Warm, spiced, and gently sweet, Hawaij Coffee is a 5-minute recipe that transforms your usual brew into something special. Enjoy this Yemeni spice blend as an alternative to chai.
If you’ve never tried Hawaij Coffee before, you're in for a treat! It's not fussy or overly sweet. It’s regular brewed coffee gently infused with a Yemeni spice blend called sweet Hawaij.
The result is warm, slightly sweet, and aromatic, with flavors that remind me of chai but with more of a coffee-forward punch.
I’ve made this coffee more times than I can count, usually in the mornings when I want something a bit cozy and rich but don’t have the energy to make a full pot of anything fancy. If you can brew coffee and stir in a spice mix, you can make this.
The real star here is the spice blend. Sweet Hawaij includes ground cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. It's fragrant without being overpowering.
The spice hits your nose before you take a sip, and then there’s a smooth warmth in every sip.
You can add sugar or honey if you like it sweet, or milk if you want something creamy. Personally, I love it black with just a pinch of sugar.
Do you love coffee? Be sure to also check out Gingerbread Latte, Sweet Potato Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Coffee Syrup, or Coffee Milk.
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What is Hawaij Coffee
Hawaij coffee is a spiced coffee drink made by stirring a blend of warming spices (cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves) into brewed coffee.
It comes from Yemeni tradition, where sweet hawaij (pronounced ha-wai-ij) is used to add fragrance and depth to coffee. The result is a cozy, aromatic drink that tastes a little like chai but with coffee. It's often served sweetened and optionally with milk, but it’s flexible depending on your preferences.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Takes less than 5 minutes
- Uses ingredients you probably already have
- Cozy, spiced flavor that's great in cooler months
- Can be made sweet or unsweetened, dairy or dairy-free
- Easy to scale up for guests or down for just one mug
- Naturally caffeine-adjustable — use decaf if needed
- Adds variety to your coffee routine without equipment
- Feels special without being a hassle
- Works with any brewed coffee method
- A great way to try Yemeni flavors
- A tasty alternative to Pumpkin Spice Latte or Gingerbread Latte.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for quantities.
- Brewed coffee
The base of this recipe. Use whatever method you prefer: drip, French press, Moka pot, pour-over. A medium or dark roast works best. - Sweet Hawaij spice mix
This is a blend of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and sometimes nutmeg or clove. You can buy it online, at Middle Eastern grocery stores, or make your own sweet hawaij recipe. - Sugar or honey (optional)
I add this when I want a sweeter cup. Use maple syrup or agave if you’re vegan or prefer different flavors. You could even try it with Coffee Syrup to sweeten it with an intense coffee flavor. - Milk or cream (optional)
Totally up to you. Oat milk works well for a dairy-free version. I like a splash of half-and-half on weekend mornings.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Mix up your sweet hawaij - you can make a big batch and keep it in a jar in the cupboard and use a little whenever you want a hawaij coffee.
Brew your coffee as usual.
Stir in the sweet hawaij spice mix until dissolved.
Add sugar or honey to taste, and finish with milk or cream if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy the spiced aroma!
Variations
- Iced Hawaij Coffee – Cool the brewed coffee and serve it over ice.
- Hawaij Latte – Steam milk and mix with espresso and the spice mix.
- Hawaij Mocha – Add cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a chocolatey twist.
- Maple Hawaij Coffee – Sweeten with real maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Hawaij Espresso Shot – Stir spice mix into a single or double espresso.
- Hawaij Bulletproof Style – Add coconut oil or ghee and blend.
- Whipped Cream Topping – Add whipped cream and a dusting of spice on top.
- Hawaij Dalgona Coffee – Whip instant coffee granules with sugar, hawaij and hot water until fluffy, then spoon it over milk. Dalgona coffee.
Storage
You can pre-mix a small jar of sweet Hawaij spice to keep in the pantry. It lasts for months and saves time in the morning.
Brewed coffee doesn’t store especially well, but if you make a larger batch, you can refrigerate it and reheat as needed.
Top tips
Start with just a pinch of the spice mix, then adjust to taste.
Stir the spice mix in while the coffee is hot so it dissolves better.
Use freshly ground coffee for the best flavor.
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📖 Recipe
Hawaij Coffee
Ingredients
- 1 mug brewed coffee
- ¼ teaspoon sweet hawaij spice mix
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey optional
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream optional
Instructions
- Brew your coffee as usual.
- Stir in the sweet hawaij spice mix until dissolved.
- Add sugar or honey to taste, and finish with milk or cream if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy the spiced aroma!
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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