Lucky Hazelnut Latte

I've been absolutely loving recreating coffee shop favorites at home lately, and my latest obsession is this incredible Lucky Salted Hazelnut Latte with homemade Salted Caramel Cold Foam! It's not just for St. Patrick's Day; this drink is a cozy, comforting treat any time you need a little pick-me-up. If you're like me and constantly searching for that perfect balance of sweet and salty in your coffee, you're going to adore this. Making it yourself is surprisingly simple and so much more rewarding (and budget-friendly!) than buying it out. Here's how I whip up my own salted hazelnut latte masterpiece: Getting Started: Your Hazelnut Latte Base First, you'll need a strong coffee base. I usually brew a double shot of espresso, but if you don't have an espresso machine, a very strong instant coffee or cold brew concentrate works perfectly. For the hazelnut flavor, I love using hazelnut spread, like Nutella, because it adds a rich, chocolatey depth. Take about a tablespoon or two of your hazelnut spread and a splash of your favorite milk (I prefer oat milk for extra creaminess, but any milk works!). Gently warm them together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until the spread is completely melted and combined with the milk. This creates a beautifully smooth, infused hazelnut milk. You don't want it to boil, just warm enough to mix. Once your hazelnut milk is ready, pour it into your mug. Add your brewed espresso or strong coffee. Give it a gentle swirl to combine all those lovely flavors. Now, for the star of the show: the salted caramel cold foam! Crafting the Perfect Salted Caramel Cold Foam This is where the magic truly happens! For my salted caramel cold foam, I combine about a quarter cup of heavy cream (you can use a dairy-free creamer for a vegan option), a splash of milk, a tablespoon of salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), and a tiny pinch of sea salt. The salt is crucial here; it really brings out the caramel's sweetness and adds that irresistible 'salted' kick that makes this drink so special. I use a handheld milk frother to whip this mixture until it's thick, airy, and luscious, almost like a cloud. If you don't have a frother, a French press can work wonders – just pump the plunger quickly until it forms a foam. A whisk and some elbow grease in a cold bowl will also do the trick, though it takes a bit more effort. You're looking for a consistency that's stable enough to sit on top of your latte but still pourable. Assembling Your Lucky Masterpiece Once your latte base is mixed and your cold foam is perfectly frothed, it's time to assemble! Gently spoon or pour the salted caramel cold foam over the top of your hazelnut latte. It should sit beautifully on top, creating distinct layers. For that extra 'lucky' touch, especially around St. Patrick's Day, I love to sprinkle a few colorful Lucky Charms marshmallows on top. It makes the drink so much more fun and festive! If you don't have Lucky Charms, a drizzle of extra caramel or a sprinkle of cocoa powder also looks fantastic. And there you have it – your very own homemade Lucky Salted Hazelnut Latte with Salted Caramel Cold Foam. It's the perfect balance of rich hazelnut, bold coffee, creamy salted caramel, and a hint of fun. Trust me, once you try making this at home, you'll be wondering why you ever waited in line at a coffee shop for something similar!