Hazelnut Latte (Hot or Iced)
The hazelnut latte is an underrated but delicious drink, and it’s simple to make at home. The hazelnut flavor matches well with the nuttiness of many coffees to create a mild but sweet drink.
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When I was a barista, I’d add hazelnut syrup to all sorts of my own drinks, but of course, my classic go-to was a hazelnut latte. (Tip: At Starbucks, order an Iced Carmel Macchiato but sub hazelnut syrup instead of vanilla. It’s the best!)
And, being from Oregon, I have to mention that Oregon produces 99% of the United States hazelnuts. So, I can’t help but be a fan.
This drink is not as popular as the vanilla latte, but I think it should be. As far as taste, it has a slight sweetness that’s not overpowering, and a nuttiness that pairs well with most espresso.
Ingredients
This is an uncomplicated drink that uses three basic ingredients:
- Espresso
- Your choice of milk (I prefer 2% dairy or oat milk)
- Hazelnut syrup
If you don’t have a way to make espresso at home, you can use cold brew (heat it up!) or double-strength coffee. It won’t be the same, but it will be similar. (If you need help making this drink at home, sign up for my free Quick Start Guide: Lattes at home!)
A latte by default is made with dairy milk, usually 2%. But if you don’t drink dairy, you can choose another kind. I would suggest oat milk as it will blend well with the hazelnut flavor.
Hazelnut syrups for coffee are readily available. I suggest purchasing this Torani syrup from Amazon, but you can usually find them at your regular grocery store. There are also sugar-free and puremade options.
Tips for making this drink
The espresso really shines through in a hazelnut latte. I know not everyone has an espresso maker at home, but do the best with what you can. Check out my guide on equipment for at-home lattes for some ideas if needed.
If you are looking for a coffee bean to use for the espresso that pairs well with this latte, La Colombe Nizza makes an excellent choice. It’s the bean that is used in La Colombe coffee shops for their espresso, and also has notes of nuttiness to pair well with hazelnut.
As far as amounts go, for a 16-ounce drink, I would suggest two shots (two ounces) of espresso. For the hazelnut syrup, I’d suggest two tablespoons. But, of course, this is easy enough to adjust to your taste. Start with less and you can always add more.
Variations
Since a hazelnut latte’s flavor is on the milder side it easily pairs well with other flavors. If adding more flavor, instead of doubling the amount of syrup in the drink, I recommend putting half of the hazelnut syrup and half of the other syrup for a total of two tablespoons.
French Vanilla Latte
Mix together hazelnut syrup and vanilla syrup and you’ll get French vanilla!
Irish Cream Hazelnut Latte
At Dutch Bros, the hazelnut + Irish cream syrup combo is known as the Nutty Irishman and makes a delicious combo!
Hazelnut Mocha
Hazelnut and chocolate are a classic combo (think Nutella). Either add chocolate sauce to the bottom of your cup before the espresso for a hazelnut mocha, or to the top of the drink as drizzle. (Or do both!)
FAQs
A hazelnut latte is an espresso-based drink made with hazelnut syrup and frothed milk. It’s available at most coffee shops.
For a grande (16 ounce) hazelnut latte, Starbucks adds two ounces of espresso, four pumps of hazelnut syrup, and frothed 2% milk. You can customize it as you wish.
This drink is not officially on the menu at Dutch Bros, but you can still order it. For other variations at Dutch, hazelnut syrup is included in their Nutty Irishman (hazelnut + Irish cream), Dream Weaver (hazelnut + white chocolate), and Banana Bread (hazelnut + banana) flavor combos.
A hazelnut latte tastes like espresso and a slightly nutty sweetness. The frothed milk gives it a silky and delicious texture.
Yes, a hazelnut latte includes espresso. You can make your espresso caffeinated or decaf.
Yes! Choose a non-dairy milk like oat or almond. Keep in mind that alternate milks don’t always froth as well. If making this at home, you can look for “barista” style alternative milks at your grocery store that are designed to froth better when making lattes.
Yes! I include instructions in the recipe below for making this hazelnut latte hot or iced.
You can, but it’s not going to give you the taste you are looking for. Adding the hazelnut syrup and using an unflavored coffee will create the best results.
Hazelnut Latte
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons hazelnut syrup
- 2 ounces espresso
- 10 ounces 2% milk (or alternate of your choice)
- Ice (optional)
Instructions
- Add the hazelnut syrup to the bottom of your 16-ounce cup or mug.
- Brew espresso, then pour on top of the syrup and give a slight swirl to mix.
- For Hot: While espresso is brewing heat the milk to 155-160° F, then froth. Pour the frothed milk over espresso and syrup almost to the top. Add milk foam to the top of the cup.
- For Iced: Add cold milk over the espresso and syrup, leaving an inch or two for ice. Add ice to the top of the cup.
Nutrition
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This hazelnut latte was delicious and so easy to make! Will definitely be trying the French vanilla latte variation next!
Both versions are delish!
Excellent and easy!
Thanks!
I’m in love with hazelnut syrup now thanks!
You’re welcome!
Thanks for the recipe and helpful tips. I have hazelnut syrup and this is a must try now.
Hazelnut is underrated. It’s the best!
This hazelnut latte is an absolute dream! Easy to make and so delicious!
Thanks!
This hazelnut latte was absolutely delightful and incredibly simple to prepare! I’m definitely looking forward to experimenting with the French vanilla latte variation next time!
Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it.