Frangelico Liqueur

Frangelico is a hazelnut liqueur from Tuscany, and hazelnut is the flavor that leads. Expect roasted, toasted-nut aromas with a sweet, rounded body. Liqueurs in this style usually add background notes of vanilla, cocoa and a little caramel. The texture is typically smooth and slightly syrupy, with enough sweetness to read as dessert-like but not as sharp as fruit cordials. The ABV isn't listed for this product, so check the bottle label if the strength matters for your recipe. On its own, it works as an after-dinner pour. Serve it neat in a small cordial glass or over a single large ice cube in a rocks glass. The chill tightens the sweetness and brings out the toasted-nut character. For a longer, lighter drink, pour it over ice and top with club soda or tonic and a lemon wedge. The citrus and bubbles cut through the sugar and keep the nut flavor present without making the drink heavy. In cocktails it acts as a modifier, adding nutty sweetness and body in place of a simple syrup. It is the signature ingredient in the Nutty Irishman, built with Irish whiskey and Irish cream. It also suits a Nutty Espresso Martini, where it replaces some of the sugar and pairs with the roast of the coffee. Another easy option is a Hazelnut Old Fashioned: a measure of bourbon or rye, a small pour of the liqueur and a dash of bitters, stirred over ice. Stirring it into hot coffee or hot chocolate also works, and a splash in a milk-based drink gives a Nutella-like flavor. For food, it goes well with dark chocolate, biscotti, vanilla gelato, tiramisu and roasted nut desserts. A small pour over vanilla ice cream works as a simple affogato-style finish. Because it is sweet, use it sparingly when mixing, and taste as you go. Start with about half an ounce in a spirit-forward drink and adjust from there.