Hazelnut Coffee Syrup: An Easy Homemade Recipe

Want a café-style drink without buying a flavored bottle? This hazelnut coffee syrup is a small-batch recipe made with pantry staples and real hazelnut flavor. Stir it into hot coffee, iced coffee, cold brew, or a latte whenever you want a mellow nutty finish.

Why make hazelnut syrup at home?

Homemade syrup lets you control the sweetness and strength. Start with a modest amount in your cup, then add more to taste. The syrup also keeps the flavor separate from your coffee, so one batch works for several brewing methods.

Easy Hazelnut Coffee Syrup

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons hazelnut extract, added gradually
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

Method

1. Add the sugar, water, and salt to a small saucepan.
2. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the syrup is clear. Do not boil it aggressively.
3. Remove from the heat and cool for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the hazelnut extract and optional vanilla. Taste a cooled drop and adjust carefully.
5. Pour into a clean jar, cool completely, cover, and refrigerate. Label the date and discard the syrup if its smell or appearance changes.

How to use hazelnut coffee syrup

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons to a mug of hot coffee, iced coffee, or cold brew. For a latte, stir the syrup into the espresso before adding steamed milk. It also works in a blended coffee drink or drizzled into a little cold foam.

Variations and practical tips

• Less sweet: Use 3/4 cup sugar with 1 cup water for a lighter syrup.
• Deeper flavor: Add a tablespoon of toasted, finely chopped hazelnuts while the syrup cools, then strain before bottling.
• Mocha hazelnut: Mix one teaspoon of cocoa powder into a serving with hot coffee rather than adding cocoa to the whole batch.
• Storage: Keep the sealed syrup refrigerated and use a clean spoon or pour spout each time.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use hazelnut milk?

Hazelnut milk is not a direct substitute for hazelnut extract because it adds water and a much gentler flavor. Use the extract for a concentrated syrup, or reduce hazelnut milk separately for a different drink component.

Is hazelnut syrup good in cold brew?

Yes. Add it to the glass before the cold brew so it dissolves evenly, then add milk or ice as desired.

For more ideas, try our easy coffee syrup recipes or pair the syrup with a café latte at home.