When the sun sets during Ramadan, the first sip of water and the sweetness of a date mark a moment of deep gratitude and renewal. For many, that moment is followed by something just as comforting — a warm, aromatic cup of coffee.
Coffee has long been a part of Ramadan traditions in many cultures. From Arabic qahwa brewed with cardamom to Turkish coffee rich and foamy after iftar, it’s a drink that unites people across regions and backgrounds. But in recent years, cafés and home brewers alike have started experimenting with Ramadan-inspired coffee creations — blending traditional flavors with modern coffee trends.
Whether you’re breaking your fast or enjoying a late-night suhoor, these coffee drinks are the perfect blend of faith, flavor, and festivity. Here’s a guide to this year’s must-try Ramadan coffee delights.
The Connection Between Coffee and Ramadan:
Coffee and Ramadan share a deep historical and cultural bond. The earliest coffee drinkers were Sufi mystics in Yemen in the 15th century, who used it to stay awake during long nights of prayer and meditation. Over time, coffee became a staple of Ramadan gatherings — served after iftar to reenergize, or at suhoor before the day’s fast.
Today, that legacy lives on. Muslim-owned coffee shops and halal cafés are introducing creative, Ramadan-themed drinks that bring together tradition and innovation — from date lattes to saffron cappuccinos.
“Ramadan is a time to celebrate community, comfort, and care — and coffee perfectly captures that,” says Layla Khan, co-founder of Bean & Barakah Café in London.
So, whether you’re visiting a local halal coffee shop or brewing at home, here are some flavorful Ramadan-inspired drinks to savor this season.
1. Date Caramel Latte – Sweetness Rooted in Sunnah:
Dates are central to Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) broke his fast with dates and water — a tradition millions continue today. Their natural sweetness and energy-restoring qualities make them perfect for coffee pairings.
How It’s Made:
A classic espresso base mixed with homemade date syrup (blended dates, warm water, and a touch of cinnamon), topped with steamed milk and a sprinkle of crushed almonds or pistachios.
Why It Works:
The caramel-like flavor of dates pairs beautifully with coffee’s bitterness, creating a balanced and nourishing drink. It’s also refined sugar-free — ideal after a long day of fasting.
Try it at: Qahwa House (USA) and Modest Mug Café (Malaysia), both known for their delicious date-sweetened drinks.
2. Saffron Rose Cappuccino – Elegance in Every Sip:
Saffron and rose are beloved in Middle Eastern and South Asian Ramadan desserts, from baklava to sheer khurma. Bringing them into coffee creates a drink that’s fragrant, luxurious, and utterly soothing.
How It’s Made:
Steep a pinch of saffron threads in warm milk, mix with a double shot of espresso, and top with rose water and foam. Garnish with dried rose petals for an elegant touch.
Why It Works:
This drink embodies the spirit of Ramadan — warmth, beauty, and reflection. The floral aroma of rose pairs with the earthy sweetness of saffron for a truly sensory experience.
Perfect for: Post-taraweeh indulgence or as a cozy after-iftar treat shared with family.
3. Qishr – Yemen’s Traditional Ramadan Brew:
Before there were espresso machines, there was qishr — a traditional Yemeni coffee drink made from coffee husks instead of beans. It’s light, spiced, and steeped in history, making it a Ramadan classic that’s both cultural and comforting.
How It’s Made:
Boil coffee husks, ginger, and cinnamon in water until aromatic. Sweeten with honey and serve hot.
Why It Works:
Qishr is caffeine-light and gentle on the stomach, making it perfect for iftar or late-night gatherings. It also connects modern coffee lovers with the Islamic world’s original coffee heritage.
Try it at: Qahwa House in Dearborn or Barakah Beans in Cape Town, where traditional brews are making a revival.
4. Pistachio Latte – A Nutty, Nostalgic Delight:
Pistachios are a staple of Ramadan desserts like ma’amoul and halwa — and when combined with coffee, they create something truly special.
How It’s Made:
Blend roasted pistachios, milk, and a hint of cardamom into a smooth paste. Mix it with espresso and frothy milk for a rich, nutty latte.
