If you’re a coffee lover looking for a delightful twist to your regular iced coffee, this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It brings together the rich, nutty flavor of hazelnut with the luscious sweetness of caramel, all perfectly balanced with chilled, robust coffee and creamy milk. Whether you need a refreshing pick-me-up or a sweet treat on a warm day, this recipe delivers that café-quality experience at home with just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe relies on a handful of everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich and satisfying drink. Each component plays a special role, lending depth, sweetness, creaminess, and that perfect iced refreshment.
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee: The bold foundation that gives your drink robust flavor and a caffeine kick.
- 2 tablespoons caramel syrup: Adds a buttery sweetness that complements the coffee’s bitterness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup: Brings in a warm, nutty aroma that lifts the entire beverage.
- 1/2 cup milk or cream: Creams the drink to silky smoothness; choose dairy or plant-based milks like almond or oat for your preference.
- Ice cubes: Essential for chilling your coffee without watering it down quickly.
- Whipped cream (optional): For an indulgent topping that transforms this iced coffee into a dreamy dessert-like beverage.
- Additional caramel and hazelnut syrup (optional): Perfect for drizzling over the top and adding a beautiful visual and flavor boost.
How to Make Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
Step 1: Brew the Coffee
Start by brewing your favorite strong coffee. The strength here is key because it ensures that the flavors hold up well once ice and milk are added. Let the coffee cool completely—either at room temperature or pop it into the fridge to speed things up. This step prevents your ice from melting the drink too quickly and keeps every sip perfectly chilled.
Step 2: Prepare the Glass
Fill a tall glass to the brim with fresh ice cubes. This not only chills your coffee but also creates a perfect base to pour the flavorful ingredients over, building layers of taste and texture as you go.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Pour the cooled coffee over the ice, then add the caramel syrup and hazelnut syrup. Stir well to make sure the syrups dissolve into the coffee evenly, infusing each sip with their sweet, nutty goodness.
Step 4: Add Milk
Slowly pour your choice of milk or cream over the coffee mixture. This gentle pour helps create a beautiful swirl effect as the milk mingles with the darker coffee beneath, making the drink not only taste amazing but also look stunning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top your Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe with a generous swirl of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent. For the finishing touch, drizzle some extra caramel and hazelnut syrup on top to enhance both flavor and presentation. Serve immediately with a straw, and enjoy every refreshing sip!
How to Serve Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream is a classic topping for this recipe, lending a creamy, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the cold, bold coffee beneath. Adding additional caramel and hazelnut syrup drizzles over the whipped cream not only amps up the flavors but also adds that inviting visual touch that makes this drink feel special and festive.
Side Dishes
This iced coffee pairs delightfully with sweet treats like almond biscotti, chocolate chip cookies, or buttery croissants. The nutty caramel flavors harmonize wonderfully with these baked goodies, making your coffee break feel like a mini café escape.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra splash of fun, try layering your syrups and coffee in a clear glass before stirring to create a beautiful ombré effect. You could also rim your glass with a mix of sugar and finely chopped hazelnuts for a crunchy, flavorful twist. Adding a cinnamon stick or a few whole coffee beans on top can elevate the presentation for guests or a weekend treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to make more coffee mixture than you can drink, store the leftover caramel hazelnut coffee base (without ice or milk) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. This allows you to quickly assemble another iced coffee when the mood strikes, just by adding fresh milk and ice.
Freezing
Though it’s best to enjoy fresh, you can freeze brewed coffee in ice cube trays to use in this recipe. This prevents dilution from regular ice cubes and keeps your iced coffee flavorful and chilled. Freeze syrups separately at room temperature in sealed containers; they typically hold well for a month or so.
Reheating
This recipe is designed for cold enjoyment, so reheating isn’t generally recommended. However, if you want a warm caramel hazelnut coffee twist, simply prepare fresh coffee, add syrup and milk, and skip the ice. The flavors are just as cozy hot as they are iced.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of caramel syrup?
Regular sugar won’t replicate the deep buttery flavor of caramel syrup. If you don’t have caramel syrup on hand, you could try making a simple caramel sauce or substituting with brown sugar syrup to add some caramel notes.
What’s the best type of coffee to use?
Any strong brewed coffee works well here, whether it’s drip, French press, or espresso. The key is that it’s strong and flavorful enough to stand up against the sweetness and creaminess.
Can I make this drink dairy-free?
Absolutely! Using almond, oat, or coconut milk makes for a fantastic dairy-free version. Each alternative adds its own unique twist to the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.
How do I adjust sweetness if I prefer it less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of caramel and hazelnut syrup to taste. You can start with half the syrup amounts and add more gradually until it’s just right for your palate.
Is this recipe suitable for making iced coffee in bulk?
Yes, you can scale up the ingredients easily and prepare the coffee base and syrup mix in advance. Store it chilled and assemble individual drinks with fresh ice and milk when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about sipping a homemade iced coffee that tastes both decadent and refreshing. This Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe is one of those recipes that’s easy enough for an everyday lift but special enough to impress friends or brighten up the weekend. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it — it really is a little cup of joy in every sip!
Print
Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
Enjoy a deliciously refreshing Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee, blending strong brewed coffee with sweet caramel and hazelnut syrups, topped with creamy milk and optional whipped cream for an indulgent iced beverage perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons caramel syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup
- 1/2 cup milk or cream (or dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk)
- Ice cubes
- Whipped cream (optional for garnish)
- Additional caramel and hazelnut syrup for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Brew the Coffee: Brew your favorite strong coffee and allow it to cool completely by leaving it at room temperature or chilling it in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a tall glass to the brim with ice cubes to ensure your drink stays cold and refreshing.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the cooled brewed coffee over the ice in the glass, then add caramel syrup and hazelnut syrup, stirring thoroughly to mix the flavors evenly.
- Add Milk: Slowly pour the milk or cream (or your dairy-free alternative) over the coffee mixture, gently stirring to create an appealing swirl effect in the drink.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally top your iced coffee with whipped cream and drizzle additional caramel and hazelnut syrups on top for extra sweetness and visual appeal. Serve immediately with a straw.
Notes
- You can customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of caramel and hazelnut syrup.
- Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- For an extra cold drink, chill the coffee beforehand or use coffee ice cubes to avoid dilution.
- Whipped cream is optional but adds a creamy texture and decorative touch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
