If you’re anything like me and love a coffee that feels like a warm hug even on the hottest days, the Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This drink is an irresistible blend of rich, brewed coffee, velvety milk or cream, and the perfect harmony of caramel and hazelnut syrups that add just the right touch of sweetness and nuttiness. It’s simple to make yet so indulgent, refreshing, and packed with flavor that it transforms an ordinary coffee break into a little celebration. Whether you’re easing into a busy morning or just want a special treat, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing the deliciousness of the Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavors, textures, and that classic café-style vibe.
- 1 cup brewed coffee, chilled: Using good quality coffee is key since it’s the base of your drink and brings that bold, robust flavor.
- 1 tablespoon caramel syrup: Adds a luscious sweetness with a deep, buttery richness that caramel lovers live for.
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup: Brings a nutty, aromatic dimension that pairs beautifully with both coffee and caramel.
- 1/2 cup milk or cream: This creates that silky texture and mellows out the intensity to a smooth, creamy finish.
- Ice cubes: Essential for chilling your coffee without watering it down too quickly, keeping every sip perfectly cool.
How to Make Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
Step 1: Brew Your Coffee
Start by brewing a fresh cup of your favorite coffee. Let it cool down to room temperature or speed things up by popping it in the fridge. Chilled coffee is the foundation here—it keeps the iced coffee crisp and refreshing rather than warm and dull.
Step 2: Mix in the Syrups
In your favorite glass, combine the chilled coffee with the caramel syrup and hazelnut syrup. These two syrup stars dissolve easily and blend into the coffee to create a rich, flavorful base. Stir gently to marry those sweet, nutty notes with the bold coffee.
Step 3: Add the Milk or Cream
Pour in milk or cream according to your preference for richness. The creaminess smooths out the intensity of the coffee and syrup, creating that beautiful balance of flavor and texture that makes this iced coffee so dreamy.
Step 4: Fill with Ice Cubes
Fill your serving glass well with ice cubes. These keep your drink chilled to perfection without diluting the flavor too fast. Pour the coffee mixture over the ice, watching the creamy caramel tones swirl beautifully around the cubes.
Step 5: Stir and Enjoy
Give everything a good stir to distribute the flavors evenly. Now you’re ready to sip and savor the perfect combination of caramel, hazelnut, and coffee in every refreshing gulp. This step sets the tone for the whole experience, so don’t skip it!
How to Serve Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
Garnishes
Just because this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe is simple doesn’t mean you can’t dress it up! Top your iced coffee with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of crushed toasted hazelnuts for that extra special touch. If you’re feeling festive, a dollop of whipped cream makes a decadent finish that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This iced coffee pairs wonderfully with light, sweet treats like buttery biscotti, chocolate croissants, or even simple sugar cookies. These sides complement the coffee’s rich flavors while adding some texture variety to your indulgent snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this iced coffee in a mason jar with a fun paper straw for an Instagram-worthy moment, or layer the ingredients in a tall clear glass to showcase the lovely swirl of coffee, syrup, and milk. Another great idea is to rim your glass with crushed hazelnuts mixed with a hint of brown sugar, adding that brilliant crunch with every sip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store your brewed coffee base without the ice and milk in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. It keeps well and will still blend beautifully with fresh syrups and milk later on.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this drink fully prepared because the texture of milk or cream can change and the ice melts, but you can freeze leftover brewed coffee in ice cube trays. These coffee ice cubes are perfect for making your next iced coffee without worrying about dilution.
Reheating
Since this is an iced coffee drink meant to be served cold, reheating isn’t necessary. However, the brewed coffee base can be warmed if you want a cozy twist—just gently heat it before adding syrups and milk, and enjoy it as a comforting hot beverage instead.
FAQs
Can I use flavored coffee instead of syrups?
Absolutely! If you prefer, flavored coffee can add extra layers of taste, but to truly capture the balance of caramel and hazelnut in this recipe, the syrups help maintain a consistent and bold flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this drink vegan?
Yes! Swap out dairy milk or cream for any plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Just be sure to check that your syrups are vegan-friendly as well.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Definitely. The caramel and hazelnut syrups provide most of the sweetness, so feel free to add more or less syrup depending on your personal preference for a sweeter or milder drink.
What is the best type of coffee to use?
A medium to dark roast works wonderfully here as it complements the caramel and hazelnut flavors without being too bitter. Freshly brewed coffee always tastes best, but cooled leftover coffee can also work.
Can I make a larger batch of this iced coffee?
Yes, you can multiply the ingredients to make a bigger batch and store the coffee syrup mixture in the fridge. Add ice and milk as you serve to keep each glass fresh and perfectly chilled.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something magical about this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe that turns simple ingredients into a refreshing treat bursting with warmth and flavor. It’s a little pick-me-up that feels like a cozy indulgence on a sunny day. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your coffee routine—trust me, it’s as addictive as it is delicious!
Print
Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee combining rich brewed coffee with sweet caramel and nutty hazelnut syrups, finished with creamy milk or cream and chilled over ice for the perfect cool beverage.
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 refreshing and not diluted.
- Combine the syrups: In a glass, mix the chilled coffee with caramel syrup and hazelnut syrup, blending the sweet and nutty flavors evenly.
- Add milk or cream: Pour in milk or cream and stir until the mixture is well combined for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Add ice: Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the coffee mixture over the ice to chill your drink properly.
- Stir and serve: Stir well once more and serve immediately to enjoy your cold, refreshing Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee at its best.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of caramel and hazelnut syrup to suit your preferred sweetness level.
- Use milk alternatives like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- For stronger coffee flavor, brew a more concentrated coffee or use espresso shots.
- Make sure the coffee is fully chilled before mixing to avoid melting the ice too quickly.
