Frangelico is a sweet, hazelnut flavored liqueur that originated in Italy. It has a smooth, nutty taste and is often used in cocktails or as an after dinner drink. Frangelico contains several types of alcohol which provide its signature flavor profile. Understanding what goes into making this nutty liqueur can help appreciate the complex aromas and tastes. In this article, we’ll explore the key alcohols used to make Frangelico and how they contribute to its distinctive character.
Background on Frangelico
Frangelico was first produced in 1978 by the Barbero family in the Piedmont region of Italy. Piedmont has a long tradition of hazelnut orchards and products like Nutella and gianduja chocolate. The Barbero family wanted to capture the flavors of Piedmont hazelnuts and cocoa in a liqueur. After years of experimenting, they launched their Frangelico recipe made with hazelnut extract, cocoa, vanilla, herbs and alcohol.
The name Frangelico is based on a legend about a hermit named Fra Angelico who lived in the hills of Piedmont and foraged for hazelnuts. According to the tale, the Barbero family created their liqueur using his secret recipe. While just a legend, the name connects Frangelico to the hazelnut history of the region.
Thanks to its rich, nutty flavor, Frangelico grew in popularity internationally as both an after dinner drink and a mixer in cocktails. It is now distributed worldwide and considered one of Italy’s most famous liqueurs. While the exact proportions are a closely guarded secret, we can examine the key types of alcohol used to make it so distinctive.
Grain Alcohol
The base of Frangelico is grain alcohol, likely a neutral spirit derived from grains like wheat, corn or rye. Grain alcohol provides the high proof that allows liqueurs like Frangelico to maintain their consistency and flavor intensity. It is rectified to remove any harsh flavors, leaving a smooth, neutral canvas on which to layer more complex flavors.
Many liqueurs use a base of 95% ABV grain alcohol before blending with flavorings like herbs, spices and extracts. The final alcohol content of Frangelico lands around 24-25% ABV, meaning the grain alcohol is likely diluted substantially in the production process. This allows the nutty, cocoa flavors to take center stage rather than strong booziness.
Using a neutral grain spirit enables Frangelico to highlight the flavors of real hazelnuts, cocoa, herbs and other botanicals used for flavoring. The grain alcohol provides alcoholic strength but little overt flavor profile of its own.
Wine
In addition to neutral spirits, Frangelico also contains grape based wine, likely from the Piedmont region. Local white wines like Moscato d’Asti and Arneis provide fruitiness while balancing out the sugar and nuttiness.
Including wine in the recipe adds layers of light fruit, floral and honey notes. It also imparts some acidity and tannins that make Frangelico more complex versus just mixing hazelnut and sugar into spirit.
The wine used is likely lower in alcohol around 11-13% ABV. But when blended with the high proof grain alcohol, it infuses aromas, flavor compounds and subtle oxidative notes. The wine brings out more depth and nuance to the liqueur.
Brandy
Some recipes for homemade Frangelico also call for the addition of brandy. Brandy is made by distilling wine, which concentrates the aromatic compounds and flavors. A hazelnut brandy likely contributes to Frangelico’s nutty intensity.
Italian grape brandies like Grappa are sometimes used, which would complement the regional wines. The brandy notes enhance the overall experience, adding layers of fruit, oak and spice.
At around 35-45% ABV, the brandy gives more alcoholic power and mingles tannins and esters with the grain alcohol and wine. A touch of brandy helps round out Frangelico and amplifies the nuttiness.
Flavoring Ingredients
Of course the true stars of Frangelico are the Italian hazelnuts and cocoa that provide its signature flavor. These are also infused into the alcohol base:
Hazelnut Extract
Concentrated hazelnut oil provides intense, authentic nut flavor. Toasting the nuts before extraction caramelizes the natural oils and brings out deeper, roasted aromas.
Hazelnut Flour
Finely ground hazelnuts give creamy, fatty mouthfeel along with nutty concentration. The flour helps emulsify the oils for a smooth liqueur.
Cocoa Extract
Extract of roasted cocoa beans brings rich chocolate flavor and aroma. Cocoa extract adds complexity and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract
A touch of vanilla enhances the hazelnut and chocolate, adding aromatic vanilla notes.
Italian Herbs and Spices
Herbal liqueurs like Frangelico use a blend of regional herbs, roots and spices to provide depth and unique flavors.
The exact formula isn’t disclosed, but could potentially include herbs like anise, coriander, chamomile, citrus peels and angelica root. Various spices and seeds may also enhance the cocoa and nut flavors.
The Distillation Process
To properly meld and infuse all these flavorings, care must be taken in the distillation process. Frangelico is likely produced in continuous stills that allow precise blending:
– Grain alcohol, wine and brandy provide the base liquids.
– Hazelnuts and cocoa are ground into pastes and intensively mixed with the alcohol bases. This extracts the oily, aromatic compounds.
– Further distillation concentrates the flavors and allows the additions of extracts, flour and more alcohol.
– The batches are filtered to achieve an opaque, golden brown liqueur.
– After careful tasting for quality control, the Frangelico is diluted to 24-25% ABV before bottling.
Following this intricate process results in a beautifully balanced, nutty liqueur.
Cocktails and Food Pairings
Understanding the blends of alcohols and flavors helps appreciate why Frangelico tastes so good on its own or in cocktails. Here are some great ways to enjoy it:
Simply on Ice
Sipped straight or over ice, Frangelico provides lightly sweet, nutty sips. The alcohols and aromas intermingle seamlessly.
Hazelnut Martini
Shaking Frangelico with vodka and a touch of cream or milk makes a delicious hazelnut martini. The grain vodka highlights the nutty flavors.
Chocolate Drinks
The cocoa notes in Frangelico complement chocolate liqueurs like creme de cacao. Mix with dark creme de cacao for an alcohol laced Nutella-esque treat.
Coffee Drinks
The nuttiness of Frangelico is perfect with coffee. Add a shot to espresso or coffee cocktails.
Digestif
After a big Italian meal, serve Frangelico as a digestif. Its slight bitterness and herbal notes aid digestion.
Conclusion
Frangelico brings together a blend of grain spirit, wine, brandy and flavorful hazelnut and cocoa extracts for a unique liqueur. Its distinctive taste comes from the quality ingredients and precise distillation process. Sipping Frangelico is an enjoyable way to experience the essence of Piedmont, Italy with each nutty, chocolatey mouthful. By understanding what goes into it, you can fully appreciate the complexity that makes it a modern classic.