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.