Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
If you adore the rich, nutty flavors of hazelnut paired with the buttery sweetness of caramel, then this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe is about to become your new go-to refreshment. It combines the boldness of brewed coffee with smooth, creamy milk and just the right touch of syrupy goodness to create a chilled drink that’s not only deeply satisfying but also incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re looking for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet start to your day, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors that dance on your palate and keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe plays a vital role in building its irresistible flavor profile and refreshing texture. The combination is straightforward but powerful, ensuring each sip bursts with rich, creamy, and nutty notes.
- 1 cup brewed coffee, chilled: The base of the drink, providing that essential coffee kick and bold flavor.
- 1 tablespoon caramel syrup: Adds a luscious sweetness with a buttery undertone that complements the coffee perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup: Brings a toasted, nutty richness that turns this iced coffee into a delightful treat.
- 1/2 cup milk or cream: Provides creaminess and smooth texture, balancing the strong coffee and sweet syrups beautifully.
- Ice cubes: The final touch to chill and refresh, making this drink wonderfully cool and satisfying.
How to Make Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee—using your favorite beans or grounds—and let it cool completely. This step is crucial because hot coffee will melt down the ice and dilute the flavors, so chilling your coffee either at room temperature or in the fridge sets the stage for a perfectly crisp iced drink.
Step 2: Combine the Syrups
Once your coffee is chilled, pour it into a glass and add the caramel syrup alongside the hazelnut syrup. These two syrups are the heart of this recipe, creating that signature sweet and nutty harmony. Stir them in gently to make sure they fully dissolve and evenly flavor your coffee.
Step 3: Add Milk or Cream
Next, pour in your choice of milk or cream. This adds that luscious creaminess which softens the boldness of the coffee and complements the sweetness beautifully. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and velvety.
Step 4: Add Ice
Fill a serving glass to the brim with ice cubes—the colder, the better here! Then pour your caramel hazelnut coffee mixture right over the ice. This step chills your drink perfectly and gives it that classic iced coffee presentation.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Give your iced coffee one final stir to meld all the flavors together and serve immediately. The refreshing chill, creamy texture, and layered flavors will make this your favorite Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe to enjoy any time of day.
How to Serve Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching presentation and a little extra flavor boost, try topping your drink with a dollop of whipped cream and a light drizzle of caramel sauce. You could also sprinkle some crushed toasted hazelnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the coffee’s nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This iced coffee pairs wonderfully with light pastries like almond croissants, biscotti, or even a simple vanilla scone. Their understated sweetness won’t overpower your drink, instead they enhance the overall experience—perfect for a leisurely brunch or afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this iced coffee in a tall glass or a mason jar to showcase the creamy swirls and layered colors. Adding a reusable straw or a cinnamon stick can elevate the look and add subtle aromatic depth. For a festive twist, rim your glass with crushed hazelnuts or caramel sugar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover coffee mixture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the syrup and milk, but keep in mind it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and texture.
Freezing
This Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe does not freeze well as the milk and syrups can separate and create an unpleasant texture. For best results, enjoy it fresh or chilled rather than frozen.
Reheating
While this is designed as a cold beverage, if you prefer a warm version just heat the coffee before adding the syrups and milk. Skip the ice cubes and enjoy it as a cozy caramel hazelnut latte instead.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee for this recipe?
Absolutely! Instant coffee works well if you’re short on time. Just dissolve it in hot water, let it cool completely, then follow the same steps to create your iced coffee.
What’s the best type of milk to use?
Whole milk or cream gives the creamiest texture, but you can absolutely use plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy. Each adds its own subtle flavor twist, so feel free to experiment.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Of course! You can easily add more or less caramel and hazelnut syrup depending on your taste preferences. Start with one tablespoon each and tweak from there to find your perfect balance.
Is this recipe suitable for making multiple servings?
Yes, just multiply the ingredients accordingly and prepare in a larger pitcher. Keep the brewed coffee chilled and add ice cubes just before serving to keep the drink perfectly cold.
Can I use flavored coffee instead of syrups?
You can try using a hazelnut or caramel-flavored coffee, but syrups are recommended for that richer, sweeter, and more pronounced flavor that defines this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe is such a delightful way to enjoy your daily coffee ritual with a burst of sweetness and nutty charm. It’s easy to whip up, utterly delicious, and incredibly satisfying on warm days or whenever you need a refreshing treat. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own little moment of indulgence!
Print
Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
A deliciously refreshing Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee combining rich brewed coffee with sweet caramel and hazelnut syrups, topped with creamy milk or cream and served chilled over ice. Perfect for a quick, flavorful iced coffee treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed coffee, chilled
- 1 tablespoon caramel syrup
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Brew the coffee: Brew 1 cup of coffee and let it cool to room temperature or refrigerate until chilled to ensure your iced coffee is perfectly cold.
- Combine the syrups: In a glass, mix the chilled coffee with 1 tablespoon caramel syrup and 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup until well blended for a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Add milk or cream: Pour in 1/2 cup milk or cream and stir until fully combined to add richness and smoothness to the drink.
- Add ice: Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the coffee mixture over the ice to chill it instantly and create a refreshing iced coffee.
- Stir and serve: Stir the drink well to blend all flavors together, and serve immediately for a perfectly chilled, sweet hazelnut caramel iced coffee experience.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of caramel and hazelnut syrups to suit your preferred sweetness level.
- Use any type of milk or cream you prefer, including dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee.
- To make it vegan, opt for non-dairy milk and ensure the syrups are vegan-friendly.
- Serve immediately after preparing to maintain the optimal cold temperature and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
