Hazelnut Coffee: What It Is and How to Enjoy It
ยท Gigi's Coffee
Hazelnut is one of the most-loved coffee flavors for a reason: it's warm, nutty and a little sweet without needing a spoonful of sugar. Here's what's actually in a bag of hazelnut coffee and how to get the most out of it.
What is hazelnut coffee?
Hazelnut coffee is regular roasted coffee that's been flavored after roasting. While the beans are still warm, they're coated with flavoring oils, which soak into the bean. When you brew, those aromas come through in the cup alongside the coffee's own taste.
It's not the same as adding hazelnut creamer or syrup. The flavor is built into the beans, so you can drink it black and still taste the nuttiness โ and add milk or sweetener only if you want to.
What does it taste like?
Expect a toasty, buttery nut aroma first, followed by a smooth, mellow cup. Flavored coffees usually use a medium roast so the coffee doesn't overpower the flavor, which keeps hazelnut coffee approachable even for people who don't love strong, bitter coffee.
How to brew hazelnut coffee
Any brewer works. A drip coffee maker with a standard (medium) grind is the easiest everyday option. A French press with a coarse grind brings out a fuller, rounder body that pairs nicely with nutty flavors.
A good starting ratio is about 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. Brew it a little stronger if you plan to add milk, since milk softens the flavor.
Ways to serve it
Try it black first. Then experiment: a splash of whole milk or oat milk, a drizzle of honey, or poured over ice for an easy iced hazelnut coffee. It's also a crowd-pleaser for brunch and holidays when you want something a little special without making lattes for everyone.