How to Make the Perfect Hazelnut Latte at Home (Better Than Starbucks!)
☕ There’s something irresistibly comforting about the warm, nutty aroma of a hazelnut latte—a perfect blend of rich espresso and sweet, toasty hazelnut flavor. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly morning or needing an afternoon pick-me-up, this creamy, nutty coffee drink has won hearts worldwide.
But what exactly makes a hazelnut latte so special? Is it just coffee with syrup, or is there more to it? In this guide, we’ll explore:
✅ What a hazelnut latte is (and why it’s so addictive)
✅ Its fascinating history (from European cafes to Starbucks)
✅ How to make the perfect one at home (easy steps + pro tips)
✅ Health perks & best variations (iced, vegan, sugar-free options)
✅ Where to find the best hazelnut lattes (chains & local gems)
So grab your favorite mug, and let’s dive into the delicious world of hazelnut la
What is a Hazelnut Latte? (The Ultimate Comfort Drink)
If you’ve ever sipped a hazelnut latte, you know it’s like a cozy hug in a cup. But what’s actually in it?
The Simple Recipe Breakdown
A classic hazelnut latte consists of:
- 1-2 shots of espresso (or strong brewed coffee)
- 1 cup of steamed milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1-2 tbsp hazelnut syrup (store-bought or homemade)
Why Do People Love It?
✔ Smooth & Balanced – Not too sweet, not too bitter.
✔ Nutty & Aromatic – Roasted hazelnut flavors add warmth.
✔ Customizable – Works with almond, oat, or soy milk.
Popular Variations You’ll See
- Iced Hazelnut Latte (perfect for summer)
- Hazelnut Mocha (add chocolate for extra indulgence)
- Vegan Hazelnut Latte (using oat milk & sugar-free syrup)
Pro Tip: Many coffee shops (like Starbucks) use hazelnut syrup, but some artisan cafes use real hazelnut paste for a richer taste.
The History of Hazelnut in Coffee (From Europe to Your Cup)
Ever wondered how hazelnut became a star in coffee culture? Let’s take a quick trip through time!
The European Influence
- Italy & France were early adopters of nut-flavored coffees.
- Nocciola (Italian for hazelnut) was often paired with chocolate in drinks.
- Hazelnut syrup gained popularity in the 20th century as flavored lattes took off.
How It Became a Coffee Shop Staple
📅 1980s-90s: Starbucks and other chains introduced flavored lattes.
🌎 2000s: The demand for sweet, nutty coffee exploded worldwide.
☕ Today: Hazelnut lattes are a menu must-have from Paris to Tokyo.
Fun Fact: Some believe hazelnut was added to coffee in wartime Europe to stretch expensive coffee beans with nutty flavors!
How to Make a Perfect Hazelnut Latte at Home (Easy Recipe!)
Why spend $5 at a café when you can make a barista-level hazelnut latte at home? Here’s how:
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Espresso | 1-2 shots (or ½ cup strong coffee) |
| Milk | 1 cup (whole, almond, oat, etc.) |
| Hazelnut Syrup | 1-2 tbsp (adjust to taste) |
| Optional | Whipped cream, caramel drizzle, crushed hazelnuts |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Brew the espresso (or strong coffee).
2️⃣ Steam the milk (heat until warm, then froth if desired).
3️⃣ Mix syrup into espresso (start with 1 tbsp, add more if needed).
4️⃣ Pour milk over espresso (hold back foam with a spoon, then add it on top).
5️⃣ Garnish (whipped cream, nuts, or a caramel swirl).
Pro Tip: For extra richness, toast hazelnuts and blend them into your milk before frothing!
Health Benefits & Nutritional Info (Is It Actually Good For You?)
Let’s be real – most of us don’t drink hazelnut lattes for their health benefits. But guess what? When enjoyed mindfully, this tasty drink can offer some surprising perks!
The Good Stuff in Your Cup
✔ Coffee Benefits
- Packed with antioxidants that fight inflammation
- May boost metabolism and focus (thanks to caffeine)
- Linked to lower risk of several chronic diseases
✔ Hazelnut Perks
- Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- Good source of vitamin E (great for skin)
- Provides magnesium for muscle function
Nutritional Breakdown (12oz Hazelnut Latte)
| Ingredient | Calories | Sugar | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk Version | 250 | 28g | 10g |
| Skim Milk Version | 180 | 27g | 0g |
| Almond Milk Version | 150 | 25g | 5g |
Watch Out For…
⚠️ Sugar Overload: Some coffee shop versions pack 40g+ sugar!
