For all of you coffee lovers out there, do I have a treat for you!
This recipe is a homemade version of one of the most popular speciality drinks you can find at your local coffee shop but for a lot less money.
A delicious espresso coffee drink with a nutty hazelnut flavor and topped off with whipped cream and chocolate bits!
It is really easy to make this yummy coffee drink!
There are really only 3 key ingredients for a latte.
What can make it extra special are wonderful sweet toppings!
Simple Ingredients
- Espresso coffee
- Hazelnut syrup (I like to have on hand a small variety pack, like this one from Monin)
- Whole milk
- Ice cubes (for Iced Latte)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, small chocolate chunks, mini chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder
Equipment / Tools
- Espresso maker(see FAQ’s)
- Milk frother – handheld
- Measuring cup – microwave safe
- Measuring spoons
- Coffee cup / mug (for hot latte)
- Tall glass (for iced latte)
Let’s Talk Ingredients
Coffee – Espresso coffee is the best but any dark roast coffee can be used, ground or beans (see Pro Tips).
Whole milk – 2% or skim milk can be used as well as plant-based milk although they will change the flavor and creamy texture of a traditional latte (see FAQ’s).
Hazelnut syrup – Torani syrups and Monin syrups are the most popular. Neither contain artificial flavors.
If you want to make your own hazelnut syrup instead of using store-bought syrup, here is an easy recipe by We are not Martha.
Optional toppings – I love whipped cream on my lattes! When I want to indulge I sprinkle small chunks of chocolate, mini chips, or powdered cocoa on top. Delicious!
Moka Pot (Espresso Like Coffee)
Although it’s not exactly espresso, coffee made in a Moka Express tastes very similar to espresso and is often used for making lattes and cappuccinos. It’s very affordable and easy to store.
I’ve had mine for years and love it!
It is brewed on the stovetop and makes full bodied coffee, twice as strong as regular coffee in a matter of minutes.
How To Use A Moka Express
- Add cold filtered water to the bottom section of the pot, up to the valve.
- Place the funnel in the bottom section over the water.
- Fill the funnel with fine coffee grounds almost to the top.
- Place the top section on to the bottom section and screw it in place (tight but not too tight).
- Brew over medium high heat. Be careful of the handle and the size of the burner or flame.
- The brewing will take about 5 minutes.
- During the process of brewing, the water will boil up through the coffee and rise up to the top section of the pot.
- You will hear the water boiling hissing, softly to rapidly the the sound will be low which means the coffee is ready.
- Turn off stovetop and lift the lid of the pot.
- All the coffee should be in the top section. If not, return pot to the heat and continue brewing until the process is complete.
How To Make Homemade Hazelnut Latte – Hot and Iced
- Brew espresso and pour into a cup. (see How To Use A Moka Pot)
- Add syrup to the coffee cup and stir a couple times.
- Heat milk either on the stove top or microwave.
- Froth milk using an espresso machine or a handheld frother.
- Pour in the frothed milk to almost the top of the cup. (see Pro Tips)
- Use a spoon and add the milk foam to the top.
Suggested Latte Toppings
Whipped cream
Chocolate bits
For Iced Latte
- Add hazelnut syrup and espresso to a tall glass.
- Give it a quick swirl.
- Add ice cubes.
- Pour cold milk to almost the top and stir.
Suggested Toppings – whipped cream and chocolate bits.
Pro Tips
- If you are grinding the coffee beans, be sure to grind them very fine which makes a stronger coffee.
- A handheld frother will take about thirty seconds of moving the wand up and down throughout the cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If I Don’t Have An Espresso Machine?
If you don’t have an espresso machine, there are alternatives. I don’t have an espresso machine and I still make delicious coffee recipes.
You can use a french press, or moka express pot (this is what I use). If you don’t have any of these makers, try instant espresso packets which have become popular over the past few years.
Another great option is just to make an extra strong cup of coffee!
Can I Make A Vegan Version Of A Hazelnut Latte?
Yes, you can make a vegan hazelnut latte. Plant-based milk alternatives include: almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk to name a few.
Can I Use Cold Brew To Make An Iced Hazelnut Latte?
Yes, you use cold brew as espresso in an iced latte, cappuccino, and specialty drinks.
Cold brew makes a delicious iced latte, however, there is a noticeable taste difference due to the acidity level.
Coffee that is brewed at a colder temperature has less acid than traditional hot drip coffee. The acidic oils are never released during cold brewing.
What Is The Difference Between A Cappuccino And A Latte?
Both cappuccinos and lattes contain the three ingredients: espresso, steamed milk, and foamed milk.
The main difference between the two drinks is, a cappuccino has less milk and more foam than a latte giving it a stronger coffee flavor. The ratio is 1 to 1 of liquid (half espresso, half steamed milk) to foam.
Typically a latte ratio is 1 to 2 espresso to steamed milk.
Be sure and check out these great easy recipes and many more from Join Me In The Kitchen:
- Pigs In A Blanket With Mustard Whiskey Sauce – a crowd pleaser
- How To Make Torchy’s Tacos Damn Good Queso Dip (Copycat) – super easy!
Homemade Hazelnut Latte Recipe (Hot and Iced)
A delicious espresso coffee drink with a nutty hazelnut flavor and topped off with whipped cream and chocolate bits.
Ingredients
- 2 shots Cafe Bustelo espresso coffee (about 2 ounces)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons hazelnut syrup
- 4 ounces whole milk for hot
- 6 ounces whole milk for iced latte depending on the size of your glass
- Ice cubes (for Iced Latte)
Instructions
For Hot:
- Brew espresso.
- Add syrup to a coffee cup.
- Pour espresso in with the syrup and stir a few times.
- Heat milk either on the stove top or microwave until very hot but not boiling (about 1 to 2 minutes).
- Froth milk using an espresso machine or a handheld frother. If using a handheld frother, move the wand up and down through the milk for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the frothed milk to almost the top of the cup.
- Use a spoon and add the milk foam to the top.
- Add whipped cream and chocolate bits.
For Iced:
- Add hazelnut syrup and espresso to a tall glass.
- Give it a quick swirl. Add ice cubes.
- Add cold milk to almost the top and stir.
- Add whipped cream and chocolate bits.
Notes
Equipment / Tools
Espresso maker (see FAQ's)
Milk frother - handheld
Measuring cup
Let's Talk Ingredients
Coffee - Espresso coffee is the best but any dark roast coffee can be used, ground or beans (see Pro Tip).
Whole milk - 2% or skim milk can be used as well as plant-based milk although they will change the flavor and creamy texture of a traditional latte (see FAQ's).
Hazelnut syrup - Torani syrups and Monin syrups are the most popular. Neither contain artificial flavors. If you want to make your own hazelnut syrup instead of using store-bought syrup, here is an easy recipe by We are not Martha.
Optional toppings - I love whipped cream on my lattes! When I want to indulge I sprinkle small chunks of chocolate, mini chips, or powdered cocoa on top. Delicious!