Why Spiced Hazelnut Cold Brew Coffee Is Perfect This Fall
If you’ve been searching for that perfect balance of refreshment and cozy warmth, look no further than Spiced Hazelnut Cold Brew Coffee. This delightful beverage blends the rich, nutty flavor of hazelnut with a medley of warm fall spices, making it a refreshing yet comforting treat ideal for crisp autumn days. Whether you’re heading out for a brisk morning walk or relaxing at home with a good book, this drink serves as your ultimate seasonal companion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Fusion: The combination of hazelnut and spices creates a uniquely layered taste.
- Refreshing and Cozy: Perfect for cool fall weather when you want something both invigorating and soothing.
- Easy to Customize: Adapt the spice blend or sweetness to suit your personal preferences.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find pantry staples that come together quickly.
- Plant-Based Friendly: Crafted with natural plant-based ingredients to suit various diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe hits every note you’re craving in a fall-inspired coffee. Each ingredient plays an important role in balancing the flavor, aroma, texture, and color of your Spiced Hazelnut Cold Brew Coffee.
- Coarsely Ground Coffee Beans: Essential for a smooth and rich cold brew base.
- Filtered Water: The cleanest water extracts the purest coffee flavors.
- Hazelnut Syrup (natural): Adds that irresistible nutty sweetness that defines the drink.
- Cinnamon Powder (natural): Brings warmth and subtle spice notes to each sip.
- Nutmeg (natural): Enhances the aromatic complexity with its earthy flavor.
- Cloves (natural): Offers a punch of festive spice without overwhelming the palate.
- Vanilla Extract (natural): Gives a mellow sweetness and rounds out the spice blend.
- Cold Water: For diluting the strong brew to a smooth, balanced strength.
- Plant-Based Milk or Creamer: Provides creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free.
- Sweetener of Choice (natural): Adjust sweetness with maple syrup, agave, or a plant-based sugar alternative.
Variations for Spiced Hazelnut Cold Brew Coffee
Feel encouraged to experiment and make this recipe your own! The straightforward ingredient list and simple steps mean it’s easy to tailor based on what you have or what flavors you prefer.
- Iced Latte Version: Swap some cold water for more plant-based milk to turn it into a creamy latte.
- Extra Spiced: Add a pinch of cardamom or star anise for additional warming spice notes.
- Less Sweet: Cut back on sweetener for a more robust, coffee-forward experience.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace hazelnut syrup with vanilla or caramel flavoring (natural) if you have nut allergies.
- Dairy-Free Whipped Topping: Add a dollop of coconut whipped cream (plant-based) for extra indulgence.
How to Make Spiced Hazelnut Cold Brew Coffee
Step 1: Prepare the Cold Brew Coffee
Start by combining coarsely ground coffee with filtered water in a large jar or pitcher. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated. Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 16 hours to allow the coffee to slowly extract a smooth, rich flavor without bitterness.
Step 2: Strain the Coffee
After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine mesh sieve or a coffee filter to remove all grounds. This creates a clean, clear cold brew base ready for your spiced additions.
Step 3: Mix the Spice Blend
In a small bowl, blend cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract (natural). Stir this fragrant mixture into the cold brew concentrate, mixing well to incorporate the warm fall spices evenly.
Step 4: Sweeten and Flavor
Add hazelnut syrup (natural) and your chosen sweetener to the spiced cold brew. Stir thoroughly to balance the sweetness and nutty character while complementing the spices.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice with Plant-Based Milk
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the spiced hazelnut cold brew coffee over. Add plant-based milk or creamer for a luscious creamy texture. Give it a gentle stir and enjoy right away or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Pro Tips for Making Spiced Hazelnut Cold Brew Coffee
- Use Fresh Coffee Beans: For the best flavor, grind your coffee right before brewing.
- Adjust Steep Time: Experiment between 12-16 hours to find your ideal strength and smoothness.
- Chill Everything: Use cold water and cold milk to keep the drink refreshingly cool after serving.
- Customize Sweetness: Taste before serving to balance spice and sweetness exactly how you like it.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container to preserve flavors and freshness.
