7 Creative Ways UK Cafe & Cocktail Bars Are Using Cardamom Extract

Cardamom, with its warm, aromatic, and slightly citrusy flavour, has long been a cherished spice in professional kitchens worldwide. One of the best things about this spice is that it can be added to a myriad of dishes as well as drinks, thanks to its palatable flavour. If you’re running a café or cocktail bar in the UK and seeking a premium cardamom extract to elevate your beverages, Holy Lama Cardamom Spice Drops® are an exceptional choice. Sourced from the lush regions of Kerala, South India, this high-quality extract captures the essence of cardamom’s complex flavour, offering versatility and ease of use. 

Here, we explore seven innovative ways UK cafés and cocktail bars can incorporate this vibrant extract into their offerings — from refreshing summer drinks to bold, exotic cocktails.

1. Cardamom Negroni Cocktail

Elevate your cocktail hour with this sophisticated twist on the classic Negroni. The subtle warmth of cardamom enhances the bold flavours of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, creating a perfectly balanced drink that’s ideal for any occasion. Its vibrant hue and aromatic finish make it a standout choice for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home.

Ingredients:

• 15ml Campari

• 15ml BTW Tonic Syrup

• 30ml Gin

• 30ml Sweet Vermouth

• 1 drop of Cardamom Spice Drops®

• Ice cubes

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients and aerate.

2. Strain over fresh ice.

Prep time: 10 Minutes
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Serves: 1

Full Recipe link: https://holylama.co.uk/blogs/recipes/cardamom-negroni-cocktail

2. Apple and Elderflower Cardamom Cooler Cocktail

This refreshing gin-based cocktail combines the crispness of apple and the delicate floral notes of elderflower, with a hint of cardamom for a unique twist. Perfect for warm evenings or a relaxing afternoon, this drink offers a light and invigorating taste. Its elegant simplicity makes it a wonderful addition to garden parties or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients:

• Ice cubes

• 1 drop of Cardamom Spice Drops®

• 50 ml apple and elderflower cordial

• 200ml water

• A slice of lime or a green apple to garnish

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a shaker and strain into a glass over fresh ice.

2. Garnish with a slice of lime or apple.

Prep time: 5 Minutes
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Serves: 1

Full Recipe link: https://holylama.co.uk/blogs/recipes/apple-and-elderflower-cardamom-cooler-cocktail

3. Summer Berry Cocktail

Bursting with the vibrant flavours of seasonal berries, this cocktail is a delightful blend of fruity sweetness and exotic cardamom. It’s a stunning drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The bright colours and fresh garnish make it a perfect choice for summer celebrations, adding a touch of elegance to any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 50g mixed berries – blackberries, strawberries and blueberries (fresh or frozen)

• Crushed ice

• 1 drop Mint Spice Drops®

• 1 drop Cardamom Spice Drops®

• 30ml vodka

• 15ml pomegranate and rose liqueur

• Fresh blueberries and a sprig of mint for garnish

Method:

1. Blend the mixed berries in a blender to make a smooth puree.

2. Shake well, some crushed ice, the puree, the Spice Drops® and vodka. Strain and pour into a tall glass.

3. Top up with the liqueur. Garnish with floating blueberries and a sprig of fresh mint.

Prep time: 10 Minutes
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Serves: 1

Full Recipe link: https://holylama.co.uk/blogs/recipes/summer-berry-cocktail

4. Iced Coffee with Cardamom

Transform your coffee break with this indulgent iced coffee, infused with the aromatic warmth of cardamom. Paired with creamy vanilla ice cream, it’s a refreshing treat that’s perfect for coffee lovers. The frothy texture and subtle spice create a luxurious experience, ideal for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a special dessert drink.

Ingredients:

• 6 tsp. of strong coffee powder

• 500ml of whole milk

• A few ice cubes

• 8 scoops of vanilla ice cream

• 8 drops Cardamom Spice Drops®

Method:

1. Make a large pot of very strong fresh coffee. 6 teaspoons of ground coffee will make one litre. Make it twice as strong as you would make if you were drinking it hot.

2. Add the milk to the prepared coffee. To accelerate cooling, add a few ice cubes.

3. Add 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream and the Cardamom Spice Drops® to taste and mix with a hand blender until slightly frothy. Do not overblend too much, otherwise the ice cream will become smooth and will not give a good texture.

4. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little sugar or honey.

5. Fill each glass 2/3 full and add a dollop of ice cream to complete the glass.

Prep time: 10 Minutes
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Serves: 4

Full Recipe link: https://holylama.co.uk/blogs/recipes/iced-coffee-with-cardamom

5. Flavoured Lemonade

This versatile lemonade is a refreshing classic with a twist. The addition of cardamom or other spices allows you to customise the flavour, making it a delightful drink for all ages. Its adaptability and bright, zesty taste make it a fantastic choice for picnics, family gatherings, or simply a refreshing moment of relaxation.

Ingredients:

• Caster sugar or sugar cane syrup*, to taste

• Juice of 1 Lemon or 1/2 a lemon and 1/2 a lime

• 1 cup of water, still or sparkling

• 1 - 2 drops of Ginger Spice Drops® or 1 - 2 drops Cardamom Spice Drops® or 1 - 2 drops Cinnamon Spice Drops® or 1 - 2 drops Saffron Spice Drops®

• Ice cubes

Method:

1. Mix the sugar (or sugar syrup), juice and water until the sugar is completely dissolved.

2. Add the Spice Drops® of your choice. Serve chilled and with ice to taste.

Tip: Try Funkin Sugar Cane Syrup* or make your own light sugar syrup by mixing 1 part (e.g. cup) cane sugar and 2 parts water in a pan and heating until sugar is dissolved.
Prep time: 10 Minutes
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Serves: 1

Full Recipe link: https://holylama.co.uk/blogs/recipes/flavoured-lemonade

6. Banana Milkshake

What’s better than a cool banana milkshake to beat the summer lull? Packed with potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and support heart health. This creamy drink also provides dietary fibre, keeping you full for hours and gives you an energy boost. Expert tip: Opt for ripe bananas, which enhance the natural sweetness without any need for extra sugar. Finally, adding a drop or two of Cardamom Spice Drops adds an aromatic twist to this drink, taking it from a simple drink to something special. 

Ingredients

• 1 large banana, peeled and roughly chopped

• 200ml milk (use almond milk for a vegan option)

• 4 drops Cardamom Spice Drops®

• 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream (optional)
  
  

Method

1. Add the chopped banana to a bowl or blender.

2. Pour in the milk and the Cardamom Spice Drops®.

3. Blend until smooth using a hand-blender or mixer.

4. For a creamier, more indulgent version, add a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream and blend again briefly.
   
   

Prep time: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Serves: 1

Full Recipe link: https://holylama.co.uk/blogs/recipes/banana-milk-shake

7. Mango Smoothie With Cardamom

This creamy smoothie blends the tropical sweetness of mango with the fragrant warmth of cardamom. It’s a quick and nutritious drink that’s perfect for breakfast or a midday refresh. The smooth texture and exotic flavour make it a delightful treat, ideal for a healthy start to the day or a cool refreshment.

Ingredients:

• 250ml mango pulp or 2 ripe mangoes, chopped into cubes

• 3 heaped tbsp plain Greek yogurt

• 2-3 drops Cardamom Spice Drops®

Method:

1. Add all the ingredients to a container and, using a hand blender, blend until evenly mixed. Enjoy a refreshing smoothie!

Prep time: 10 Minutes
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Serves: 2

Full Recipe link: https://holylama.co.uk/blogs/recipes/mango-smoothie-with-cardamom

Takeaway

From a classic cup of coffee to innovative cocktails, Holy Lama Cardamom Spice Drops® offer endless possibilities for creative cooking. UK cafés and cocktail bars can turn to this versatile extract to infuse their drinks with warmth, depth, and sophistication. A single drop can transform your creations, bringing the vibrant flavours of Kerala to your table. With its ease of use and ethical credentials, this cardamom extract is a must-have for anyone looking to explore the art of flavour.

Elevate your pre-dinner drinks with this sophisticated twist on the classic Negroni. The subtle warmth of cardamom enhances the bold flavours of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, creating a perfectly balanced drink that’s ideal for any occasion. Its vibrant hue and aromatic finish make it a standout choice for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home.