How to Make Cinnamon Coffee with Instant Coffee

Need a quick cup of coffee that still feels special? Many coffee drinkers assume that good coffee requires fresh grounds, an espresso machine, or a gooseneck kettle—but that’s not always the case. What if you could make a warm, spiced, comforting coffee drink with ingredients you already have at home?

Yes, you can make a delicious European-style cinnamon coffee using just one 20g packet of instant coffee, 150cc of milk, a single cube of sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. That’s all. It takes minutes and delivers a creamy, spiced coffee experience without any barista skills.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients Breakdown

This simple recipe uses basic pantry items. Here’s the exact lineup:

• 1 packet (20g) of instant coffee
• 150cc (about 150ml) of milk
• 1 cube (or piece) of white sugar
• A small pinch of cinnamon powder

Cinnamon powder is widely available—you’ll find it in the international or spice aisle of most supermarkets. It keeps well, so one jar lasts a long time. Want a chocolate twist? Swap the cinnamon for cocoa powder.

How to Make European-Style Cinnamon Coffee: Step-by-Step

Making this coffee is straightforward. Just follow these steps for a café-style result at home.

1. Brew the Coffee: Add one 20g packet of instant coffee to a cup. Pour in 150ml of boiling water. Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. This gives you a strong, sweet coffee base.
2. Foam the Milk: In a separate container, pour 150cc of milk. Use a milk frother to whip it into light, creamy foam. (No frother? A jar with a tight lid and some vigorous shaking works in a pinch.)
3. Assemble the Drink: Pour the brewed coffee into your serving cup. Gently spoon the milk foam on top. Sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon powder over the foam. Give it a quick stir before drinking, if desired.

The coffee-to-milk ratio is flexible. Prefer it sweeter? Add an extra sugar cube when brewing. Just note—if your cinnamon powder is pre-sweetened, reduce the added sugar accordingly.

What Is Cinnamon? Flavor Background

Cinnamon is the aromatic inner bark of certain trees, commonly used as a spice. The variety typically found in stores has a spicier, slightly thicker flavor than true Ceylon cinnamon. It contains 1–2% volatile oils, primarily cinnamaldehyde (C9H8O). Cinnamon is a common ingredient in desserts, liqueurs, and chocolate—especially favored in Southern Europe. In North America, both Chinese and Ceylon cinnamon powders are often sold interchangeably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground coffee instead of instant coffee for this recipe?

No, this specific recipe is designed for instant coffee. Instant dissolves easily in hot water, making it ideal for quickly creating a sweet, strong coffee base. Ground coffee requires brewing equipment like a filter, French press, or espresso machine and won’t dissolve properly in hot water the way instant does.

What kind of milk should I use?

You can use any type of milk—dairy or plant-based. The recipe calls for 150cc (about 150ml) of milk to be frothed into foam. Whole milk froths best, but almond, oat, or soy milk also work if that’s what you have.

Do I need a milk frother?

No, a milk frother makes it easier, but you can create foam by shaking heated milk in a sealed jar for about 30 seconds. Alternatively, heat the milk and whisk vigorously by hand to get a lighter froth.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of cinnamon?

Yes. The recipe specifically mentions that cocoa powder is a great substitute for cinnamon if you prefer a chocolate flavor instead of a spicy one. Use the same small pinch and sprinkle it on the foam as instructed.

Is the cinnamon in the recipe sweetened?

Not necessarily. Most supermarket cinnamon powder is unsweetened. However, some brands may add sugar. If yours is sweetened, reduce or skip the additional sugar cube to avoid an overly sweet drink.

FrontStreet Coffee Picks for Spiced Coffee Recipes

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for a fruity-spiced profile that pairs beautifully with cinnamon. Their Yirgacheffe offers bright citrus and floral notes, while the Classic Blend delivers a balanced medium roast perfect for milk-based drinks. All three beans highlight the versatility of specialty coffee—even when experimenting with flavors like cinnamon or cocoa. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.