HAZEL

HAZELNUT SYRUP

What It Is A sweet, aromatic syrup made by infusing hazelnuts into a simple sugar base. It captures the warm, toasted character of hazelnuts in liquid form and is used in drinks, desserts and glazes. Commercial versions tend to be strongly flavored and very sweet; homemade syrup is gentler, more nuanced and closer to the true flavor of roasted nuts.

Flavor / Character Warm, nutty and lightly caramelized. The flavor depends on the roast of the nuts: a light roast gives a soft, creamy sweetness, while a darker roast produces a deeper, more confectionery profile. The texture is smooth and pourable, similar to maple syrup but lighter in body.

Uses Stirred into coffee, hot chocolate, or steamed milk; drizzled over pancakes, waffles or ice cream; brushed onto cake layers to keep them moist; or folded into whipped cream or custard for a subtle nutty sweetness. It can also be used to sweeten cocktails, mocktails or cold brew. In Hazel’s culinary world, it acts as a quick way to add warmth and depth without relying on whole nuts.

How to Make or Prepare To make hazelnut syrup at home, start by roasting shelled hazelnuts at 325°F (165°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until fragrant, then rub off most of the skins. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small pan and heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the warm nuts and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes; the syrup should never boil hard. Remove from heat and let the nuts steep as the syrup cools. Strain through fine cloth or a coffee filter for clarity. For a stronger flavor, steep overnight before straining. Store in a glass bottle in the refrigerator and use within two weeks.

Notes A small pinch of salt enhances the nut flavor. A splash of vanilla or a piece of split vanilla bean creates a more dessert‑leaning syrup, while a few drops of hazelnut extract can intensify the aroma if the nuts are mild. Homemade syrup will be cloudier than commercial versions because it contains real nut oils; this is normal and part of its charm.

Cross‑References Hazelnut Milk; Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Base; Hazel Feast‑Day Menu; Praline; Hazel Pantry.