How to Serve Spiced Hazelnut Cold Brew Coffee
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation with a sprinkle of cinnamon or finely chopped toasted hazelnuts on top. A cinnamon stick serves as a cute, reusable stirrer that adds scent and style.
Side Dishes
This cold brew pairs wonderfully with spiced pumpkin muffins, almond biscotti (plant-based), or warm apple cinnamon scones for a complete fall-themed snack experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving it layered in a glass jar for a beautiful visual of coffee and milk swirling together, or freeze into ice cubes so your coffee stays perfectly chilled without dilution.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Spiced Hazelnut Cold Brew Coffee can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture, making it an ideal make-ahead beverage.
Freezing
You can pour the cold brew into ice cube trays to freeze for later use, perfect for a quick cold coffee fix. Just add milk or sweetener when serving.
Reheating
This drink shines cold but can be warmed gently on the stove or in a microwave if you prefer a hot spiced hazelnut coffee. Avoid overheating to maintain the smooth flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of plant-based milk?
Absolutely! Regular milk works well if you prefer, but plant-based options offer a creamy texture with added flavors that complement the spices beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for iced coffee beginners?
Yes! The steps are simple, and you can customize sweetness and spice levels to suit any taste, making it beginner-friendly.
How strong is the spice flavor in this cold brew?
The spices add warm undertones without overpowering the hazelnut or coffee, creating a balanced and inviting flavor profile that’s perfect for fall.
Can I prepare this cold brew without a coffee maker?
Definitely. Cold brew only requires coarsely ground coffee and filtered water, so no special equipment is necessary just time and patience.
How long does Spiced Hazelnut Cold Brew Coffee last in the fridge?
Stored properly in a sealed container, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it great for batch preparation.
Final Thoughts
Spiced Hazelnut Cold Brew Coffee is that rare seasonal delight which combines refreshment and cozy warmth in every sip. Whether you’re warming up after a crisp morning or unwinding in the evening, this recipe welcomes fall with open arms and a delicious twist. Don’t wait to try it out and make this the highlight of your autumn beverage lineup!
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Spiced Hazelnut Cold Brew Coffee
- Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes to 16 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Plant-Based, Gluten Free
Description
Spiced Hazelnut Cold Brew Coffee is a refreshing yet cozy fall beverage that combines rich hazelnut flavor with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Crafted with plant-based ingredients, it offers a smooth, creamy texture perfect for crisp autumn days, whether you’re enjoying a morning walk or relaxing with a book.
Ingredients
Cold Brew Coffee Base
- 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans
- 4 cups filtered water
Spice Blend and Flavoring
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
Sweeteners and Cream
- 3 tablespoons hazelnut syrup (natural)
- 2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (maple syrup, agave nectar, or plant-based sugar alternative)
- Plant-based milk or creamer, to taste (approximately 1/2 to 1 cup)
- Ice cubes, for serving
Additional
- Cold water, as needed for diluting the cold brew
Instructions
- Prepare the Cold Brew Coffee. Combine 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans with 4 cups filtered water in a large jar or pitcher. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated. Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 16 hours to extract a smooth, rich flavor without bitterness.
- Strain the Coffee. After steeping, strain the coffee through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter to remove all grounds, creating a clean cold brew concentrate ready for spicing.
- Mix the Spice Blend. In a small bowl, blend 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural). Stir this fragrant mixture into the cold brew concentrate until spices are evenly incorporated.
- Sweeten and Flavor. Add 3 tablespoons hazelnut syrup (natural) and 2 tablespoons sweetener of choice. Stir thoroughly to balance the nutty sweetness with the warm spices.
- Serve Over Ice with Plant-Based Milk. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the spiced hazelnut cold brew over them. Add plant-based milk or creamer to your liking, stir gently, and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use fresh coffee beans and grind just before brewing for the best flavor.
- Adjust steep time between 12-16 hours to customize strength and smoothness.
- Keep water and milk cold to maintain a refreshing temperature after serving.
- Taste and adjust sweetness before serving to your preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 to 16 hours (steeping time)
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Cold brew
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cold brew coffee, spiced coffee, hazelnut coffee, fall beverage, plant-based drink, autumn coffee, iced coffee, dairy-free coffee
