Coffee, Coffee Recipes
What is Hazelnut Cold Brew and How to Make It
Sep
Hazelnut Cold Brew is a delightful coffee beverage known for its rich and nutty flavor, combined with the refreshing chill of cold-brewed coffee. If you’re a coffee enthusiast looking for a unique and easy-to-make drink, it might just become your new favorite. In this article, we’ll explore what it is and provide you with a simple recipe to make it at home.
What is Hazelnut Cold Brew?
It is a cold coffee beverage that marries the bold and smooth qualities of cold-brewed coffee with the nutty sweetness of hazelnuts. It offers a unique and well-balanced flavor profile that’s perfect for those who enjoy a hint of sweetness in their coffee.
Why Hazelnut Cold Brew?
The appeal of Hazelnut Cold Brew lies in its taste. The nutty notes of hazelnuts complement the naturally low acidity and smoothness of cold-brewed coffee. It’s a refreshing and energizing drink, making it ideal for hot summer days or as an alternative to your regular hot coffee.
Flavor Explosion
One of the primary reasons for the popularity of Hazelnut Cold Brew is its flavor profile. The nutty sweetness of hazelnuts complements the mellow and bold flavors of cold brew coffee, creating a harmonious and satisfying taste that’s unlike any other.
Refreshing & Energizing
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a chilled Hazelnut Cold Brew. It’s a fantastic way to stay refreshed while still getting your caffeine boost. The cold brewing process enhances the natural sweetness of coffee, making it incredibly easy to enjoy without the need for added sugar or cream.
Versatile & Customizable
It is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the strength of the coffee, the level of hazelnut flavor, and even experiment with different toppings and garnishes. Whether you prefer it sweet and creamy or bold and intense, you can tailor it to your liking.
The Rise of Cold Brew
Before we dive into the specifics of it, let’s explore the growing popularity of cold brew coffee. This brewing method involves steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours. The result is a smoother, less acidic coffee that’s ideal for iced drinks.
Making It at Home
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create a delicious Hazelnut Cold Brew at home, you’ll require the following ingredients:
- 20 ml Hazelnut syrup
- 180 ml Cold-brewed coffee
These simple ingredients are all you need to craft a flavorful cup that rivals those from your favorite coffee shops.
Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s go through the steps to make it:
- Prepare Cold-Brewed Coffee: Start by preparing cold-brewed coffee. You can do this by mixing coarsely ground coffee beans with cold water and letting it steep in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the coffee will be. Once it’s ready, strain it to remove the coffee grounds.
- Add Hazelnut Syrup: In a glass, combine the cold-brewed coffee with 20 ml of Hazelnut syrup. Adjust the quantity to your taste preferences; if you prefer a stronger hazelnut flavor, you can add more syrup.
- Stir Thoroughly: Use a stirring rod or spoon to mix the Hazelnut syrup and cold-brewed coffee thoroughly. This ensures that the hazelnut flavor is evenly distributed throughout the drink.
- Serve Over Ice: To enjoy your Hazelnut Cold Brew at its best, serve it over ice. The ice not only chills the drink but also adds a refreshing element to it. If you want a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream.
- Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of indulgence, you can garnish your Hazelnut Cold Brew with a drizzle of Hazelnut syrup on top or a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts.
- Enjoy: Now, sit back, relax, and savor your homemade Hazelnut Cold Brew. It’s a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of coffee and hazelnut.
Customization Options
Its rich and nutty flavor, is a canvas for creativity. While the classic recipe is undeniably delicious, there are numerous variations you can explore to tickle your taste buds. We’ll dive into some exciting variations that will add a delightful twist to your coffee experience.
1. With Almond Milk
Ingredients:
- 20 ml Hazelnut syrup
- 180 ml Cold-brewed coffee
- 60 ml Almond milk
Instructions:
- Prepare your Hazelnut Cold Brew as usual.
- Instead of regular milk, add 60 ml of almond milk to create a nutty fusion.
2. Frappuccino
Ingredients:
- 20 ml Hazelnut syrup
- 180 ml Cold-brewed coffee
- 1 cup Ice
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend Hazelnut Cold Brew, ice, and hazelnut syrup until smooth.
- Top with whipped cream if you desire an indulgent treat.
3. With Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 20 ml Hazelnut syrup
- 180 ml Cold-brewed coffee
- 15 ml Chocolate syrup
Instructions:
- Prepare your Hazelnut Cold Brew.
- Add a touch of chocolate syrup for a delightful mocha twist.
4. With Cinnamon
Ingredients:
- 20 ml Hazelnut syrup
- 180 ml Cold-brewed coffee
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Create your Hazelnut Cold Brew.
- Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon for a warm, spicy note.
5. Affogato
Ingredients:
- 20 ml Hazelnut syrup
- 180 ml Cold-brewed coffee
- 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream
Instructions:
- Pour your Hazelnut Cold Brew over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an Italian-inspired dessert.
6. With Coconut Cream
Ingredients:
- 20 ml Hazelnut syrup
- 180 ml Cold-brewed coffee
- 60 ml Coconut cream
Instructions:
- Make your Hazelnut Cold Brew.
- Replace regular cream with velvety coconut cream for a tropical twist.
7. With a Dash of Maple
Ingredients:
- 20 ml Hazelnut syrup
- 180 ml Cold-brewed coffee
- A drizzle of maple syrup
Instructions:
- Craft your Hazelnut Cold Brew.
- Drizzle a bit of maple syrup for a sweet, autumnal touch.
8. With Irish Cream
Ingredients:
- 20 ml Hazelnut syrup
- 180 ml Cold-brewed coffee
- A splash of Irish cream liqueur
Instructions:
- Prepare your Hazelnut Cold Brew.
- Add a splash of Irish cream for a creamy and indulgent twist.
Conclusion
It is a delightful and refreshing coffee concoction that combines the smoothness of cold brew coffee with the rich, nutty flavor of hazelnuts. It’s a versatile and customizable beverage that’s perfect for warm days or anytime you crave a unique coffee experience. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily make your own Hazelnut Cold Brew at home and enjoy this delicious coffee treat.
FAQs
1. Is Hazelnut Cold Brew sweet?
It has a naturally sweet and nutty flavor, but you can adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more hazelnut syrup.
2. Can I use regular coffee beans for it?
Yes, you can use regular coffee beans and add hazelnut syrup or flavoring to achieve the hazelnut taste.
3. How long can I store it in the refrigerator?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if kept in an airtight container.
4. What are some creative toppings for it?
You can top your Hazelnut Cold Brew with whipped cream, crushed hazelnuts, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a decadent treat.
5. Is it more caffeinated than regular coffee?
It can be quite strong, but you can adjust the strength by diluting it with water or milk if desired.
6. What’s the ideal coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew?
A common ratio is 1:4 coffee to water, but you can adjust it to your taste preference.
7. Can I make it without a syrup?
While syrup enhances the hazelnut flavor, you can experiment with natural hazelnut extracts as an alternative.
