Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a time of reflection, self-discipline, and community. As millions of Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset, evenings come alive with gatherings, shared meals, and warm hospitality. And increasingly, one beloved beverage has become a centerpiece of these moments — coffee.
In recent years, cafés across the globe have begun embracing the Ramadan spirit by offering limited-time specials that combine creativity, cultural tradition, and ethical values. From date-sweetened lattes to saffron-infused brews and post-iftar desserts, coffee shops are finding new ways to connect with customers observing the fast — and to celebrate the beauty of the holy month.
Let’s take a look at how cafés are marking Ramadan with unique offerings that blend faith, flavor, and community.
The Connection Between Coffee and Ramadan:
Coffee and Ramadan have shared a deep relationship for centuries. The world’s first coffee drinkers were Sufi mystics in Yemen, who used it to stay alert during late-night prayers. From there, coffee spread across the Muslim world — to Mecca, Cairo, and Istanbul — where it became a symbol of gathering, contemplation, and hospitality.
Today, that same spirit thrives in coffee shops during Ramadan. For fasting Muslims, coffee takes on a new meaning: it’s not just a morning boost but a comforting ritual after iftar (the evening meal) or during suhoor (the pre-dawn meal).
“During Ramadan, coffee becomes a moment of mindfulness,” says Aisha Rahim, founder of The Halal Cup in Toronto. “It’s a way to unwind, reflect, and reconnect — whether with faith or with friends.”
That’s why many cafés are tailoring their offerings to fit this sacred rhythm — ensuring that every cup complements the month’s unique pace and purpose.
1. Date-Sweetened Coffees: Naturally Delicious and Symbolically Rich:
Dates hold a special place in Ramadan — it’s traditional to break the fast with them, just as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did. So it’s no surprise that dates have become a star ingredient in Ramadan-themed coffee drinks.
Popular Café Creations Include:
Date Caramel Latte: Espresso combined with house-made date syrup and steamed milk for a natural sweetness.
Kopi Kurma (Date Coffee): A Southeast Asian twist that blends brewed coffee with pureed dates and a hint of honey.
Iced Date Cold Brew: Smooth, refreshing, and energizing — perfect for warm iftar nights.
These drinks are as nutritious as they are delicious. Dates provide natural energy, fiber, and vitamins — making them the perfect ingredient for a post-fasting pick-me-up.
Where to try it: Qahwa House in Dearborn, Michigan, and Modest Mug Café in Kuala Lumpur are both known for their signature date-sweetened lattes.
2. Ramadan-Inspired Flavor Fusions: Saffron, Rose, and Cardamom:
One of the joys of Ramadan is the fusion of traditional flavors from across the Muslim world — and coffee shops are capturing that beautifully in their seasonal menus.
Flavor Highlights:
Saffron Rose Cappuccino: A luxurious drink that combines fragrant saffron threads with rosewater and steamed milk.
Cardamom Mocha: A spiced take on the classic mocha, bringing warmth and comfort to post-iftar moments.
Pistachio Latte: Creamy and nutty, inspired by Middle Eastern desserts like baklava and ma’amoul.
These flavors do more than please the palate — they evoke nostalgia and cultural pride. They remind customers that Ramadan isn’t just about abstaining; it’s about savoring life’s blessings with gratitude.
“We want people to taste their heritage,” says Layla Khan of Bean & Barakah in London. “Saffron and rose aren’t just ingredients — they’re memories of family, home, and celebration.”
3. Suhoor and Iftar Specials: Late-Night Coffee Culture:
Ramadan transforms the usual café schedule. Instead of the morning rush, cafés come alive after sunset. Many halal and Muslim-owned cafés now adjust their hours to accommodate customers who fast.
Here’s what they’re offering:
Suhoor Energy Blends: Protein-packed smoothies and strong espresso-based drinks available before dawn.
Iftar Dessert Sets: Specialty drinks paired with sweets like dates, kunafa, or pistachio cake.
Midnight Coffee Gatherings: Extended café hours where families and friends meet for drinks and conversation after taraweeh prayers.
In places like Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Toronto, Ramadan nights are turning coffee shops into social hubs filled with light, laughter, and spiritual reflection.
