If you are craving a luscious, refreshing coffee treat that combines creamy sweetness with a nutty twist, this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s an easy-to-make, no-fuss beverage that feels indulgent but comes together in no time, blending freshly brewed coffee with the irresistible flavors of caramel and hazelnut. Whether you’re cooling off on a warm afternoon or simply treating yourself to a delightful pick-me-up, this recipe hits all the right notes with a velvety texture and just the perfect balance of sweetness and coffee kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients—they each bring something special to the table to create that mouthwatering Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe you’ll crave again and again.
- Freshly brewed coffee (1 cup): The foundation of your iced coffee, make sure it’s cooled to avoid diluting the flavor.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds creamy texture; use your favorite dairy or non-dairy option for a personal touch.
- Caramel sauce (2 tablespoons, plus extra): Brings a sweet, buttery caramel richness that melts beautifully into the brew.
- Hazelnut syrup (1 tablespoon): Infuses a nutty aroma and flavor that complements the caramel perfectly.
- Ice cubes (1 cup): Essential for that satisfying chill and refreshment.
- Whipped cream (optional): Adds an extra creamy, cloud-like topping to finish the drink with flair.
How to Make Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
Step 1: Brew and Chill Your Coffee
Start by brewing your favorite coffee and make sure it cools completely to room temperature. You can even pop it in the fridge to speed things up. Using chilled coffee prevents your icy drink from watering down too quickly and keeps the bold flavors front and center.
Step 2: Mix the Magic Ingredients
In a tall glass, pour together the cooled coffee, milk, caramel sauce, and hazelnut syrup. Stir everything thoroughly until those gorgeous flavors marry into one smooth, sweet blend that’s bursting with caramel nuttiness.
Step 3: Add the Ice
Fill your glass with ice cubes to the brim. This not only keeps your coffee refreshingly cool but also gives it that classic iced coffee look that’s so inviting on a sunny day.
Step 4: Top with Whipped Cream and More Caramel
For the ultimate indulgence, crown your iced coffee with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Then drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top to create an eye-catching and irresistible finishing touch. Serve it immediately and dive into that dreamy Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe experience!
How to Serve Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation by adding a sprinkle of crushed toasted hazelnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on the whipped cream. These little extras add texture and aroma, taking your Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe to a café-quality level right at home.
Side Dishes
This iced coffee pairs beautifully with buttery pastries like croissants or pecan scones, which complement the caramel and hazelnut flavors perfectly. A simple biscotti or shortbread cookie also works wonders for dipping and adds a satisfying crunch alongside your smooth drink.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe in a clear glass mason jar for a rustic feel or use a tall glass with a colorful reusable straw to brighten things up. For a fancy twist, rim the glass with crushed hazelnuts mixed with a little brown sugar before pouring your coffee mixture in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover iced coffee mixture, simply keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick stir before serving, and remember to add fresh ice cubes to keep it delightfully cold and refreshing.
Freezing
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the coffee component in ice cube trays to use later in iced coffee drinks. Just pop the coffee ice cubes into your glass before pouring fresh milk and syrups for a perfectly chilled beverage without dilution.
Reheating
This Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe is designed to be served cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you want a warm version, try heating the milk and adding caramel and hazelnut syrup to your hot coffee base for a cozy, comforting drink.
FAQs
Can I use cold brew instead of regular brewed coffee?
Absolutely! Cold brew concentrate is a fantastic choice if you want a bolder coffee flavor with less acidity, which works wonderfully in this Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swapping out regular milk for almond, oat, or soy milk keeps the recipe creamy while catering to dairy-free diets without sacrificing flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
Feel free to add more or less caramel sauce and hazelnut syrup depending on your taste preferences. You can also skip the whipped cream for a less sweet finish.
Is there a way to make this drink vegan?
Definitely! Use plant-based milk and ensure your caramel sauce is vegan-friendly, then top with non-dairy whipped cream to keep it completely vegan.
How long does this iced coffee stay fresh?
When kept chilled, the iced coffee mixture tastes best within 24 hours. Beyond that, the flavors might start to break down or taste stale.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the comforting sweetness of caramel paired with the rich nuttiness of hazelnut, especially in a refreshing iced coffee. This Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to sip. I can’t wait for you to try it and find your own little moment of caffeine-fueled happiness!
Print
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
Description
This Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee is a deliciously refreshing beverage that combines the rich flavors of brewed coffee with creamy milk, sweet caramel, and nutty hazelnut syrup. Perfectly chilled over ice and topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel, it’s an ideal treat for coffee lovers looking for a sweet and indulgent summer drink.
Ingredients
Drink Base
- 1 cup freshly brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut syrup
Others
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Brew and Cool the Coffee: Brew your coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature or chill it in the refrigerator to avoid melting the ice too quickly in the final drink.
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a tall glass, combine the cooled coffee, milk of your choice, caramel sauce, and hazelnut syrup. Stir thoroughly to ensure the caramel and syrup fully dissolve into the coffee for a consistent sweet and nutty flavor.
- Add Ice Cubes: Fill the glass with ice cubes to chill the drink and provide that refreshing iced coffee experience.
- Optional Topping: Top your iced coffee with a generous swirl of whipped cream if desired, then drizzle extra caramel sauce on top to enhance the sweetness and presentation.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the best chilled flavor and texture of your Caramel Hazelnut Iced Coffee.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, substitute brewed coffee with cold brew concentrate.
- Adjust sweetness levels by varying the amount of caramel sauce and hazelnut syrup according to taste.
- Use almond milk or oat milk as dairy-free alternatives.
- Whipped cream topping is optional but adds a creamy, indulgent touch.
