Fancy a sweet and energising coffee break? Hazelnut coffee could be just the thing for you! As well as delighting the palate, this drink is also a perfect ally for a delicious and relaxing break.
Originating in Campania, particularly in Naples, hazelnut coffee quickly spread throughout Italy, conquering even the most renowned coffee shops and the homes of coffee lovers.
But why choose hazelnut coffee over the classic espresso or cappuccino? The answer lies in its unique taste, which provides an enveloping and creamy sensation thanks to the combination of strong coffee with the round flavour of hazelnuts.
It is also an extremely versatile drink, which lends itself to numerous variations, both hot and cold, thus satisfying every palate and adapting to all seasons.
So let’s see together how to prepare it.
Ingredients and preparation of hazelnut coffee
To make an authentic hazelnut coffee, you only need a few simple ingredients:
- High quality coffee 180ml
- Hazelnut cream (or syrup)
- Fresh liquid cream 100ml
- Sugar (as desired)
- Topping (cocoa powder, instant coffee or hazelnut granules)
Let’s start from the hazelnut mousse. Heat the cream in a small saucepan and mix it with the hazelnut cream. Once you have obtained the hazelnut mousse, set it aside and let it cool.
Meanwhile, you can prepare espresso or alternatively mocha coffee.
Now take a small glass or cup and put a couple of teaspoons of hazelnut mousse in the bottom and then the coffee (sweetened to taste).
For the topping you can use cocoa powder, instant coffee or hazelnut granules.
You can also make hazelnut coffee with whole hazelnuts. Simply blend them together with sunflower oil and then add icing sugar and liquid cream.
Hazelnut coffee variations
Besides the classic hot version, hazelnut coffee can also be enjoyed cold, especially during the summer months.
For this variation, espresso coffee must be cooled and mixed with milk. Then the hazelnut syrup is put in the shot glass, the ice is added and finally the café latte.
Tips for a perfect preparation
- Use high-quality coffee to ensure the best basic flavour.
- Depending on preference, adjust the amount of hazelnut syrup or hazelnut cream to alter the sweetness of the coffee.
- For the cold version, make sure to let the coffee cool completely before adding the other ingredients.
Conclusions
Hazelnut coffee provides a perfect fusion of flavour that can invigorate your morning or afternoon routine with a sweet surprise. It is also an excellent choice for guests and special occasions.
Hazelnuts are also rich in vitamins (E, B1, B2, B3,B6 and B9) and magnesium, so they make an excellent mid-morning or afternoon snack.Finally, remember, if you want to drink good coffee, you should do it with the right machine. Discover the right coffee machine to enhance every sip!
