How to Make Barley Coffee with Espresso and Cream

If you’ve ever wanted a warming, creamy coffee drink that isn’t just another latte or flat white, Barley Coffee might be your answer. This layered beverage mixes bold espresso with earthy barley tea, topped with fresh cream and a drizzle of honey—a comforting alternative perfect for cooler days or when you want something different from your usual brew.

To make Barley Coffee, you’ll need half a cup of Italian espresso, a tablespoon of barley tea, 3 parts hot water, 15 milliliters of honey, a dash of heavy cream, a few barley grains, and optional sugar. The entire recipe is built by layering hot infusions with espresso and finishing with texture and sweetness.

What Is Barley Coffee?

Barley Coffee—also known in this recipe as '' or 'Barley Coffee'—is not a true coffee but a warm mixed drink that combines real espresso with barley tea. It’s a layered beverage often served as a coffee-like alternative, especially in settings where a lighter or non-coffee-centric option is desired. This version keeps the espresso but adds barley depth, cream, and honey.

What You’ll Need

The recipe calls for specific quantities to balance the flavours:

• ½ cup Italian espresso
• 1 tablespoon barley tea
• 3 parts hot water (for the tea)
• 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) honey
• Fresh heavy cream (to taste, for topping)
• A small pinch of barley grains (for garnish)
• Sugar packets (optional, served on the side)

How to Make It: Step by Step

This drink is assembled in layers, not brewed all at once. Here’s the exact method:

1. Pour half a cup of freshly made Italian espresso into your serving cup.
2. In a separate container, combine 1 tablespoon of barley tea with 3 parts hot water. Heat this mixture using steam or gentle simmer to extract the barley flavours—you’re aiming to infuse the hot water with the tea’s nutty, grainy aroma.
3. Once the barley tea is well heated and aromatic, pour it carefully into the cup with the espresso. Stir gently to combine.
4. Add 15 milliliters (about 1 tablespoon) of honey to the cup and stir until dissolved.
5. Top the drink with a dollop of fresh heavy cream—add as much or as little as you prefer.
6. Garnish the cream with a few barley grains for texture and a visual touch.
7. Serve the drink with additional honey and sugar packets on the side, allowing guests to adjust sweetness to taste.

Why This Works

The bitterness of the espresso is balanced by the toasty, malty notes of the barley tea. The honey adds a smooth sweetness, while the fresh cream introduces a rich mouthfeel. It’s a comforting, multi-layered drink that works well as a winter warmer or a caffeine-conscious alternative with familiar coffee flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant barley tea instead of loose barley tea?

The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of barley tea, presumably loose or in tea bag form, steeped in 3 parts hot water. Instant barley tea may alter the flavour profile, but you can try it in the same quantity if loose tea isn’t available—adjust steeping time to taste.

Do I have to use Italian espresso?

Yes, the recipe begins with “Italian coffee half a cup,” understood here as Italian espresso. Using a strong, short black coffee like a standard espresso shot is essential to the richness and balance of this layered drink.

Can I make this drink without cream?

Absolutely. The fresh cream is listed as “” (to taste), meaning it’s optional. The drink will still work well with just the espresso, barley tea, honey, and garnish.

What’s the best honey to use in this recipe?

The recipe uses 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) of honey without specifying type. A mild, floral honey complements the barley and espresso, but any standard liquid honey will work—just avoid overly thick or chunky varieties that won’t mix easily.

Is Barley Coffee actually coffee?

No, despite the name, Barley Coffee does not contain any coffee beans. It’s a warm beverage that includes espresso for coffee flavour but is primarily a mix of barley tea, honey, and cream. It’s often enjoyed as a coffee alternative or supplement.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso Blends

For this Barley Coffee recipe, start with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera —a bright, juicy Ethiopian single origin that makes a vibrant espresso base. Pair it with FrontStreet’s Classic Blend for a balanced, chocolatey espresso that complements the nuttiness of barley. For a deeper option, try the PWN Golden Mandheling: low-acid, full-bodied, and ideal for blending. All beans are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.