How to Make Spiced Scandinavian-Style Cardamom Coffee

Looking to elevate your coffee with bold spices and a touch of alcohol? Many coffee enthusiasts explore traditional European coffee drinks that combine espresso or dark-roast coffee with spirits like cognac, apple brandy, or cherry liqueur—each offering a unique cultural twist. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the Scandinavian cardamom coffee or its French and German counterparts, here’s your complete guide.

For a classic Kaffee Cardamom (Nordic spiced coffee), you’ll need 120cc of medium-dark roasted coffee, 15cc of cognac or other brandy, 10cc of sweet orange liqueur, 5 cardamom pods, and 2 sugar cubes. The drink is built by igniting the liquors in the cup, then pouring hot coffee over the infused sugars and spices.

What Is Kaffee Cardamom?

Kaffee Cardamom, also known as the 'Nordic Punch Coffee,' is a spiced coffee drink originating from Scandinavian countries. It combines medium-dark roasted coffee (about 120cc) with cognac or another brandy (15cc), sweet orange liqueur (10cc), 5 whole cardamom pods, and 2 sugar cubes. The preparation involves warming the cup and liquors, combining the alcohol and spices in the cup, igniting the mixture (best done in low light), letting the flames burn off, and then pouring hot coffee over the infused sugars and cardamom.

This method delivers a rich, aromatic cup where the warmth of cardamom plays off the sweetness of the sugar and the depth of the liquors. It’s traditionally prepared for multiple servings using a large pan, making it ideal for gatherings.

How to Prepare Kaffee Cardamom Step by Step

• Heat your serving cup, along with the cognac and sweet orange liqueur, until warm.
• Pour 15cc of cognac (or other brandy) and 10cc of sweet orange liqueur into the warmed cup.
• Add 5 whole cardamom pods and 2 sugar cubes to the cup.
• Ignite the alcohol mixture (ensure the room is dimly lit for best effect).
• Once the flames have completely subsided, pour in 120cc of medium-dark roasted coffee.

The result is a spiced, boozy coffee experience with a fragrant cardamom backbone. For visual inspiration, see the traditional setup here:

Other Traditional Spiced Coffee Variations

Cafe Calvados (France)

This French variation uses 75cc of dark roasted coffee and 20cc of apple brandy (Calvados). Unlike the ignited Nordic version, the coffee and apple brandy are served separately in different glasses. The drink highlights the French preference for alternating sips of coffee and apple brandy. Calvados is an apple-based brandy, and this pairing is especially popular among French men and was famously featured in the film Casablanca.

Kaffee Kirsch (Germany & Austria)

A staple in German-speaking regions, Kaffee Kirsch combines 75cc of medium-dark roasted coffee with 20cc of cherry liqueur (Kirsch). Served with the coffee in one cup and the Kirsch in a small glass alongside, drinkers alternate between the two. Despite the name, Kirsch is technically a clear cherry fruit brandy or eau-de-vie, categorized as a liqueur, and offers a bright contrast to the coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kaffee Cardamom?

Kaffee Cardamom, or Nordic Punch Coffee, is a traditional Scandinavian spiced coffee made with medium-dark roasted coffee (120cc), cognac or brandy (15cc), sweet orange liqueur (10cc), 5 cardamom pods, and 2 sugar cubes. The alcohol is ignited in the cup, then extinguished before adding hot coffee for a spiced, boozy drink.

What kind of coffee roast is best for Kaffee Cardamom?

A medium-dark roast is ideal for Kaffee Cardamom—typically around 120cc of coffee. This roast level provides enough body and bitterness to balance the sweetness of the sugar and the spice of the cardamom and liquors.

Can I make Kaffee Cardamom without igniting the alcohol?

Yes, you can prepare a non-flambéed version by simply mixing the cognac, orange liqueur, cardamom, and sugar in the cup, then pouring hot coffee over them without lighting the alcohol. The flavors will still infuse, though without the theatrical flair.

What’s the difference between Kaffee Cardamom and Kaffee Kirsch?

Kaffee Cardamom is a spiced Nordic coffee with brandy, orange liqueur, and cardamom, while Kaffee Kirsch is a German-Austrian drink combining coffee with 20cc of cherry liqueur (Kirsch). Both are served with their alcoholic components alongside or ignited, but their flavor profiles differ significantly.

Is apple brandy commonly used in coffee in France?

Yes, particularly among French men, apple brandy such as Calvados is often consumed alongside or alternated with coffee. Cafe Calvados involves serving 75cc of dark coffee with 20cc of apple brandy, either together or in separate glasses, and is a well-known cultural pairing.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Spiced Coffee

For spiced coffee drinks like Kaffee Cardamom, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Guji Humbera—known for its floral, citrus, and stone fruit notes that complement cardamom and citrus liqueurs. Alternatively, their Colombia Narino Supremo offers balanced chocolate and nut tones, working well with the warmth of brandy or apple brandy. For a deeper base, their Yunnan Golden Ratio brings malt and dried fruit complexity. All three beans are expertly roasted to highlight their unique profiles. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.