If you are on the lookout for a delightfully refreshing pick-me-up that combines the smooth richness of coffee with luscious caramel and nutty hazelnut flavors, then this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe is just what you need. It is a simple but indulgent drink that brings together the sweet and creamy notes in perfect harmony, making it an ideal treat to brighten your day or impress friends with a homemade coffeehouse classic. The balance of strong brewed coffee cooled to perfection, swirled with velvety milk and drizzled with caramel, elevates your iced coffee experience to a new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step in making this delicious Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe shine. Each component plays an essential role, from the bold coffee to the creamy milk and those sweet, flavor-packed syrups that bring everything together.
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee cooled: The base of your iced coffee, its strength ensures the flavors remain bold even when chilled and mixed with milk and syrups.
- 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative: Adds creaminess and smooth texture; feel free to use oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free twist.
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce plus more for drizzling: Brings rich sweetness and a beautiful golden color, ensuring every sip is indulgent.
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup: Infuses that unmistakable nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with caramel and coffee.
- Ice cubes: Essential for making the drink refreshingly cool and perfectly chilled.
- Whipped cream for topping (optional): Adds a luscious, airy finish that makes this iced coffee feel extra special.
- Crushed hazelnuts for garnish (optional): Offers a pleasant crunch and enhances the hazelnut flavor visually and texturally.
How to Make Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
Step 1: Brew and Cool Your Coffee
Start by brewing a strong cup of your favorite coffee and allowing it to cool to room temperature, or better yet, pop it in the fridge to chill quickly. The strength of your coffee is key because it will be diluted a bit with milk and ice, but don’t worry, we want that bold, rich base to shine through.
Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
In a separate container, combine the cooled coffee with milk, caramel sauce, and hazelnut syrup. Stir thoroughly until the caramel sauce is completely dissolved and you have a beautifully blended, smooth mixture with sweet and nutty layers all mixed in.
Step 3: Assemble Your Drink
Fill a tall glass with plenty of ice cubes to keep your Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe delightfully chilled. Pour the prepared coffee mixture over the ice, watching how the rich caramel tones swirl with creamy milk and the dark coffee.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
If you’re feeling indulgent, top your iced coffee with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the whipped cream to make it irresistibly sweet and shiny, then sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts if you want that extra crunch and nuttiness in every sip.
How to Serve Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes can truly elevate your coffee’s presentation and flavor. A swirl of whipped cream and a caramel drizzle add visual appeal and creamy sweetness, while a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts introduces a lovely texture contrast and intensifies the hazelnut note—you can’t go wrong with these simple enhancements.
Side Dishes
This iced coffee pairs wonderfully with light pastries such as buttery croissants, almond biscotti, or even a slice of hazelnut chocolate cake for those who want to double down on the nutty caramel vibes. These treats complement the drink’s rich flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering the caramel sauce on the inside of your glass before adding ice and coffee mixture to create a beautiful visual effect. You can also experiment by using flavored whipped cream or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an aromatic touch that awakens your senses with each sip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe leftovers, keep them covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 24 hours for the best flavor. Stir well before pouring over fresh ice to revive the creamy, smooth texture.
Freezing
While iced coffee is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover coffee base (without ice and toppings) in ice cube trays. These coffee cubes are perfect to add to future iced coffee drinks to chill without watering down the flavor.
Reheating
This recipe shines when served cold, so reheating isn’t generally recommended; however, if you’d prefer a warm caramel hazelnut latte, simply heat the mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave before adding milk and topping as desired.
FAQs
Can I use cold brew coffee for this recipe?
Absolutely! Cold brew coffee works beautifully in this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe, providing a smoother, less acidic flavor that blends seamlessly with the caramel and hazelnut syrups.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply choose dairy-free milk alternatives like oat, almond, or soy milk and ensure your caramel sauce and syrup are vegan-friendly. The recipe is naturally gluten-free as well.
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of caramel sauce and hazelnut syrup used, or opt for sugar-free syrups. Taste as you mix to find the perfect balance for your palate.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely. Multiply the ingredients according to the number of servings and mix in a large pitcher. Keep it chilled and serve over ice with optional toppings right before serving for a crowd-pleasing beverage.
What if I don’t have hazelnut syrup?
If hazelnut syrup is hard to find, you can substitute with a small amount of hazelnut extract combined with simple syrup, or use another nut-flavored syrup like almond for a slightly different but still delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sipping on this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe—each cool, creamy mouthful tastes like love in a glass. It’s easy to make yet impressively flavorful, perfect for any time you need a refreshing boost with a sweet, nutty kick. Trust me, once you make this at home, it will become your go-to iced coffee treat, bringing joy and café-quality magic right to your kitchen. Give it a try and see how a simple coffee break can transform into a mini celebration!
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Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee is a deliciously refreshing homemade coffee drink that combines strong brewed coffee with creamy milk, sweet caramel sauce, and rich hazelnut syrup. Perfectly chilled and topped with whipped cream and crushed hazelnuts, it offers a perfect balance of flavors for coffee lovers seeking a coffeehouse-style iced beverage at home.
Ingredients
Coffee Base
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- Ice cubes
Flavoring and Cream
- 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup
Toppings (Optional)
- Whipped cream
- Crushed hazelnuts
Instructions
- Brew Coffee: Brew a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method and allow it to cool to room temperature or chill in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.
- Prepare Glass: Fill a tall glass generously with ice cubes to keep your drink cold and refreshing.
- Mix Ingredients: In a separate container, combine the cooled coffee, milk or dairy-free alternative, caramel sauce, and hazelnut syrup. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Assemble Drink: Pour the prepared coffee mixture over the ice in the glass, allowing it to chill further as you assemble.
- Add Toppings: If desired, top the drink with a dollop of whipped cream, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top, and sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts to add texture and enhance flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the refreshing and rich flavors of this homemade caramel hazelnut iced coffee.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, substitute milk with half-and-half or oat milk.
- Adjust the amount of caramel sauce and hazelnut syrup according to your preferred level of sweetness and flavor intensity.
- Cold brew coffee can be used instead of brewed coffee for a smoother, less acidic taste.
