The soft nuttiness and the creamy swirl of milk all come together in a hazelnut cafe latte like your favorite hug in a mug moment on a chilly morning.
In this guide, we’re diving into everything about Hazelnut Cafe Latte, from what it really is, what’s in it, how the flavor works, and even whether it fits into your health goals. Whether you’re new to coffee or a seasoned sipper, we’ve got you covered.
What is a Hazelnut Cafe Latte?
It’s anything like a classic cafe latte you get at a cafe but is infused with the rich and nutty flavor of hazelnuts. It is made with an espresso base, using single or double shot combined with steamed milk. The taste is elevated with hazelnut syrup or flavoring that contains sweetness and warmth, it’s as if your regular latte went on a vacation in a European nut grove.
At a lot of cafes, you’ll find this drink listed as “Hazelnut Latte” or “Hazelnut Cafe Latte.” It’s one of those drinks that never really go out of style, and honestly, we get why.
What’s In a Hazelnut Cafe Latte?
Here’s the breakdown of what typically goes into this nutty masterpiece:
- Espresso: That bold coffee base we all love
- Steamed milk: It adds creaminess to the cup and balances the espresso
- Hazelnut syrup: The magic ingredient. It’s sweet and gives the latte its signature flavor
- (Optional) Foamed milk or whipped cream: Some people like to top it off with a cloud of foam or even a dollop of whipped cream
Of course, if you’re making this at home (don’t worry, we’ll get to that), you can adjust the sweetness, milk type, and intensity to match your vibe. Almond milk with hazelnut? Totally doable. Want it stronger? Add an extra shot.
Our barista recommends keeping it simple the first time and then getting creative on round two.
What Is Hazelnut Coffee Flavor?
If you wonder what “hazelnut” tastes like in coffee terms, here’s how we’d describe it: toasty, a bit sweet, and smooth. It doesn’t overpower the typical taste of an espresso based coffee, it dances with it. The nutty notes soften the espresso, while a calm sweetness lingers on your tongue, not too strong to completely mask the slight bitterness of coffee.
Now, depending on the brand or cafe, you might get:
- Natural hazelnut syrup (highly recommended for the natural, unbeatable flavor. It is made using real hazelnuts)
- Artificial flavoring (It’s cheaper, and lasts longer. It is often used in big coffee chains)
- Hazelnut creamer (a popular choice for home brewers)
We’ve tried them all. And while nothing beats real hazelnut flavoring, even the store-bought syrups can be delightful when balanced right.
Hazelnut Cafe Latte Calories
Let’s talk numbers, If you’re watching your intake or just curious, here’s what you can expect:
A standard 12 oz Hazelnut Cafe Latte made with whole milk and flavored syrup from your favorite coffee shop clocks in at around:
210–270 calories
This depends on:
- How much syrup is added (typically 2–3 pumps)
- The milk used (whole milk vs. almond, oat, or skim)
- Any toppings, like whipped cream
Want to cut back on calories?
- Ask for fewer syrup pumps, 1–2 is enough
- Choose a low-calorie milk option such as almond milk
- Skip the whipped cream unless it’s your treat-yourself day
Our barista recommends going for oat milk. It brings creaminess and a light, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with hazelnut.
Is Hazelnut Cafe Latte Healthy?
It can be, depending on how you enjoy it, hazelnut cafe Latte sits right at the intersection of indulgence and comfort. The added syrup does mean extra sugar, and the milk adds fat and calories, but that doesn’t automatically make it “unhealthy.”
Here’s how we see it:
- Need a pick-me-up without a dessert-level sugar bomb? Ask for half the syrup and use plant-based milk
- Want to enjoy your moment guilt-free, sip slowly, and keep the rest of your day balanced
- Looking to cut sugar entirely, then try hazelnut-flavored coffee beans or sugar-free hazelnut syrups
Hazelnuts themselves are rich in antioxidants and good fats, but of course, most of the syrup used in lattes isn’t derived directly from the nut. So while we can’t call it a health food, it’s not a villain either.
In our opinion? Balance is key, and your morning coffee should spark joy, not stress.
How to Make Hazelnut Cafe Latte
Ready to become your own barista? Making this drink at home is super easy, and honestly, kind of fun. Here’s our go-to method:
What You’ll Need:
- 1 shot or 2 of espresso
- 1 cup of steamed milk, whole, oat, almond, your call
- 1–2 tablespoons of hazelnut syrup
- Milk frother or a whisk and elbow grease
- Optional: whipped cream or chopped hazelnuts
Instructions:
- Brew your espresso, strong coffee works too if you don’t have an espresso machine, just keep it bold
- Steam your milk, use a frother, or heat it gently and whisk until it’s frothy
- Add hazelnut syrup to your mug, swirl it around
- Pour in the espresso, stir to mix it with the syrup
- Top with steamed milk and foam, go slow and steady
- Add toppings if you like: whipped cream or a tiny pinch of sea salt for contrast
Voilà! You’ve got a homemade Hazelnut Cafe Latte that’ll rival anything from the corner cafe.
Our barista recommends trying vanilla or cinnamon for a cozy twist, or even a faint hint of mint for those feeling adventurous.
Wrapping It Up: Why We Love It
There’s just something special about Hazelnut Cafe Latte, it’s cozy without being heavy, sweet without being too much, and always satisfying. Whether you’re sipping it during your morning routine, curled up with a book, or catching up with friends, it delivers that extra touch of comfort. From its silky texture to Warm flavor profile, this drink is a cafe staple, and now that you know how to make it and enjoy it, you’re officially part of the hazelnut-loving coffee crew.
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