Last updated on May 6th, 2025 at 02:52 pm
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The Iced Constantine Coffee, a standout summer 2022 creation from Starbucks, swiftly won over fans. This exceptional cold brew, laced with cardamom and orange, crowned with whipped cream and an orange zest, delighted the senses while drawing inspiration from history.
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Why did Starbucks Call it The Constantine Coffee?
Inspired by Constantine the Great’s legendary vision of a cross pre-battle, this drink blends spicy cardamom and zesty citrus to embody the Mediterranean’s essence. It’s a tribute to history and flavor in every sip.
Cardamom and Orange in Mediterranean Cuisine:
Cardamom and orange are essential in Mediterranean cuisine, each bringing unique flavors. Cardamom, with its strong, sweet taste, enhances both savory and sweet dishes, and is a popular addition to coffee. Oranges, known for their bright, tangy flavor, are versatile in salads, sauces, desserts, and drinks.
These ingredients are prized in Mediterranean cooking for their bold and fresh tastes. Cardamom adds spice and sweetness to meats and desserts like baklava, while oranges lighten rich dishes and create tangy desserts.
When added to coffee, cardamom and orange offer a distinctive blend, with cardamom’s warmth complementing coffee’s robustness and orange’s zestiness balancing the bitterness. This combination reflects the vibrant diversity of Mediterranean cuisine.
Health Benefits of Cardamom and Orange:
Plus, cardamom and orange aren’t just tasty, they’re good for you, too. Cardamom is great for digestion, helping with things like bloating and indigestion, and might even help detox your body. It could also reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.
Oranges are full of Vitamin C, which is important for your immune system, skin health, and helps your body absorb iron. They also have antioxidants that fight off harmful particles in your body, reduce inflammation, and might lower the risk of long-term health problems. The fiber in oranges is good for digestion and keeping blood sugar levels steady.
When these flavors are added to coffee, they not only make it taste better but also add these health benefits. Mixing cardamom and orange in coffee makes it not just a tasty drink, but a healthier choice too.
Starbucks Iced Constantine Coffee Copycat Recipe
Missing the Iced Constantine Coffee from Starbucks? You can still savor its unique taste and historical charm by making it at home. Here’s how to bring back this beloved, discontinued specialty in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Cold brew coffee as the base, mirroring Starbucks’ signature blend
- Ground cardamom, to infuse the brew with its distinctive spicy note
- Fresh orange zest and a bit of orange extract or juice, to add the bright citrus element
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Additional orange zest for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cold Brew: Start with a strong cold brew coffee as your base. If you’re making it from scratch, allow enough time for the coffee to steep overnight in the refrigerator.
- Infuse with Cardamom: Add ground cardamom to the cold brew. The amount can be adjusted according to taste, but remember, a little goes a long way.
- Add Orange Flavor: Stir in fresh orange zest and a splash of orange extract or a bit of fresh orange juice to introduce the citrusy Mediterranean flair.
- Chill and Serve: Once your coffee is infused, let it chill in the refrigerator. Serve the brew over ice to keep it refreshingly cool.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Just before serving, top each glass with a generous dollop of whipped cream, mimicking the original Starbucks presentation.
- Garnish: Sprinkle a bit of orange zest over the whipped cream for a final touch of citrus aroma and visual appeal.
- Enjoy: Savor this homemade rendition of Starbucks’ Iced Constantine Coffee, a blend that encapsulates a historical legend in a cup.
Starbucks Iced Constantine Coffee Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz Cold brew coffee
- 1 pinch Ground Cardamom
- 1 tsp Fresh orange zest sub 1 oz orange juice
- Whipped cream garnish
- Fresh orange zest for garnish
Instructions
- Cold Brew: Use strong cold brew as the base. If homemade, steep overnight in the fridge.
- Cardamom Infusion: Add ground cardamom to taste, but use sparingly.
- Orange Twist: Mix in fresh orange zest and a dash of orange extract or juice for a citrus touch.
- Chill: Let the coffee infuse, then refrigerate.
- Ice It: Serve over ice for coolness.
- Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream before serving for a Starbucks-style look.
- Garnish: Sprinkle orange zest on the cream for extra aroma and appeal.
Notes
1. Cold Brew Coffee:
- Calories: Negligible, as black coffee contains almost no calories.
- Protein: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
2. Ground Cardamom:
- Used in small amounts for flavor, its nutritional contribution is minimal.
3. Orange Zest and Orange Extract/Juice:
- Calories: A small amount of orange zest and juice might add a few calories.
- Carbohydrates: Orange zest has negligible carbohydrates, but the juice may add a small amount, depending on how much is used.
4. Whipped Cream (for topping, about 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: Approximately 50-100 calories, depending on the type (light vs. regular).
- Protein: Less than 1 gram.
- Carbohydrates: 1-2 grams.
- Fat: 5-9 grams.
5. Additional Orange Zest for Garnish:
- Negligible nutritional value.
Approximate Total Nutrition:
- Calories: Primarily from the whipped cream, so around 50-100 calories per serving.
- Protein: Less than 1 gram.
- Carbohydrates: 1-5 grams, mostly from the whipped cream and orange juice if used.
- Fat: 5-9 grams, from the whipped cream.
Nutrition
Recreate the magic of the Mediterranean with this easy DIY Iced Constantine Coffee, a delightful homemade spin on a former Starbucks gem. Enjoy it anytime, right in your own kitchen!
Way better than I expected