Example: Modest Mug Café hosts “Midnight Brews,” a nightly suhoor event with energizing drinks and light bites for those preparing for the next day’s fast.
4. The Return of Tradition: Arabic Qahwa and Turkish Coffee:
Amid all the modern creativity, many cafés are also reintroducing traditional coffee rituals that reflect the heritage of Muslim cultures.
Arabic Qahwa: A spiced coffee made with lightly roasted beans, cardamom, and saffron, often served with dates.
Turkish Coffee: Rich, strong, and unfiltered, often enjoyed after iftar with sweets like baklava.
Yemeni Qishr: A historical drink made from coffee husks, ginger, and cinnamon — light, fragrant, and caffeine-friendly.
These drinks aren’t just nostalgic — they’re symbolic of Ramadan’s deeper meaning. They remind us to slow down, savor, and share.
“Traditional coffee connects us to our history,” says Rashid Ismail, co-owner of Barakah Beans Roastery in Cape Town. “It’s a way of honoring our ancestors while welcoming modern coffee culture.”
5. Community and Charity: The True Spirit of Ramadan:
Beyond drinks and décor, the most heartwarming part of Ramadan coffee culture is its emphasis on giving back. Many cafés use this month as an opportunity to serve their communities — proving that coffee can be a catalyst for compassion.
Common Initiatives Include:
Pay-It-Forward Cups: Customers can pre-purchase drinks for those in need.
Iftar for All: Cafés host free or donation-based iftars for the community.
Charity Partnerships: A percentage of sales goes to local food banks, orphanages, or refugee aid programs.
For instance, The Halal Cup in Canada donates a portion of every Ramadan drink sold to local shelters, while Bean & Barakah in London partners with Muslim charities to sponsor meals for families in need.
This fusion of business and benevolence perfectly embodies the Ramadan ethos — where profit meets purpose.
6. Aesthetic Ambiance: Ramadan Nights at the Café:
Coffee shops are also setting the mood for the holy month through thoughtful design and ambiance. Expect soft lighting, lantern décor, Arabic calligraphy, and soothing nasheed playlists.
Some cafés even offer iftar reservations for groups, complete with platters of dates, desserts, and Ramadan-themed drinks. The goal is to create spaces where fasting customers can unwind and enjoy a tranquil post-iftar experience.
“Our café becomes like a second home during Ramadan,” says Nabila Rahim of Modest Mug Café. “It’s not just about serving drinks — it’s about creating warmth, comfort, and connection.”
7. Global Brands Joining the Celebration:
Even mainstream coffee chains are beginning to embrace Ramadan with sensitivity and creativity.
Starbucks in Malaysia and Indonesia releases Ramadan-exclusive drinks like the Date Frappuccino and Coconut Mocha.
Costa Coffee in the UAE offers limited-edition saffron-flavored beverages and date desserts.
Tim Hortons in Canada introduces Ramadan discounts and Iftar Combo boxes for Muslim customers.
This growing inclusivity signals how global coffee culture is recognizing and celebrating Muslim consumers — not as a trend, but as an integral part of the worldwide café community.
The Bigger Picture: A More Inclusive Coffee Culture:
The rise of Ramadan coffee specials reflects a broader shift toward inclusivity, ethics, and cultural appreciation in the coffee industry.
Muslim-owned cafés like Qahwa House, Bean & Barakah, and Barakah Beans Roastery are setting the standard for halal, community-driven business models — and inspiring larger brands to follow suit.
Ramadan is not just an opportunity for marketing; it’s a chance to practice empathy through entrepreneurship — to build connections that last long after the crescent moon has set.
Final Thoughts:
Ramadan at your favorite café isn’t just about seasonal drinks — it’s about belonging. Whether it’s sipping a saffron latte after iftar or sharing a quiet cup of qahwa with friends, coffee becomes a bridge between faith and flavor.
These limited-time specials capture what Ramadan is all about: reflection, generosity, and gratitude. They remind us that every sip can be a small act of joy — a way to celebrate community, creativity, and culture.
So this Ramadan, visit your local café after sunset, try a date-infused brew or a pistachio latte, and soak in the serenity. Because when brewed with intention, coffee becomes more than a drink — it becomes a celebration of spirit, flavor, and togetherness.
