Ghee Coffee Benefits and How to Make It

Ghee coffee is freshly brewed coffee blended with a small amount of clarified butter until creamy and lightly foamed. It is a rich, buttery drink that is easy to make at home; its appeal is mainly flavor and texture, not a proven health benefit.

Although often associated with modern low-carbohydrate coffee trends, this simple preparation has no single traditional recipe. Ghee adds saturated fat and calories, so treat it as an occasional beverage or a meal accompaniment rather than a source of medical or weight-loss benefits.

Ingredients

1 cup (240 ml) hot brewed coffee, made to your preferred strength
1 teaspoon (5 g) unsalted ghee
1 tablespoon (15 ml) hot water, if needed for blending
Optional: 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (about 0.3 g), for serving

Instructions

Brew 1 cup (240 ml) of coffee using your usual method. Allow about 4–5 minutes for a pour-over or another manual brew; if using a coffee maker, brew time varies by machine. Use coffee that is hot but not boiling.
Pour the coffee into a blender jar that is safe for hot liquids. Add 1 teaspoon (5 g) ghee. Start on the lowest speed, then blend for 10–15 seconds, until the ghee is fully emulsified and a thin layer of foam forms. Follow your blender’s instructions for hot liquids, keep the lid vent open if required, and cover the opening with a folded towel to help prevent splashes.
Pour into a heatproof mug. If you do not have a blender, whisk vigorously in a deep, heatproof cup until the fat is dispersed; the drink may be less evenly foamy. Add cinnamon if using and serve promptly.

Tips

Start small with the ghee. One teaspoon gives a mild buttery note without making the coffee especially heavy. Add more only if you enjoy the richer texture; more ghee also means more fat and calories.
Blend safely. Hot liquid can build pressure in a closed blender. Use a model designed for hot liquids, leave its vent open as directed, and blend at low speed. An immersion blender used in a deep vessel is another option, but keep the blade submerged to limit splashes.
Choose unsalted ghee. Salted ghee can make coffee taste unexpectedly savory. If ghee is unavailable, unsalted butter works, though it contains more water and milk solids and can produce a slightly less clean, less stable blend.
Skip the blender jar storage. Blend only what you plan to drink. The foam settles as the drink stands, and reheating can separate the fat, so fresh preparation gives the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the drink immediately in a warmed mug, on its own or alongside breakfast. Its buttery richness pairs well with plain toast, oatmeal, fruit, or eggs, though it does not replace a balanced meal. Cinnamon is a simple garnish; a small pinch of cocoa powder can add a chocolate-like aroma without turning the drink into a sweet mocha.

If you usually add milk or cream, taste the blended coffee first: ghee already adds richness. For a sweeter cup, stir in sugar, honey, or another sweetener after blending, then taste and adjust. Keep the serving modest if you are not accustomed to adding fat to coffee.

Variations

Spiced ghee coffee: Blend in a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom. Ground spices can settle, so stir once more just before drinking.
Decaf version: Use 1 cup (240 ml) of brewed decaffeinated coffee and follow the same method.
Butter version: Replace the ghee with 1 teaspoon (5 g) unsalted butter. The taste will be creamier and may have a slight milk-solid note.
Non-dairy option: Use 1 teaspoon (5 g) refined coconut oil instead of ghee. This changes the flavor and is not a dairy-free form of ghee; blend thoroughly, as it can separate as it cools.
Less rich cup: Use 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) ghee, or omit it for plain coffee. There is no need to add oil or extra fat to enjoy the coffee.

Storage and Reheating

Ghee coffee is best consumed fresh because the fat and coffee can separate as they cool. If you cannot drink it right away, transfer it to a covered cup or food-safe container and refrigerate within 2 hours. For best quality, use it within 24 hours; although brewed coffee can generally be kept refrigerated for 3–4 days, the blended drink’s texture and flavor deteriorate sooner.

Reheat gently in a microwave-safe mug in short intervals or in a small saucepan over low heat until hot, stirring or whisking often. Do not boil it. Blend or whisk again briefly to bring the fat back into suspension. Discard any drink left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of ghee coffee?
In practical terms, ghee gives coffee a buttery taste and a fuller, smoother texture. There is not good evidence that adding ghee to coffee provides special health, weight-loss, or detox benefits. It does add saturated fat and calories, so factor it into your overall eating habits.

Does ghee coffee contain caffeine?
Yes, unless you make it with decaffeinated coffee. The caffeine amount depends on the beans, serving size, and brewing method; ghee does not remove or reduce caffeine.

Can I make ghee coffee without a blender?
Yes. Put the hot coffee and ghee in a deep, heatproof cup and whisk vigorously for 20–30 seconds. A small battery-powered frother can also help, though a blender usually creates a more even, longer-lasting foam.

Can I use butter instead of ghee?
Yes. Use the same quantity of unsalted butter. Ghee is clarified butter with most water and milk solids removed, while regular butter has both, so the drink may taste slightly creamier and separate more readily.

Is ghee coffee dairy-free?
No. Ghee is made from butter and should not be described as dairy-free, even though clarification removes most milk solids. For a dairy-free variation, use a suitable plant-based fat such as refined coconut oil, understanding that it changes the flavor.

Can I drink ghee coffee every day?
That depends on your preferences and dietary needs; it is not necessary for coffee. Ghee contributes saturated fat, and dietary guidance commonly recommends limiting saturated fat overall. Ask a qualified health professional for personal dietary advice if you have a medical condition or specific nutrition concerns.

More recipes to cook

Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).