The Spirit World

We’ve talked about nut liqueurs here on The Spirit World in the past. But to the best of my knowledge this one, Frangelico, is the granddaddy of them all. 

From the first moment you see the bottle you know there is a story involved.  The bottle, shaped like a monk in robes and often even belted with a little white rope, gives you the first clue that this spirit, like many others was developed by monks centuries ago.  What you may not realize is that the name is actually another indicator.  Frangelico is an abbreviation of Fra. Angelico, a hermit monk who roamed the Piedmont hills in Italy in the 17th century. 

This hermit had a love for nature and using that knowledge created various liqueurs.  Hazelnuts (sometimes called filberts) are prized in many areas of the world and no less so in Italy.  So the liqueur based on wild hazelnuts became especially precious.  As with many of these liqueurs the recipe is secret but we know that in addition to hazelnuts, this elixir contains cocoa, vanilla berries, and flowers.  Once the alcohol is added the mixture is held in oak to give it that final nutty character. 

Frangelico is extremely versatile.  Sweet by nature it is found in drinks that span the taste array.  Often served by itself as an after dinner sweet, you will also find it mixed with tart ingredients or strong spirits where it smooths and rounds the edges. 

A super simple way to enjoy it is as a calming aid before sleep.  Just warm a little milk and then add Frangelico to taste.  The resulting fragrant, warming drink will have you drifting off to sweet dreams in no time. 

Also, in the next few weeks, a drink that will be found on The Fireside Room’s “Twelve Drinks of Christmas” menu is a drink that makes a lovely dessert, Nuts and Berries.  I’ve also seen drinks by this name without the cream or when the cream is added it is sometimes served “up” in a martini glass.  No matter which way you choose, this drink brings the feeling of fall, harvest and celebration. 

Nuts and Berries

• 1 oz Frangelico
• 1 oz Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
• 1 oz Cream

Serve in an old-fashioned glass over ice.