Inspired by beloved regional flavors and created for moments of connection, Starbucks Cardamom Latte is a modern take on tradition for Ramadan – Coffee Ambassador and Barista Champion Sumaiya
The aroma comes before the taste. Cardamom — an earthy, warm, unmistakable scent — transports you to a completely different place. Into grandma’s kitchen during Eid. A night filled with laughter in the second half of Ramadan. The simple act of being handed a cup of Arabic coffee and knowing that I belong here without having to say a word.
For Sumayya, Starbucks Coffee Ambassador and Barista Champion, the aromatic spice carries the weight of two cities and a lifetime of memories. This Ramadan, she helped bring that feeling to a wider audience through Starbucks’ new Cardamom Latte, a drink designed to be felt, not just drunk.
“Cardamom is a memory in a spice,” says Sumaiya. “The scent takes me back to my family’s Ramadan nights, Eid celebrations, moments filled with laughter and togetherness.
“Her coffee journey began in Amman, where rituals held a special meaning: for family, for stories shared around the table, for time carved out for existence. When she moved to Riyadh, that meaning changed. Coffee became an act of generosity, offered before it was asked for.
“Serving Saudi coffee infused with cardamom is a way of saying, ‘Welcome home,’” she explains. “So when we wanted to bring the flavors of coffee to life in a way that felt true to the region, cardamom felt like the perfect choice. It’s not just a taste, it’s a feeling.”
A craft built on balance
Sumayya often talks about harmony in coffee making. She explains her philosophy simply. “First the coffee, then the spices and sweetness.” Cardamom Latte embodies that principle. Espresso provides a bold, structured foundation. Cardamom gently lifts and adds depth without being overwhelming. Steamed milk rounds everything out smooth and approachable.
“Coffee should always lead the story,” she says. “The cardamom gently supports it, adding depth and aroma without stealing the spotlight. Harmony is about balance, and that’s exactly what I wanted: refined, intentional, and comforting.”
“The result is a drink that respects tradition but speaks a modern language, approachable enough to evoke nostalgia and contemporary enough to feel fresh.
Drinks that brighten up quiet seasonal moments
The rhythm of Ramadan lends itself to introspection. Long hours, iftar gatherings, and the silence of the night are spaces where meaningful connections occur. Cardamom has always existed and occupied a space in the coffee poured after a meal, in the desserts passed between hands, in the scent that settles on the walls of the house during the holy month.
Sumaiya envisions lattes finding their place among those rituals. “I imagine this latte would be enjoyed after iftar, perhaps in a quiet moment with family and friends, or while enjoying the tranquility of a Ramadan night,” she says. “It’s comfortable, but still feels special. It’s a modern way to honor tradition while creating new memories.
Beyond flavor, she hopes the drink communicates something deeper to those who order it.
“I hope they feel seen, and I hope they feel a sense of belonging,” she says. “When a flavor reflects your culture and heritage, it becomes more than just a drink. It becomes a connection.”
She paused for a moment, then added: “Cardamom is more than just a spice. For me, cardamom is a story, a connection, and a part of home.”
Starbucks Cardamom Latte will be available during Ramadan in stores in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Whether shared after iftar or enjoyed in rare moments of solitude, it offers an invitation to slow down, remember, and connect, one drink at a time.
