If you love the nutty sweetness of a Starbucks hazelnut latte, you’ll be happy to know you can easily recreate it at home.
With just three simple ingredients—espresso, hazelnut syrup, and milk—you can whip up a delicious, café-quality drink in under 5 minutes.
Whether you prefer it hot or iced, this recipe is versatile and customizable.
Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan with plant-based milk.
Here’s how to make this delicious latte in a few easy steps!
How To Make A Hazelnut Latte: At A Glance
- Brew the Espresso
- Heat and Froth the Milk
- Combine with Hazelnut Syrup
- Add Steamed Milk
- Garnish (Optional)
- Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with just 3 main ingredients: All you need is espresso, hazelnut syrup, and milk to make this delicious latte.
- Ready in under 5 minutes: The quick prep time means you can have a café-quality drink in no time.
- Can be enjoyed hot or iced: Whether it’s a chilly morning or a hot summer afternoon, this latte adapts to your needs. Serve it steaming for warmth or pour it over ice for a refreshing cool-down.
- No need for expensive equipment: You don’t need a high-end espresso machine to enjoy this drink. A French press, moka pot, or even instant coffee works just as well, making it accessible to everyone.
- Naturally gluten-free and easily made vegan: This recipe is gluten-free, and by simply swapping dairy milk for a plant-based option like almond, oat, or soy milk, it becomes a delicious vegan treat as well.
Ingredients
- Espresso: Use 2 ounces (60 ml) of freshly brewed espresso for the best flavor. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can substitute with strong brewed coffee or instant espresso.
- Hazelnut Syrup: Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of hazelnut syrup to your latte. You can use store-bought or make your own by boiling 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and ½ cup of chopped hazelnuts. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, then strain.
- Milk: Use 1 cup (240 ml) of milk. Whole milk provides a creamy texture, but you can substitute it with oat, almond, or soy milk for a dairy-free or vegan version.
- Optional Add-ons: Customize your latte with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or an extra teaspoon of hazelnut syrup for more flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For a Hot Hazelnut Latte
- Brew the Espresso: Brew 2 ounces (60 ml) of espresso using your preferred method (espresso machine, French press, or moka pot).
- Heat and Froth the Milk: Warm 1 cup (240 ml) of milk in a saucepan or microwave, then froth it using a milk frother or whisk.
- Combine with Hazelnut Syrup: Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of hazelnut syrup to a mug. Pour the brewed espresso over the syrup and stir to combine.
- Add Steamed Milk: Top with the steamed and frothed milk, pouring gently to create a layered effect.
- Garnish (Optional): Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of hazelnut syrup for extra indulgence.
For an Iced Hazelnut Latte
- Brew and Cool the Espresso: Brew 2 ounces (60 ml) of espresso and allow it to cool.
- Combine Espresso and Syrup: Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of hazelnut syrup to a glass filled with ice. Pour the cooled espresso over the ice and syrup.
- Pour in Cold Milk: Top with 1 cup (240 ml) of cold milk, stirring gently to combine.
- Optional Garnish: Add whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate or extra hazelnut syrup for a richer flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for one serving of a hazelnut latte made with whole milk and 1 tablespoon of hazelnut syrup:
- Calories: 164 kcal
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Sugars: 28 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg
- Sodium: 74 mg
- Calcium: 179 mg
These values will vary slightly based on the type of milk or syrup used.
For a dairy-free version with plant-based milk, the fat and protein content may differ depending on the milk (e.g., almond or oat milk).
Adjusting the amount of syrup or adding sweeteners will also affect the total calorie and sugar count.
Variations and Customizations
Dairy-Free or Vegan
As mentioned earlier, for a dairy-free or vegan hazelnut latte, simply swap out the regular milk for plant-based milk.
Additionally, ensure your hazelnut syrup is labeled vegan, as some store-bought versions may contain additives that aren’t plant-based.
Always check the label to be sure!
Sweetness Adjustments
If you prefer a sweeter latte, there are several options to adjust the sweetness without altering the core flavors.
You can add a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave for a hint of extra sweetness.
Both work well in this recipe and blend easily with the espresso and milk.
Alternatively, simple sugar can be added for a more straightforward sweetness boost.
Flavor Variations
Chocolate Hazelnut Latte
For a rich, indulgent twist, add a drizzle of chocolate syrup to your hazelnut latte.
This creates a delightful chocolate-hazelnut blend that’s perfect for dessert or a sweet morning treat.
Stir the syrup into your espresso or drizzle it on top of the whipped cream for extra decadence.
Pumpkin Spice Hazelnut Latte
If you’re in the mood for seasonal flavors, try adding pumpkin spice to your latte.
A sprinkle of pumpkin spice into the espresso before adding the milk will bring warm, cozy flavors that complement the nuttiness of the hazelnut.
It’s the ideal drink for fall weather!
Hazelnut Mocha
For a more balanced, chocolatey touch, mix in a spoonful of cocoa powder.
This creates a rich hazelnut mocha that pairs well with the deep espresso.
You can also combine this with plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly version of this delicious mocha.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using Too Much Syrup
One of the most common mistakes when making a hazelnut latte is using too much hazelnut syrup.
While it’s tempting to add extra syrup for a stronger nutty flavor, overdoing it can overpower the taste of the coffee.
This leads to an overly sweet drink, masking the espresso’s rich flavors.
The solution? Start with 1 tablespoon of syrup, then taste and adjust.
It’s easier to add more syrup if needed than to balance out an overly sweet drink.
Not Frothing the Milk Properly
Frothing the milk correctly is key to achieving the smooth, velvety texture that makes a latte special.
A common mistake is rushing through the frothing process, which can leave the milk flat and not as creamy as it should be.
To avoid this, ensure your milk is warmed to the right temperature (around 150-160°F for hot lattes) before frothing.
If you don’t have a frother, you can use a whisk or shake the milk in a jar before heating.
Patience is important here—take your time to get that perfect foam.
Selecting Overly Strong or Light Coffee Beans
The type of coffee beans you use can greatly affect the balance of your hazelnut latte.
Overly strong dark roast beans can overpower the delicate hazelnut flavor, while very light beans may be too mild and get lost in the milk and syrup.
Medium roast coffee beans tend to work best for hazelnut lattes, as they offer a balanced flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the syrup without overwhelming the overall drink.
Choose a smooth, balanced medium roast to ensure the best results.
Serving Suggestions
A hazelnut latte pairs beautifully with a variety of baked goods, making it a perfect addition to your breakfast or snack routine.
Serve it alongside light, flaky pastries like croissants, which balance the rich, nutty flavor of the latte.
For something sweeter, try pairing it with a slice of coffee cake or a few buttery cookies.
The smooth texture of the latte complements the crumbly texture of baked treats, creating a delightful combination.
This hazelnut latte is also a versatile drink.
It’s an ideal morning treat to get your day started on the right note, or you can enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up when you need a bit of comfort and energy.
FAQs
Can I make this without an espresso machine?
Yes! You don’t need an espresso machine to enjoy this hazelnut latte.
You can use a moka pot, French press, or even instant espresso.
These alternatives still deliver a strong coffee base for your latte.
How can I store and reheat a hazelnut latte?
This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Be sure to stir well after reheating to mix the flavors back together.
Can I make a larger batch?
Absolutely! To make multiple servings, simply scale up the ingredients proportionally.
Brew enough espresso for each cup, and multiply the amounts of milk and hazelnut syrup based on how many lattes you want to make.
This way, you can serve a crowd or have extras ready to go for later in the day.
