Introduction:
Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur brings you the rich heritage of northern Italy in a glass. With its smooth texture and balanced sweetness, this delightful liqueur combines the best Italian hazelnuts with a blend of cocoa, vanilla, and coffee, offering a sophisticated flavor that elevates any occasion. Whether enjoyed on its own or mixed in a cocktail, Frangelico adds a touch of elegance to any moment.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Clear pale gold.
- Nose: Intense hazelnut aromas with a fragrant back note.
- Palate: Rich texture with pronounced but delicate hazelnut flavor, complemented by hints of vanilla and dark chocolate. Smooth, with a long finish that leaves a fragrant aftertaste.
The Legend:
Frangelico’s origins trace back more than 300 years to the Christian monks of the Piedmont region of northern Italy. These monks were skilled in distilling, creating liquor recipes with wild hazelnuts and other ingredients. The name “Frangelico” is derived from “Fra’ Angelico,” a hermit monk believed to have lived in the area in the 18th century.
How It’s Made:
- Hazelnuts: Italian hazelnuts are harvested, toasted, and crushed before being infused in a solution of alcohol and water.
- Distillation: The hazelnut infusion is distilled to produce a natural hazelnut distillate.
- Flavoring: The distillate is blended with cocoa, vanilla, coffee, and other flavors to create Frangelico’s unique flavor profile.
- Blending: The concentrate is mixed with pure alcohol, sugar, and water, and aged for 6-8 weeks to allow the flavors to marry and mellow.
Serving Suggestions:
Frangelico is perfect on its own, over ice, or as a key ingredient in cocktails like the classic Hazelnut Espresso Martini. It also pairs beautifully with desserts, especially chocolate-based ones, or can be used in coffee for a nutty twist.