Why It Works:
The creamy texture and natural sweetness of pistachios add depth to the coffee. It’s indulgent yet wholesome — perfect for special iftar evenings or Eid celebrations.
Pair it with: A slice of kunafa or pistachio baklava for the ultimate Middle Eastern experience.
5. Cardamom Cold Brew – Cool, Refreshing, and Revitalizing:
For those warm Ramadan evenings, cold coffee can be a refreshing choice after iftar. Cardamom, a spice loved in Arabic and Indian cultures, adds a fragrant twist that complements coffee’s boldness.
How It’s Made:
Steep coarsely ground coffee with crushed green cardamom pods in cold water for 12–18 hours. Strain, chill, and serve over ice with a dash of milk or cream.
Why It Works:
Cold brew is smoother and less acidic than hot coffee, making it gentle on the stomach after fasting. Cardamom adds aroma and aids digestion — a practical and flavorful combination.
Pro Tip: Try it with a dash of date syrup instead of sugar for an extra Ramadan touch.
6. Halal Espresso Mocktails – A Festive, Alcohol-Free Twist:
Many Muslim-owned cafés are introducing mocktail-style espresso drinks for Ramadan — festive, flavorful, and completely alcohol-free.
Fan Favorites Include:
Espresso Mojito: Espresso mixed with mint, lime, and sparkling water.
Coconut Tonic Brew: Espresso shaken with coconut water and ice for tropical refreshment.
Sujood Spritz: A creative drink with espresso, orange zest, and pomegranate syrup — sweet and symbolic.
Why It Works:
These drinks bring celebration to coffee culture — perfect for Ramadan nights and Eid gatherings without compromising on halal standards.
Find it at: Modest Mug Café (Malaysia) and The Halal Cup (Toronto), known for crafting trendy, alcohol-free coffee mocktails.
7. Turkish Coffee with Dates – Tradition Meets Comfort:
Turkish coffee has long been part of Ramadan evenings, especially in Middle Eastern households. When paired with dates or a small piece of chocolate, it turns into a soothing post-iftar ritual.
How It’s Made:
Finely ground Arabica coffee is simmered in a cezve (small pot) with water and sugar until frothy. Serve in small cups with a date on the side.
Why It Works:
The deep flavor and unfiltered texture of Turkish coffee invite slow sipping and conversation — exactly what Ramadan nights are all about.
Bringing Ramadan Coffee Culture Home:
You don’t have to visit a café to enjoy these drinks. With a few simple ingredients, you can recreate Ramadan-inspired coffee at home. Here’s how to make your experience more meaningful:
Use halal-certified or alcohol-free syrups and flavorings.
Pair your drink with sunnah foods — like dates, honey, or figs.
Share your brew with family, friends, or neighbors — a small act of generosity that captures Ramadan’s true essence.
Reflect while brewing. Take the few minutes of coffee-making as a mindful moment of gratitude before or after your fast.
How Coffee Shops Are Joining the Celebration:
Around the world, Muslim-owned cafés are embracing Ramadan with unique coffee specials and cultural events.
Qahwa House (USA): Serves traditional qishr and saffron coffee during iftar hours.
Bean & Barakah (UK): Offers a “Ramadan Drinks Flight” with three mini lattes inspired by dates, rose, and pistachio.
Modest Mug Café (Malaysia): Hosts “Midnight Brews” — a late-night suhoor experience featuring energizing cold coffees and desserts.
The Halal Cup (Canada): Donates a portion of Ramadan sales to local food banks while introducing limited-edition Ramadan blends.
These efforts show that coffee, when brewed with intention, can bring people together — blending community, charity, and creativity.
Final Thoughts:
Ramadan is a month of reflection and renewal — and the perfect time to slow down, savor, and reconnect. Coffee, in its own quiet way, mirrors that spirit.
Whether you’re sipping a saffron latte at a local halal café or enjoying a homemade date caramel brew, every cup can be a small celebration of faith and flavor.
So this Ramadan, as you break your fast, take a moment to appreciate not just the drink in your hand — but the centuries of tradition, hospitality, and creativity that brought it to your cup.
Because when faith meets flavor, coffee becomes more than a drink — it becomes a story of gratitude, connection, and community.
