Magical Coffee

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This coffee is smooth, rich, and subtly spiced, with a sweetness that rounds out the bitterness. It’s endlessly adaptable: swap cinnamon for cardamom, add almond extract and fennel seeds for a Scandinavian flair, or go full indulgence with condensed milk Vietnamese-style. It’s perfect for hot summer days, lazy weekends, or any time you want a coffeehouse-quality drink at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Coffee Base:

• 3 cups water

• 2/3 cup coarsely ground coffee

• 3 tbsp dark brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Assembly:

• Ice, for serving

• Milk or half-and-half, to taste

Directions

Make the Coffee Base:

1. In a quart jar, combine water, coffee grounds, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well.

2. Cover and refrigerate overnight to steep.

Assemble:

1. Strain the coffee base through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, then pour back into the jar for storage.

2. Fill a tall glass halfway with ice. Pour in coffee until three-quarters full.

3. Top with milk or half-and-half to taste. Stir and enjoy.

Servings and Timing

• Serves: 2–4

• Prep time: 5 minutes (plus 8 hours refrigeration)

Variations

• Scandinavian style: Add 1/4 tsp almond extract and a pinch of crushed fennel seeds to the base before refrigerating.

• Cardamom coffee: Swap the cinnamon for ground cardamom, or use half of each spice.

• Vietnamese-inspired: Use sweetened condensed milk instead of cream for a richer drink.

• Iced mocha: Add 1–2 tsp cocoa powder to the coffee base for a subtle chocolate note.

Storage/Reheating

• Store strained coffee base in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

• Serve cold over ice—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I make this with hot brew instead?

Yes, brew hot coffee with the sugar and cinnamon, then chill before serving.

What grind size works best?

Coarse grind is ideal for cold brew to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.

Can I skip the sugar?

Yes, but the brown sugar adds depth and helps balance the spice.

Does the cinnamon dissolve completely?

Not entirely—straining removes most sediment, but a fine mesh or coffee filter gives the smoothest result.

Can I make a decaf version?

Absolutely—use your favorite decaf beans.

Will almond milk work?

Yes, though it may be less creamy than dairy or oat milk.

Can I double the recipe?

Easily—just scale up the ingredients and use a larger container.

Can I use ground fennel instead of seeds?

Yes, but start with a smaller amount—it’s more intense.

Is this drink sweet?

Mildly—it’s more about balance than dessert-level sweetness.

Does it really taste magical?

Yes, especially after your first sip.

Conclusion

Magical Coffee proves that a little extra flavor and an overnight steep can transform your morning ritual. With warm spice, gentle sweetness, and silky smoothness, it’s a treat worth making again and again. Whether you stick to the original cinnamon-brown sugar combo or explore creative variations, this drink will live up to its name.

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