There’s something about hazelnuts that works Italians into a frenzy. Whether they’re rolling them around in chocolate or making the international treasure known as Nutella, Italians really know how to treat a nut...and anyone who’s recently been through a breakup.
As the country that produces the second largest amount of hazelnuts, Italians should be more forthcoming in all the uses they’ve developed for the underrated nuts. Scattered throughout desserts and main dishes, hazelnuts are especially delectable in Frangelico: the liqueur that can turn any cocktail into a Nutella-esque dreamboat.
I know you’re thinking, “This sounds dangerous,” and you’re completely right. A shot of Frangelico clocks about 80 calories of decadent, 40 proof alcohol. Knocking one back tastes like what slurping Nutella out of the jar would, as we’ve all dreamed possible while painstakingly stripping spoons of the addictive, chocolatey substance.
Instead of dealing with hardened Nutella at the bottom of your glass, you can throw some Frangelico down with your bad self. Pair it with whiskey, vodka, or spiced rum and prepare for the most delightful sugar rush.
You might want to sit down when you drink this White Russian with an Italian flair:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ shots Frangelico
- ½ shot vodka
- ½ shot chocolate syrup
- 1 shot half & half
- ice
- milk
- hazelnut pirouette cookies [optional]
Mix the Frangelico, vodka, chocolate syrup and half & half in a tumbler. Add a few ice cubes and top off with milk. Stir thoroughly and garnish with a cookie.
