An infusion of vodka, hazelnuts, and brandy, this homemade liquor is super easy. It just takes time until the flavor comes through.
One thing I learned since I started blogging is that I'm not alone in any of my little or not-so-little obsessions, quirks or whatever.
Homemade liqueurs is one of them.
From vanilla limoncello to raspberry wine, and ending with this hazelnut infusion that rendered the fudgiest hazelnut brownies.
A few months ago I discovered that if you put vodka in a glass bottle, you can add so many different things, wait weeks or a few months and have anything from raspberry liqueur to vanilla extract, amaretto, you name it.
I waited two months before using the finished product.
And loved it. Especially for baking. So so good.
Though it's not exactly like the original thing, my beloved Frangelico liqueur, I did pour it back into my beloved empty Frangelico bottle. Because it's also so pretty, I couldn't just throw it away.
PrintHomemade Hazelnut Liqueur
Super easy to make, you just need to wait a few months before it's infused. With the hazelnuts that are left, you can make the fudgiest hazelnut brownies.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups
Ingredients
- ½ pound 2 cups raw hazelnuts with skins, roughly chopped
- 1 cup vodka
- ½ cup cognac
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 vanilla bean (split)
Instructions
- In a clean jar with lid, mix hazelnuts, vodka and cognac. Close tightly, place in a cool, dark place (kitchen cabinet for ex), and let steep for 4 weeks.
- After that time, the mixture with be cloudy. Scrape the split vanilla bean and add all of it, seeds and pod, to the hazelnuts and let steep 2 more weeks.
- Make a simple syrup by placing the sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil and remove from the heat. Let cool.
- Have ready a colander and piece of cheesecloth. I use the drip coffee filters. Pass the hazelnut mixture through it, letting it drip. Don't rush it. Discard the filters as they fill with the wet hazelnut powder. Your liquid will be clear, and you'll have most of your hazelnuts intact.
- Once the whole of the liquid is sieved, you can either throw away the hazelnuts, or process them and put them back in the original jar. Use them for the hazelnut brownies.
- Add half of the simple syrup to the liqueur. Taste it. It will not be completely mellow but you will get a feeling if you want more sweetness. Add more of the syrup if you feel it needs it.
- Transfer to a bottle, using a funnel, add the remaining scraped vanilla bean and keep with your other liqueurs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Infusing
- Cuisine: International
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
I would so bake with this liqueur, what a terrific idea!
Rest well, Paula and take care.
sistersinthekitchen says
I love frangelico, its a favourite of mine, especially with a squeeze of lime! I'll have to try your homemade version, looks great! Would never have thought to do it, thanks for sharing!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
Number 1: I love Serious Eats. Number 2: I love hazelnuts. If I can ignore the need for immediate gratification I will give this a try. It sounds exceptional! And as for writing-it's what you say that counts. NOT how much you say.
laurasmess.me says
Paula, I definitely understand how you feel... in a small way! I generate much less material than you do. Frankly, you're amazing and you inspire me with every post. I'm glad that you allowed yourself to be tired and didn't feel the need to "force words out" when they weren't there. We all need a break! This hazelnut liqueur looks beautiful in its simplicity. Thanks for sharing the recipe xx
Medeja says
Rest, Paula 🙂 I somehow feel the same 🙂 and also managed to get cold :((
I wish it was easy to get hazelnuts here, one of my favorite nuts 🙂
mividaenundulce says
There are occasions when we start writing a post that our fingers can't stop clicking on the letters, and at the end you will have tons of words. And sometimes we pray for some inspiration...
I remember your chocolate raspberry bundt cake, and you know something, I made my liquor with Pisco and blueberries, inspired in yours...THANKS...!!!
Deb says
I've only made Vanilla Extract with vodka, this is all quite amazing! Can't wait to see the recipe!
Cocoa and Lavender says
I have never had Frangelico - and I think I will not bother. I will simply make this and enjoy the homemade version! Both of us love anything with hazelnuts, so I know we will love this. Just a shame we need to wait four weeks... ~ David
Steph says
Say what?!! Who knew you could make this stuff at home!!
Kathy says
Oh Paula, I love this! Sounds wonderful and I love that you reuse your Frangelico bottle! This is now on my list to try!
yummychunklet says
Looks easy! Great idea!
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos says
Oh my heavens - I really need to try this 🙂
Renee Dobbs says
I could spend all day cooking, taking pictures, editing, and the the most I struggle with is writing. Sometimes it is so draining. Then comes along a great inspiration and the words flow. We are get into those situations of some sort. Glad to know it's common with blogging.
Your liqueur sounds completely wonderful and my head is full of cocktails and desserts with the hazelnuts after they have soaked.
mimi rippee says
I made this once and it's the only liqueur I've made that didn't work. But I did use the hazelnuts in something yummy, like you. That need up being the best part!
Caroline - All That I'm Eating says
I would never have thought of this, great idea! Hope things perk up for you soon 🙂
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez says
You know what, Paula? I go through phases like that quite often. There are things I want to share and post, but my brain and/or my body is just not up to it. So I opt for a quickie - absolutely nothing wrong with that! I love this, and it's definitely on my list of liqueurs to make myself :).
Bam's Kitchen says
That is a great idea for use in baking. Have you let it sit long enough to tell does it clear up after awhile so that you could drink it as a beverage as well or does it stay cloudy? I'm tired too, thanks for the short post.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Paula,
I feel you sister. . it's been an incredibly busy week for me too and I am just tired. I fell asleep yesterday while reading Phoebe a book. In the afternoon. Pathetic. .. but rest and sleep is so important. .
Re: blogging, I feel the same way. . I never even knew this whole world existed and now I have these amazing connections and similarities with so many people. . we all "get" each other. it's pretty cool. 🙂
This post makes me realize I need to bake with liqueur more often! I love that you made your own hazelnut liqueur! How awesome are you? and omg, can't wait to see the hazelnuts brownies tomorrow!!!
cooking with curls says
I will have to try making liqueur at some point. The waiting would be the hardest part 🙂
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
I hear ya, Paula! Sometimes, inspiration just doesn't come. I don't mind, especially when you're giving us something as amazing and inspired as homemade hazelnut liqueur. I have two bottles of vodka in my freezer that I'll never drink - you're inspiring me to make delicious liqueurs with it!