⚠️ Calorie Creep: Whipped cream adds 100+ extra calories
⚠️ Artificial Ingredients: Some syrups contain preservatives
Healthier Swaps:
- Use sugar-free hazelnut syrup
- Opt for oat or almond milk
- Skip the whipped topping
- Request “half pumps” of syrup at cafes
Pro Tip: Making it at home lets you control exactly what goes in – my homemade version has just 5g sugar using monk fruit sweetener!
Best Hazelnut Syrups & Coffee Beans for Home Brewing
Not all hazelnut syrups are created equal! After testing dozens, here are my top picks:
Top 3 Store-Bought Syrups
1️⃣ Monin Hazelnut Syrup
- Pros: Rich, authentic flavor; not too sweet
- Cons: Pricier than some brands
- Best for: Coffee purists who want natural taste
2️⃣ Torani Hazelnut Syrup
- Pros: Widely available; good value
- Cons: Slightly artificial aftertaste
- Best for: Everyday use
3️⃣ Jordan’s Skinny Syrups (Sugar-Free)
- Pros: Zero calories; decent flavor
- Cons: Less creamy mouthfeel
- Best for: Low-carb/keto diets
Best Coffee Beans to Pair
- Medium Roast: Brings out the nutty notes
- Brazilian or Colombian Beans: Naturally sweet
- Avoid: Dark French roasts (can overpower hazelnut)
DIY Syrup Alternative:
Simmer 1 cup water + 1 cup sugar + 1/2 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts for 15 mins. Strain and store in fridge for 2 weeks!
Where to Find the Best Hazelnut Lattes (Chain Showdown)
Not in the mood to DIY? Here’s where to get your fix:
Coffee Chain Comparison
| Chain | Price Range | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks | $4.50-$6 | Very sweet; ask for half pumps |
| Dunkin’ | $3.50-$5 | Lighter flavor; good value |
| Peet’s | $5-$6.50 | Uses real hazelnut flavor |
| Local Cafés | $4-$7 | Often craft their own syrups |
Secret Menu Hack: At Starbucks, order a “Blonde Hazelnut Latte” – the lighter roast lets the hazelnut shine!
Creative Twists on the Classic Hazelnut Latte
Ready to level up? Try these barista-approved variations:
Seasonal Specials
- Pumpkin Hazelnut Latte: Add pumpkin spice syrup
- Peppermint Hazelnut Mocha: Holiday favorite
- Toasted Marshmallow Hazelnut: Summer campfire vibes
Gourmet Variations
- Salted Caramel Hazelnut: Add caramel & sea salt
- Hazelnut Affogato: Pour over vanilla ice cream
- Hazelnut Cold Foam: Top iced version with nutty foam
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the nutty flavors!
Perfect Food Pairings for Hazelnut Lattes
What you eat with your latte matters! Here are dream pairings:
Sweet Matches
🍫 Chocolate croissants
🍪 Biscotti or amaretti cookies
🍎 Apple cinnamon muffins
Savory Options
🥐 Buttery croissants
🍞 Almond butter toast
🧀 Mild cheeses like brie
Why These Work: The flavors complement without competing. Hazelnut’s sweetness balances savory items beautifully!
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try One Today
After all this talk, I bet you’re craving a hazelnut latte right now! Here’s why it’s worth trying:
✨ Comfort in a Cup: That warm, nutty aroma is instant relaxation
✨ Versatile: Enjoy hot, iced, sweet or light
✨ Crowd-Pleaser: Even non-coffee drinkers love it
My Challenge to You:
Try making one at home this week! Start with the basic recipe, then get creative with your own twists.
FAQ’s
What does a hazelnut latte have in it?
A hazelnut latte is made with espresso, steamed milk, and hazelnut syrup or flavoring. It combines the smooth, rich taste of coffee with the sweet, nutty flavor of hazelnut.
Does hazelnut latte taste like coffee?
A hazelnut latte does taste like coffee but with a sweet, nutty twist. The espresso provides the base coffee flavor, while the hazelnut syrup adds a rich, creamy sweetness.
Is hazelnut latte good for you?
A hazelnut latte can be a tasty treat, but it’s often high in sugar and calories, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. However, it can provide antioxidants from the hazelnut flavor and a caffeine boost from the espresso.
How do you make chocolate hazelnut latte?
To make a chocolate hazelnut latte, steam milk with chocolate syrup and hazelnut syrup, then pour over a shot of espresso. Stir to combine, and top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra flavor.
