I love Frangelico…a hazelnut liqueur that is made in Italy and was first introduced in the United States in the eighties. Most of us “nut lovers”
were already enjoying Amaretto on a regular basis but this was a delicious new cordial that quickly replaced Amaretto as one of my favorites.
This version is easy to make and doesn’t require any specials ingredients. I do have a preference for the Monin syrups but if you have another you prefer, go ahead and use it. A good, high quality vodka is a must in this recipe since it is the base for the drink. Inexpensive, store brands will leave a burning sensation on your tongue and that is not what you are looking for. Spend the money on a good quality vodka so the cordial is smooth.
Most homemade cordials get better the longer they sit. This one is no exception. Storing it for a month or two allows the flavors to full develop but it tastes great the day it is made so go ahead and try it. You can also bottle this in decorative bottles and give it as gifts during the holidays. I always get a great response when these are gifted.
This liqueur is great straight up in a cordial glass or served on the rocks. It is one of those flavors that is great in a lot of recipes too (think whipped cream, cookies and cake). Make up a batch and let me know what you think. Enjoy.
Gather all your ingredients together. Get started by making your simple syrup by heating sugar and water over a medium heat on the stove. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the liquid is clear. Remove from the heat and let cool for a couple of minutes until just warm.
In a large plastic jug or glass container add the simple syrup, vodka, brandy hazelnut syrup, glycerin and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until well combined.
Close the lid on the container and store in a cool dark place for one month or longer. This is the hard part…waiting! But it is worth it, I promise. Once you are ready to enjoy, I like to bottle the liqueur in pretty, decorative bottles. I can serve right from those or gift them during the holidays. I have friends and family that wait for the “flavor of the year” every Christmas season.
Use a funnel to get every last drop into the bottles.
Add ribbons, bows and tags and/or put them in wine bags and gift away. They are always appreciated. To serve, I put out a bottle and several little cordial glasses and let my guests help themselves.
It is also great to walk around the room with a tray of little glasses filled with this liquid gold and serve my guests. If you like the idea of making your own cordials, be sure to try some of my other favorites:
Hazelnut Liqueur (my version of Frangelico)
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Vodka good quality
- 1/2 Cup Brandy
- 1 Cup Monin Hazelnut Syrup
- 3/4 Tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 1 Tsp. Vegetable Glycerin
Instructions
- Make your simple syrup by heating sugar and water over a medium heat on the stove. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the liquid is clear. Remove from the heat and let cool for a couple of minutes until just warm.
- In a large plastic jug or glass container add the simple syrup, vodka, brandy hazelnut syrup, glycerin and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until well combined.
- Close the lid on the container and store in a cool dark place for one month or longer.
- Bottle as gifts or serve as a cordial, on the rocks or in a mixed drink. Enjoy.
