Name: Cafe con Miel (Spanish Coffee with Honey) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon honey; 4 ounces espresso or bold coffee; 2 ounces whole milk, steamed; Ground cinnamon for topping

If you’ve got five minutes and a craving for cozy comfort in a cup, let me introduce you to the incredible world of Cafe con Miel (Spanish Coffee with Honey). This Spanish specialty wraps you in warmth with bold coffee, sweet honey, creamy steamed milk, and a glorious cloud of cinnamon on top — utterly irresistible, yet so simple you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Get ready, because this is the sort of drink that instantly lifts your mood and brings a little café magic right into your own kitchen.

Cafe con Miel (Spanish Coffee with Honey) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of components create the magic in Cafe con Miel (Spanish Coffee with Honey). Each is simple, but together they form a blend of flavors and textures that’s timeless and beloved in Spanish coffee culture. Here’s why each ingredient is a must-have:

Honey: Not just a sweetener, but the soul of this drink, adding depth, complexity, and natural floral notes that sugar just can’t provide.
Espresso or Bold Coffee: This is your caffeine kick and flavor backbone; strong, freshly brewed espresso brings authentic Spanish café vibes, but robust drip coffee does the trick in a pinch.
Whole Milk (steamed): The lush, silky layer that rounds out the bold coffee and melts beautifully with the honey, giving the drink a luxurious texture and subtle sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon (for topping): Aromatic and slightly spicy, this is the finishing touch that elevates every sip to dreamy café status — don’t skimp!

How to Make Cafe con Miel (Spanish Coffee with Honey)

Step 1: Add Honey to Your Mug

Grab your favorite mug (double-walled glasses look extra inviting!) and spoon in a generous tablespoon of honey. The honey doesn’t just sweeten the drink; it sets the tone for all the comforting flavors to come. Letting the honey pool at the bottom ensures it melts smoothly into every drop of the coffee.

Step 2: Pour in Hot Coffee

Brew up 4 ounces of steaming espresso or bold coffee. Immediately pour it over the honey in your mug. Give this mixture a thorough stir — this ensures the honey fully dissolves, infusing your drink with its golden sweetness. The fragrance at this stage is pure heaven.

Step 3: Steam and Add the Milk

If you have a milk steamer or frother, steam 2 ounces of whole milk until it’s hot and velvety, ideally reaching about 165°F. Carefully pour the steamed milk into your coffee and honey mixture. Watch as the layers swirl together, turning your cup into a canvas of caramel hues and creamy texture.

Step 4: Sprinkle Generously with Cinnamon

Finish with a heavy shower of ground cinnamon over the top. This little flourish is classic for Cafe con Miel (Spanish Coffee with Honey) and gives every sip a burst of warmth and aromatic spice. You’ll smell that cinnamon before your first taste — and it’s magical.

How to Serve Cafe con Miel (Spanish Coffee with Honey)

Garnishes

The beauty of this drink is in its simple elegance, but a swirl of frothed milk, a cinnamon stick, or even a touch of grated orange zest can make your Cafe con Miel (Spanish Coffee with Honey) truly special for guests or a treat-yourself moment.

Side Dishes

This drink is made for leisurely coffee breaks! Pair it with fresh churros, almond biscotti, or a thick slice of olive oil pound cake for a classic Spanish-Mediterranean touch. Simple butter cookies always work, too, as they soak up the coffee beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting brunch? Serve your Cafe con Miel (Spanish Coffee with Honey) in small glass mugs on a tray, with honey drizzlers and cinnamon sticks alongside for customizing. Or for chilly mornings, offer it as a warming welcome drink, complete with a cinnamon-dusted rim or even a splash of oat milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To be honest, this cozy treat is best enjoyed fresh, but you can cool any leftovers, transfer them to a sealed jar, and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors will mellow and meld, making it a pleasant cold coffee for later.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t common, you can freeze extra Cafe con Miel (Spanish Coffee with Honey) in ice cube trays. Drop these cubes into warm milk or espresso later for a subtly sweet pick-me-up — a clever way to repurpose any extra you couldn’t finish.

Reheating

If your coffee cools or you’ve prepped ahead, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat or zap it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring well to re-blend the honey and milk. Top again with cinnamon before serving to refresh the aroma and look.

FAQs

Can I use another type of milk?

Absolutely! While whole milk gives a classic creamy finish, feel free to use oat, almond, or even coconut milk. Each brings a unique flavor, and plant-based options steam well and sweeten the cup naturally.

Is it necessary to steam the milk?

If you don’t have a steamer or frother, you can heat the milk on the stove or in the microwave and whisk vigorously until frothy. While authentic Cafe con Miel (Spanish Coffee with Honey) uses steamed milk, don’t let equipment stop you — warmth and a bit of froth are what matter most.

Can I prepare a large batch for a group?

Absolutely! Scale up the ingredients and use a large carafe or pitcher. Brew a strong pot of coffee, warm the milk separately, and let everyone customize their cups with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Such a delightful way to bring friends together!

What type of honey works best?

Use your favorite! Wildflower or orange blossom honey is gorgeous for this. Each type brings its own personality, adding floral, fruity, or even earthy notes. Play around to find which you love most in your Cafe con Miel (Spanish Coffee with Honey).

Is this drink very sweet?

The sweetness is entirely up to you. Start with a tablespoon of honey and adjust on your next cup if you prefer more or less. The bold coffee balances the honey beautifully, so you get a rich, smooth, not-too-sweet sip every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that perfect fusion of comfort, flavor, and café charm, Cafe con Miel (Spanish Coffee with Honey) is a must-try. It’s the kind of drink that turns a regular morning or afternoon into something memorable. Brew a cup soon — I promise, you’ll be hooked after the very first sip!