How to Make Barley Coffee with Espresso and Cream

If you’ve ever wanted to try a coffee drink that isn’t just another latte or cappuccino, Barley Coffee—also known as Barley Espresso—offers a unique twist. It’s not made from barley roasted like coffee, but rather a blend of brewed espresso with actual barley tea. This drink is creamy, slightly sweet, and aromatic thanks to a touch of honey and fresh cream.

Here’s the straightforward formula: half a cup of Italian espresso, one tablespoon of barley tea, three parts hot water, a dollop of fresh cream, a few barley grains for garnish, and 15 milliliters (about 1 tablespoon) of honey. That’s the complete list.

What Is Barley Coffee?

Barley Coffee—known in English as Barley Coffee or more literally as Barley Espresso—is a non-coffee coffee drink that originated as a caffeine-free alternative in European and Middle Eastern traditions. In this version, however, it’s not a pure barley infusion but a layered drink that brings together real Italian espresso with steamed barley tea. The result is a hybrid drink that delivers coffee-like strength with the nutty, toasted notes of barley. It's often served with cream and honey, especially in cafés looking to offer something different from standard espresso drinks.

Why Add Barley Tea to Espresso?

Adding barley tea to espresso creates contrast and complexity. While espresso provides a bold, rich base with its characteristic crema and roasted aromas, barley tea softens the intensity with earthy, grainy, and mildly sweet undertones. The combination gives the impression of a decaf-friendly beverage without losing the ritual and body of a coffee experience. It’s also a way to introduce new textures and flavors to traditional coffee drinkers.

What You’ll Need for Barley Coffee

This drink requires a small but specific set of ingredients:

• Italian espresso – half a cup (around 60–80ml depending on cup size)
• Barley tea – one tablespoon (loose leaf or bagged)
• Hot water – three parts (approximately 90–120ml, to steam with the barley tea)
• Fresh cream – to taste (for topping)
• Barley grains – a small pinch (for garnish)
• Honey – exactly 15 milliliters (about 1 tablespoon)

How to Make Barley Coffee: Step by Step

Follow these steps to recreate the drink as described in the original recipe:

1. Pour the espresso. Start by pulling or pouring a half cup of Italian espresso directly into your serving cup. This forms the caffeinated, aromatic base of the drink.
2. Prepare the barley tea mixture. In a separate container, combine one tablespoon of barley tea with three parts hot water. Use a steam wand (like on an espresso machine) or a small kettle to gently heat the mixture. The goal here isn’t to boil, but to infuse and warm the barley tea to enhance its nutty aroma. Avoid overheating, which can flatten the delicate grain notes.
3. Combine. Once the barley tea is aromatic and hot (but not boiling), pour it into the cup with the espresso. Stir gently to integrate the two liquids.
4. Add the cream. Top the combined drink with a generous dollop of fresh cream. The cream adds richness and balances the earthiness of the barley.
5. Garnish. Sprinkle a few barley grains on top of the cream for a visual touch and subtle crunch. These also reinforce the theme of the drink.
6. Serve with condiments. Offer the drink with a side of honey (15ml) and sugar packets. The honey is the recommended sweetener, matching the original recipe, though sugar is available for preference.

Taste Profile & Serving Notes

The resulting drink is layered: the espresso provides body and roast flavor, the barley tea brings a mild grainy sweetness and earthiness, and the cream smooths the edges. The honey adds a floral sweetness that complements both the coffee and barley notes. It’s typically served as a mid-afternoon drink or a gentler espresso option for those avoiding heavy caffeine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barley Coffee exactly?

Barley Coffee, or Barley Espresso in this recipe, is a blended beverage made with espresso and barley tea. It’s not decaffeinated coffee made from roasted barley, but a mix of real Italian espresso and hot barley tea, creating a unique nutty, grainy profile alongside classic coffee richness.

Do I need a coffee machine to make this?

You’ll need a way to produce espresso—either an espresso machine or a stovetop moka pot. For the barley tea, heating it with a steam wand is ideal, but a small kettle or saucepan also works to infuse the hot water with the barley flavor.

Can I substitute the honey?

Yes. The recipe recommends 15ml of honey, but you can adjust the amount or swap in sugar or another sweetener according to taste. The honey is chosen for its floral note, which pairs well with the earthiness of barley and the bitterness of espresso.

What does the barley add to the espresso?

Barley tea contributes an earthy, mildly sweet, and nutty flavor that contrasts and softens the boldness of espresso. It adds complexity without overpowering the coffee base, resulting in a smoother, more rounded drink.

Is this drink caffeinated?

Yes. Since it includes a half cup of Italian espresso, it contains a significant amount of caffeine. The barley tea is caffeine-free, but the overall drink is not.

Can I make it ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh. Pre-brewing the espresso or barley tea separately and combining later may work, but the texture and aroma will be better if assembled just before serving, especially to preserve the crema and freshness of the cream topping.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Barley Coffee Blends

To highlight the nutty and roasted qualities that pair well with barley tea, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend or Yirgacheffe single origin. The Classic Blend offers a balanced medium roast with notes of dark chocolate and caramel—ideal for blending with the earthy tones of barley. For a brighter contrast, Yirgacheffe brings juicy citrus and floral hints that cut through the cream and honey. Both beans are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.