Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of treating yourself to a sweet, nutty, and totally irresistible coffeehouse drink in the comfort of your own home, this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee is about to become your new obsession. Imagine sipping on a perfectly chilled coffee swirled with silky caramel, luscious hints of hazelnut, light creamy milk, and a pile of whipped cream – every single sip is pure joy. It’s easy to put together and turns any ordinary morning into something special. This Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee is your answer to beating the afternoon slump or upgrading your weekend brunch game!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Coffee Mixture:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup
Additional:
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Crushed hazelnuts for garnish (optional)
How to Make Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee
Step 1: Brew and Cool Your Coffee
Brew a cup of your favorite coffee, making it extra strong to ensure those bold notes shine through the cold and the mix-ins. Let the coffee come to room temperature, or pop it in the fridge for a quick chill. (If you’re a planner, cold brew is fantastic for extra smoothness.)
Step 2: Prep Your Glass
Grab your tallest, fanciest glass – trust me, presentation counts for everything here! Fill it with plenty of ice cubes so your Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee is satisfyingly cold from the very first sip to the last.
Step 3: Mix Up the Magic
In a separate container or measuring cup, combine the cooled coffee with the milk, caramel sauce, and hazelnut syrup. Stir vigorously until the caramel is fully dissolved and the mixture looks silky and inviting. Give it a taste—if you like it sweeter or more nutty, adjust the syrup and caramel to your heart’s desire.
Step 4: Assemble Your Drink
Pour the coffee mixture slowly over the ice in your prepared glass, watching those delicious swirls come together. This moment is when all the flavors blend beautifully to create the Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee of your dreams.
Step 5: Finish with the Fun Stuff
If you’re going all out, crown your iced coffee with a generous mound of whipped cream. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts for a crunchy, café-style finish. Lift your glass and enjoy every creamy, nutty, caramel-infused sip!
How to Serve Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee
Garnishes
There’s nothing like turning a homemade drink into a showstopper with the right garnishes. For Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee, a swirl of whipped cream not only looks luscious but also pairs dreamily with a decadent drizzle of caramel sauce. A sprinkling of chopped or crushed hazelnuts adds a pop of texture and a boost of sophisticated nutty flavor that takes each sip over the top.
Side Dishes
This coffee pairs wonderfully with light, sweet morning treats. Think flaky pastries, buttery croissants, or nutty biscotti, all of which complement the coffee’s caramel and hazelnut notes perfectly. For a more substantial pairing, a simple toast with chocolate-hazelnut spread or a slice of banana bread makes this a cozy, satisfying brunch moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up your Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee by serving it in a mason jar for a rustic vibe, or try a double-walled glass for dramatic presentation. Dip the rim in caramel sauce and then into crushed hazelnuts for a playful (and tasty) edge. Special occasion? Thread caramel-drizzled hazelnuts onto a skewer and lay it across your glass for a truly impressive barista-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 24 hours. Stir before serving, as the caramel and hazelnut syrup may settle at the bottom. For best results, wait to add ice, whipped cream, and garnishes until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing
Want coffee that’s even colder and never watered down? Pour any extra Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze. Add these flavorful cubes to your next glass for an added taste boost, or blend them into a sweet, frosty coffee frappe whenever you’re in the mood for something extra chilly.
Reheating
While this drink is best enjoyed cold, if you accidentally left it in the fridge and crave it warm, simply pour it into a microwave-safe mug and heat in 20-second increments until steaming. The caramel and hazelnut flavors truly shine in both iced or gently warmed formats—just skip the ice and add a dollop of whipped cream before serving warm!
FAQs
Can I make Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee with decaf coffee?
Absolutely! Decaf works perfectly here if you’re watching your caffeine. Just brew strong decaf and let all the flavors shine without the buzz.
What’s the best milk to use for Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee?
Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but oat milk and almond milk are wonderful dairy-free options that melt right in and highlight the hazelnut flavor even more.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Of course! Feel free to tweak both the caramel sauce and hazelnut syrup to suit your taste. Start small, give it a stir, and add more until you hit your personal sweet spot.
Do I need to use crushed hazelnuts on top?
Crushed hazelnuts add amazing crunch and a true nutty finish, but the drink is still incredible without them. Try mini chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa as a fun alternative.
Can I double or batch this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just scale up the amounts and mix everything in a pitcher. Be sure to wait until serving to pour over fresh ice, and let everyone garnish their own for that fun coffeehouse experience.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend whipping up a Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee at home highly enough—it’s the little treat that turns any day around. Now that you have all the steps, the inspiration, and some creative serving ideas, why not make your kitchen the happiest coffeehouse in town? Give it a try, share it with a friend, and enjoy every sweet, nutty sip!
Print
Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of caramel and hazelnut with this delicious Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee recipe. Perfect for a refreshing pick-me-up on a warm day or as a delightful treat any time.
Ingredients
Coffee Mixture:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup
Additional:
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Crushed hazelnuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brew the Coffee: Brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool to room temperature or chill in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Drink: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. In a separate container, stir together the cooled coffee, milk, caramel sauce, and hazelnut syrup until well combined.
- Assemble: Pour the mixture over the ice. Top with whipped cream if desired, and drizzle with extra caramel sauce. Sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier version, use half-and-half or oat milk.
- Adjust caramel and hazelnut syrup to taste.
- Cold brew can also be used in place of regular coffee for a smoother flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
