How to Make Barley Coffee with Espresso and Cream

If you’ve ever wanted a non-dairy coffee drink that still feels rich and layered—without being a latte or a flat white—Barley Coffee (Barley Coffee / ) offers a surprising twist. It blends Italian espresso with barley tea, steamed to release aroma, then topped with fresh cream and a drizzle of honey. But how do you put it all together without losing the distinct flavors? This guide breaks it down.

Barley Coffee combines half a cup of espresso with one tablespoon of barley tea, 3 parts hot water, 15ml honey, fresh cream, a sprinkle of barley grains, and optional sugar. The key steps are steaming the barley tea with water to enhance flavor before layering with espresso and cream.

What Is Barley Coffee?

Barley Coffee isn’t coffee made from barley—it’s a blended drink combining brewed Italian espresso with barley tea. Popular as a caffeine-conscious or dairy-light alternative, it’s often served in European-style cafés and gained attention for its malty depth when paired with coffee. In this version, it also includes fresh cream, honey, and toasted barley grains for texture and sweetness.

Why Add Barley Tea to Espresso?

Barley tea brings a toasty, slightly nutty, and malty character that complements the roasted notes of espresso. When steamed, it releases more aromatic compounds, adding body and complexity to the drink. It also reduces the overall intensity of the espresso, making the drink smoother—especially for those who prefer a less bitter or lighter coffee experience.

How to Make Barley Coffee Step by Step

This recipe serves one, using the exact ingredients and method provided:

• Ingredients: Half a cup of Italian espresso, 1 tablespoon of barley tea, 3 parts (approx. 90–120ml) hot water, fresh cream (to taste), a small pinch of barley grains (for garnish), 15ml (1 tablespoon) of honey, and sugar packets (optional).
• Step 1: Prepare the Espresso. Brew and pour half a cup of Italian espresso directly into your serving cup.
• Step 2: Steam the Barley Tea. In a separate container, combine 1 tablespoon of barley tea with 3 parts hot water. Use a steam wand (or gentle heat) to warm the mixture and extract the tea’s aroma—do not boil.
• Step 3: Combine. Pour the steamed barley tea mixture into the cup with the espresso. Stir gently to integrate.
• Step 4: Add Cream & Toppings. Top the drink with a dollop of fresh cream. Sprinkle a few barley grains on top for texture and visual appeal.
• Step 5: Serve with Honey & Sugar. Drizzle 15ml of honey alongside the cup and include sugar packets if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips for Best Results

Use freshly brewed espresso for the best crema and flavor. If steaming barley tea, avoid boiling—keep temperature below 100°C to preserve aroma. Choose a thick, pourable fresh cream for ideal texture. Adjust honey to taste, but stick to around 15ml for balance with the barley and espresso.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Boiling the barley tea mixture, which can scorch the delicate grain flavor.
• Using stale or low-quality espresso—freshly pulled shots are essential for balance.
• Over-creaming the drink; a modest layer of cream complements rather than overwhelms.
• Skipping the steaming step for the barley tea—steaming unlocks aroma you won’t get from just mixing hot water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barley Coffee made of?

Barley Coffee is made with half a cup of Italian espresso, 1 tablespoon of barley tea, 3 parts hot water, 15ml of honey, fresh cream, a sprinkle of barley grains, and optional sugar. The drink combines espresso with steamed barley tea for a malty, smoother coffee alternative.

Do you need an espresso machine to make it?

Yes, you need an espresso machine to make the Italian espresso component. Alternatively, you could use a stovetop Moka pot, though the crema and extraction will differ from machine espresso.

Can I use cold barley tea instead?

No, the recipe specifies heating the barley tea with 3 parts hot water using steam or gentle warmth. Cold tea won’t integrate well with hot espresso and won’t release the same roasted aroma.

What’s the role of the honey in this drink?

The 15ml of honey balances the malty barley and bitter espresso notes. It adds slight sweetness and enhances the overall smoothness of the drink. Adjust to personal taste, but the given amount is the recipe standard.

Is Barley Coffee a type of latte?

No, it’s not a latte. While it includes cream, Barley Coffee is a blend of espresso and barley tea, not steamed milk. The cream is optional and used more like a garnish than a base.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, you can skip the fresh cream or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. The recipe will still work, though the texture and richness will differ slightly.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Barley Coffee Blends

For Barley Coffee, choose FrontStreet beans with balanced roast profiles that complement the malty barley tea. Try the FrontStreet Yirgacheffe for bright citrus and floral notes that cut through the cream, or the FrontStreet Ethiopia Humbera for juicy berry tones. Both work well with the honey and toastiness of the barley. For a deeper base, the FrontStreet Classic Blend offers chocolatey and nutty tones that align with the drink’s malty profile. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.