Hazelnut Iced Latte Recipe [+Tips]
Note: This page contains affiliate links.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.
Oh, the Hazelnut Iced Latte – a delightful, cool twist on the classic latte that’s perfect for warm days or whenever you want that rich coffee flavor with a nutty sweetness and a frosty finish. Imagine this: the bold, robust espresso hits your taste buds first, followed by the silky smoothness of milk, all embraced by the warm, inviting essence of hazelnut syrup. It’s like autumn in a glass but refreshing enough for summer.
- Why is it so popular? Because it combines the intense, energizing punch of espresso with the subtle, sweet nuttiness of hazelnut – and chilling it down makes it so satisfying, especially when the weather is warm or when you’re craving a sophisticated cold beverage.
- It’s a perfect pick-me-up: not just for coffee lovers but for anyone who enjoys a tasty treat that feels a little indulgent but isn’t overly sweet.
- Plus, it’s super versatile – great for a morning boost, an afternoon refresher, or even a dessert-style drink.
Now, let’s get to the magic behind this deliciousness – starting with what you’ll need!
Ingredients For Hazelnut Iced Latte Recipe
Here’s your checklist of essentials and a few options to customize the drink to your liking:
-
Espresso (2 Shots Or About 60ml)
The star of the show! Freshly brewed espresso gives the bold, rich coffee base. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee works too, but espresso gives that authentic taste and intensity.
-
Milk (1 Cup Or About 240ml)
Whole milk for creaminess, but you can absolutely use skim, oat, almond, soy, or any milk alternative. Oat milk is a popular choice for iced lattes due to its natural creaminess and slight sweetness.
-
Hazelnut Syrup (2 Tablespoons)
This is the flavor bomb – sweet, nutty, and aromatic. You can buy premade hazelnut syrup or make your own at home (I can share a recipe if you want!).
-
Ice Cubes (1 Cup)
To chill everything down nicely without watering the drink too much.
-
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream (for extra indulgence)
- A sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon (for that extra wow factor)
- Crushed hazelnuts (for texture and added nutty goodness)
How To Make Hazelnut Iced Latte?
Alright, let’s walk through this step-by-step. I’ll keep it super clear so you can nail it on your first try!
-
Brew Your Espresso
- Use an espresso machine, moka pot, or strong coffee maker to brew two shots (about 60ml). The fresher, the better! The rich, concentrated coffee is what gives the drink its characteristic kick.
-
Sweeten With Hazelnut Syrup
- In your favorite glass, pour the hazelnut syrup first. This way, the espresso will blend beautifully with the syrup, ensuring even sweetness.
-
Add The Hot Espresso
- Pour the freshly brewed espresso directly over the syrup. Stir gently to dissolve the syrup fully and blend those flavors right away.
-
Fill With Ice
- Add a cup of ice cubes to your glass. This cools the mixture instantly and sets the stage for a refreshing drink.
-
Pour In The Milk
- Slowly pour your milk of choice over the ice and espresso mix. Watching the milk cascade through the dark espresso is half the fun!
-
Stir And Taste
- Give everything a good stir. Taste it and add more hazelnut syrup or milk if you want it sweeter or creamier.
-
Add Optional Toppings
- For an extra treat, top it with whipped cream, a dash of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or crushed hazelnuts.
-
Serve And Enjoy
- Grab a straw or a spoon and dive into that delicious, nutty, cool goodness!
Expert Tips
Since I love sharing the little nuggets that make your coffee stand out, here are some pro tips for that next-level Hazelnut Iced Latte:
- Use freshly brewed espresso: Stale or reheated coffee kills the flavor. Always brew fresh, especially when making espresso.
- Chill your glass: Pop your glass in the fridge or freezer beforehand – it keeps your iced latte cooler for longer without diluting it too quickly.
- Customize syrup sweetness: Start with 2 tablespoons of hazelnut syrup, but if you like it sweeter or less sweet, adjust accordingly. Some syrups are sweeter than others.
- Try cold foam: For an extra luxurious texture, top with cold foam (frothed cold milk) instead of regular milk.
- Use coffee ice cubes: Freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays to use instead of regular ice cubes – this prevents dilution as they melt.
- Homemade hazelnut syrup: Toast some hazelnuts and infuse simple syrup with them for a fresher, more natural flavor. (I can give you the recipe if you want!)
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or want to switch it up, here are some delightful variations to try:
- Vegan Hazelnut Iced Latte: Use oat or almond milk and check your syrup to make sure it’s vegan-friendly.
- Mocha Hazelnut Iced Latte: Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Spiced Hazelnut Latte: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the espresso before mixing for a cozy spice kick.
- Vanilla Hazelnut Iced Latte: Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla syrup alongside the hazelnut syrup for a sweeter, more layered flavor.
- Hazelnut Iced Latte with a shot of caramel: Drizzle caramel syrup on top for a caramel-nut flavor party.
- Sugar-Free Version: Use sugar-free hazelnut syrup or make your own with a sugar substitute.
Final Words
There you have it – a full breakdown of the Hazelnut Iced Latte, from ingredients to tips and variations! This drink is a game-changer when it comes to iced coffee, combining the rich depth of espresso, creamy milk, and the irresistible essence of hazelnuts. The best part? It’s super easy to make at home, so you can customize it to your exact liking and impress friends or just treat yourself.
If you love nutty flavors, cold coffee, and a little touch of indulgence, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. Plus, playing around with variations keeps things fresh and fun every time you make it.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make A Hazelnut Iced Latte?
To make a hazelnut iced latte, you need espresso or strong brewed coffee, milk (dairy or plant-based), hazelnut syrup, ice cubes, and optionally whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for garnish.
Can I Use Regular Coffee Instead Of Espresso For A Hazelnut Iced Latte?
Yes, you can use strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine. Make sure the coffee is concentrated to maintain the rich flavor typically provided by espresso.
How Do I Make Homemade Hazelnut Syrup For The Latte?
To make homemade hazelnut syrup, combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves, then add crushed or chopped hazelnuts and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain out the nuts and let the syrup cool before using.
What Types Of Milk Work Best For A Hazelnut Iced Latte?
Whole milk, 2% milk, and plant-based options like almond, oat, or soy milk all work well. The choice depends on your taste preference and dietary needs.
How Do I Assemble A Hazelnut Iced Latte At Home?
Start by filling a glass with ice, add 1-2 shots of espresso or strong coffee, pour in the hazelnut syrup to taste, then top with milk. Stir gently to combine. Optionally, add whipped cream or a garnish.
How Many Calories Are In A Typical Hazelnut Iced Latte?
Calories vary depending on the type and amount of milk and syrup used, but a standard 12 oz hazelnut iced latte typically contains between 150 to 250 calories.
Can I Make A Vegan Version Of A Hazelnut Iced Latte?
Yes, use plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk and ensure your hazelnut syrup does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Is It Possible To Prepare A Sugar-free Hazelnut Iced Latte?
Absolutely. You can use sugar-free or natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol in place of traditional hazelnut syrup, or make a homemade syrup with sugar substitutes.
How Long Can I Store Hazelnut Syrup For Iced Lattes?
Homemade hazelnut syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Can I Use Flavored Espresso Shots Or Coffee Pods For Making A Hazelnut Iced Latte?
Yes, flavored espresso shots or coffee pods can add an extra dimension to your latte, but be mindful that they may alter the intended hazelnut flavor balance.