Name: Starbucks Hazelnut Iced Coffee Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 – 3/4 cup chilled strong coffee (regular or decaf); 2 teaspoons hazelnut syrup (regular or sugar-free); 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk of choice; Ice to fill the glass

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

I am absolutely obsessed with this Starbucks Hazelnut Iced Coffee Copycat Recipe because it perfectly captures that smooth, nutty flavor I crave on hot days or when I need a refreshing pick-me-up. It’s incredibly simple to make at home, yet delivers the same delightful taste and creamy texture that Starbucks fans adore. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m treating myself to a little café moment without stepping outside.

Why You’ll Love This Starbucks Hazelnut Iced Coffee Copycat Recipe

What I love most about this copycat recipe is the balance of its flavor profile. The rich, robust coffee pairs so wonderfully with the subtle sweetness and warmth of hazelnut syrup, creating a smooth, nutty, and slightly sweet concoction that feels indulgent but not overpowering. Adding the milk of your choice creates a luscious creaminess that rounds it all out perfectly.

Another thing that makes this recipe stand out in my kitchen is how incredibly easy it is to whip up. I don’t need any fancy equipment—just some strong coffee, a bit of hazelnut syrup, milk, and ice, and in under five minutes, I have a refreshing drink that tastes just like the one from Starbucks. It’s perfect for those mornings when I want to feel pampered without fussing too much. Plus, it’s super versatile for all occasions, whether I’m relaxing at home, entertaining friends, or even brunching on a sunny weekend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four clear glass containers arranged on a white marbled surface. On the left, a tall glass is filled halfway with a creamy light tan liquid. Next to it on the right is another tall glass holding a dark brown liquid. Below these two glasses is a small round bowl filled with a clear, almost colorless liquid. To its right is a medium-sized clear bowl filled with small, translucent white ice cubes. Scattered loosely across the front are many round, brown hazelnuts with a slightly rough texture. The setup is simple and clean, with items placed neatly to show the different textures and colors clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple and easy to find, yet each one is essential in creating the perfect harmony of taste and texture that makes this Starbucks Hazelnut Iced Coffee Copycat Recipe truly shine.

Strong coffee (1/2 – 3/4 cup): Use chilled, brewed coffee that’s a bit stronger than usual to give the iced drink a bold base.
Hazelnut syrup (2 teaspoons): This adds that iconic nutty sweetness; choose regular or sugar-free based on your preference.
Milk of choice (1/4 to 1/2 cup): Whether it’s whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any other, it brings creamy richness to the iced coffee.
Ice: Fresh ice to fill your glass and chill the drink perfectly.

Directions

Step 1: Fill a tall glass generously with fresh ice cubes to make sure your coffee stays refreshingly cold.

Step 2: Pour the chilled strong coffee over the ice. I find that a bit stronger coffee prevents the drink from tasting watered down.

Step 3: Add 2 teaspoons of hazelnut syrup to the coffee. Stir gently to blend the nutty sweetness evenly into the drink.

Step 4: Top off your glass with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of your preferred milk, depending on how creamy you want your iced coffee. Watch the swirling magic as everything combines beautifully.

Step 5: Give it one last gentle stir, grab a straw, and enjoy immediately—this is best served cold and fresh!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields one generous serving, perfect for a solo indulgence or a quick treat. Prep time is less than 5 minutes since it requires no cooking, just assembly. There is no cook time involved, meaning your total time to enjoy this delicious Starbucks Hazelnut Iced Coffee Copycat Recipe is right around 5 minutes. No resting or cooling time is needed beyond chilling the coffee ahead of time for the best experience.

How to Serve This Starbucks Hazelnut Iced Coffee Copycat Recipe

A clear glass filled halfway with dark brown liquid and topped with irregular shaped ice cubes that are mostly translucent with some white frost. Above the glass, a wooden spoon with a rich brown polished texture is held slightly tilted, dripping a thin stream of light honey-colored syrup into the glass. The background is a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this iced coffee, I love pairing it with something light and slightly sweet, like a buttery croissant or a handful of biscotti. The crispy, tender textures balance beautifully with the smooth, creamy coffee. It’s fantastic for breakfast, mid-morning snacks, or as an afternoon refresher.

Presentation-wise, I like to use a clear tall glass to show off the gorgeous swirl of milk mixing into the dark coffee topped with ice cubes—it’s visually irresistible. Adding a few whole hazelnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top creates a charming finishing touch that always surprises guests.

This drink shines when served chilled. I recommend enjoying it outdoors on a warm day or indoors with a good book. For non-alcoholic pairings, a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon can cleanse the palate between sips. Though it’s mostly a daytime delight, I’ve also enjoyed it as a sweet treat at casual gatherings or weekend brunches.

Variations

One of the things I adore about this Starbucks Hazelnut Iced Coffee Copycat Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you prefer a dairy-free or vegan option, swapping in oat or almond milk works beautifully to maintain the creaminess without sacrificing flavor. For those watching their sugar intake, using a sugar-free hazelnut syrup keeps it guilt-free without compromising on sweetness.

If you want to experiment with flavors, adding a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg can give it a cozy twist that’s perfect for fall days. Alternatively, for a bolder kick, try using espresso instead of regular strong coffee—it amps up the caffeine and deepens the flavor complexity.

The preparation is always simple, but you could even try blending all the ingredients with ice for a frappé-style drink that’s frothy and fun. This variation is perfect for warm summer afternoons when you want an extra-refreshing treat.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to make more than one serving or want to prepare coffee ahead for the week, store the leftover iced coffee mixture (without ice) in an airtight container or a glass jar in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 2 to 3 days. Avoid adding ice before storing to prevent water dilution of the coffee flavor.

Freezing

Freezing this iced coffee is possible but not ideal because coffee can turn bitter when frozen and thawed. However, you can freeze leftover brewed coffee or hazelnut syrup separately in ice cube trays. Then, simply use those coffee cubes to chill your drink later without watering it down during preparation.

Reheating

I personally recommend enjoying this copycat recipe cold, but if you need to reheat, do so gently on the stove or microwave until warm but not boiling. Adding fresh milk and syrup after reheating can help revive the flavors and richness that might diminish with heat. Avoid reheating with ice, as it defeats the purpose of the iced coffee experience.

FAQs

Can I use decaf coffee in this Starbucks Hazelnut Iced Coffee Copycat Recipe?

Absolutely! Decaf coffee works great and lets you enjoy all the flavors without the caffeine buzz. Just make sure to brew it strong to maintain that bold coffee taste.

Where can I find hazelnut syrup?

You can find hazelnut syrup in most grocery stores, supermarkets, or online shops. Stores like Target and Walmart usually carry it as well, both in regular and sugar-free versions.

What type of milk is best for this iced coffee?

It really depends on your preference. Whole milk gives you the creamiest texture, but almond, oat, and soy milk are fantastic alternatives that still taste delicious and can cater to dietary needs.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Brew your coffee and chill it in advance, then assemble the drink with ice, syrup, and milk when you’re ready to enjoy. This saves time and keeps your iced coffee fresh and flavorful.

How sweet is this drink, and can I adjust the sweetness?

The sweetness is mild and balanced, thanks to the hazelnut syrup. If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add more syrup. Conversely, use less or opt for sugar-free syrup if you want to keep it lighter.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Starbucks Hazelnut Iced Coffee Copycat Recipe a try because it has quickly become one of my favorite ways to enjoy coffee at home. It’s simple, delicious, and brings a little bit of that Starbucks magic right into your kitchen. Whether you’re craving a refreshing drink for a sunny day or a cozy treat to brighten your afternoon, this recipe never disappoints. Enjoy every sip!