If you love the perfect blend of rich coffee, sweet caramel, and nutty hazelnut flavors, then this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. It’s a refreshingly smooth and creamy drink that feels like a hug in a glass—perfect for those warm afternoons or whenever you need a delicious caffeine boost with a twist. With simple ingredients and no complicated steps, this recipe brings the cozy coffeehouse vibe right into your kitchen, making every sip a little celebration of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s lending that deep coffee richness, creamy texture, or the gorgeous sweet and nutty notes that make this iced coffee unforgettable.
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled: The bold base that makes your iced coffee stand out; brewing it strong ensures the flavor stays vibrant even when diluted by ice and milk.
- 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative: Adds smooth creaminess; oat milk is especially lovely if you want something dairy-free and naturally sweet.
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce plus more for drizzling: This is where luscious sweetness comes alive, giving that signature caramel depth and sticky-smooth texture.
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup: The nutty kiss that elevates your iced coffee from ordinary to extraordinary—don’t skimp on this!
- Ice cubes: Essential for chilling and refreshing this drink perfectly on a sunny day.
- Whipped cream for topping (optional): Adds indulgence and a creamy cloud of sweetness on top.
- Crushed hazelnuts for garnish (optional): A delightful crunch and extra hazelnut flavor that’s beautiful as well as tasty.
How to Make Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
Step 1: Brew and Cool Your Coffee
Start with a strong cup of coffee, freshly brewed to your liking. Let it cool to room temperature or pop it in the fridge so it’s ice-cold before mixing. This step is crucial to avoid melting your ice and watering down the final drink.
Step 2: Prepare Your Glass
Fill a tall glass generously with ice cubes. This keeps your coffee chilled and adds that satisfying crunch with every sip.
Step 3: Mix Coffee, Milk, and Flavorings
In a separate container, stir together the cooled coffee, milk, caramel sauce, and hazelnut syrup until everything is smooth and beautifully blended. This step lets the sweet and nutty flavors marry perfectly before you pour them over the ice.
Step 4: Assemble and Garnish
Pour the delicious mixture over the ice in your glass. If you want to take it up a notch, add a generous swirl of whipped cream, then drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for that irresistible glossy finish. Finally, sprinkle crushed hazelnuts for a little crunch and extra aroma. Serve immediately and enjoy every rich, refreshing sip!
How to Serve Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream and caramel drizzle aren’t just pretty—they add a creamy contrast and extra sweetness that makes sipping this iced coffee truly luxurious. The crushed hazelnuts bring a satisfying texture and a nutty fragrance that’s impossible not to love.
Side Dishes
This iced coffee pairs wonderfully with light, sweet treats like buttery croissants, almond biscotti, or even a simple chocolate chip cookie. These sides complement the caramel and hazelnut notes without overpowering the drink’s delicate balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee in a clear mason jar or a vintage glass to highlight the layers of coffee, milk, and caramel drizzle. Add a cute straw and a cinnamon stick for stirrer flair. You can even rim the glass with crushed hazelnuts or caramel sugar for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to make more than one serving, store any leftover coffee mixture (without ice or whipped cream) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir before serving again over fresh ice.
Freezing
This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing once mixed because the milk and syrups may separate and affect the texture. However, you can freeze leftover brewed coffee in ice cube trays for future iced coffee creations!
Reheating
Since this is an iced beverage, reheating is not recommended; it’s meant to be enjoyed cold and refreshing. If you want to warm it up, consider making a fresh hot version of caramel hazelnut coffee instead.
FAQs
Can I use cold brew coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Absolutely! Cold brew adds a smoother, less acidic coffee taste to your Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe, and it blends beautifully with the sweet caramel and hazelnut flavors.
What dairy-free milk alternatives work best?
Oat milk is a favorite for its creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Almond or cashew milk can also work nicely depending on your preference.
Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Yes, you can easily tweak the amount of caramel sauce and hazelnut syrup to suit your taste—add a bit more for sweeter indulgence, or less if you prefer a more subdued flavor.
Is it necessary to use strong coffee?
Using strong brewed coffee helps the deep flavor shine through even when milk and ice are added. Regular coffee may result in a diluted taste, but it’s okay if you prefer a milder drink.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely. Use a dairy-free milk like oat or almond, and ensure your caramel sauce is vegan-friendly or make your own. Skip the whipped cream or use a plant-based whipped topping.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe is a simple but sensational way to elevate your coffee routine. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or a refreshing pick-me-up, this easy recipe offers all the cozy flavors of caramel and hazelnut in one chilled glass. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do—cheers to your next favorite homemade coffee indulgence!
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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 sweet and nutty homemade coffee drink perfect for warming up your afternoons. Combining strong brewed coffee with creamy milk, rich caramel sauce, and fragrant hazelnut syrup, it’s a refreshing treat served over ice and optionally topped with whipped cream and crushed hazelnuts for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Coffee Base
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- Ice cubes
Mix-ins
- 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
- Prepare coffee: Brew a strong cup of coffee using your preferred method and allow it to cool to room temperature or chill it in the refrigerator for faster cooling.
- Fill glass with ice: Take a tall glass and fill it generously with ice cubes to keep your drink refreshingly cold.
- Mix ingredients: In a separate container or shaker, combine the cooled coffee, milk (or dairy-free alternative), caramel sauce, and hazelnut syrup. Stir or shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Assemble the drink: Pour the coffee mixture over the ice-filled glass, allowing the flavors to blend chilled as you prepare to serve.
- Add toppings: If desired, top the iced coffee with a dollop of whipped cream, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top, and sprinkle crushed hazelnuts for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your homemade Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee right away for the best taste and cool refreshment.
Notes
- For a creamier texture and richer taste, substitute milk with half-and-half or oat milk.
- Customize sweetness by adjusting the amount of caramel sauce and hazelnut syrup according to your preference.
- For a smoother and less acidic coffee flavor, try using cold brew coffee instead of regular brewed coffee.
