Buyer's Guide

Best Frangelico Substitutes

Whether you are looking to broaden your horizons in the world of liqueurs and try something new, Frangelico may be the next liqueur you may want to try. Frangelico is similar to Amaretto and creates a delicious cocktail.

If you are unsure of how to make a cocktail featuring Frangelico, check out some of these easy recipes that you can make for your next party as the summer quickly approaches. Frangelico is wildly popular throughout the United States and is being served at any restaurant or bar and found on the shelves wherever you purchase alcohol.

Frangelico’s rich Italian hazelnut flavor is what allows it to create one-of-a-kind cocktails. The process of selecting key ingredients has led to the vast popularity of Frangelico and making a name for itself in the alcohol industry throughout the world. There’s a lot to consider when choosing hazelnut liqueur and what exactly you are using it for.

frangelico substitutes

What is Frangelico?

Made in Italy, Frangelico is a unique hazelnut liqueur made with toasted hazelnuts and made with a blend of sugar and caramel. Frangelico is a 40 proof alcohol but most cocktails only use about one to two ounces per drink, so the liqueur shouldn’t be too strong.

When poured, Frangelico has a clear, yet gold appearance, being aesthetically appealing even while being served alone. Frangelico also has a sweet scent that gives you that toasted hazelnut smell as you enjoy your beverage. 

The production of Frangelico is a precise one, as hazelnuts are crushed and crumbled and then soaked in the other flavors of vanilla, cocoa and caramel. This process takes a long period of time, ranging anywhere from six to eight weeks for the process to be complete.

Once the crushed hazelnuts have completely absorbed the liquid, the final process of bottling the liqueur takes place.  Although Frangelico is produced in Italy, featuring fine Italian ingredients, the United States and Spain are the two biggest sellers in the world of the liqueur.

Frangelico prides itself on being the top hazelnut liqueur due to the use of the Italian hazelnuts, which they state are the best in the world.  In terms of price, Frangelico can range anywhere from $20 to $50 depending on the size of the bottle that you decide to purchase. 

Frangelico used in recipes

There are quite a few ways to enjoy Frangelico as a key ingredient in a cocktail or other after dinner drink. Here are some of the most popular recipes to use Frangelico.

Frangelico With Soda

Easily, one of the most simple ways to enjoy Frangelico is on the rocks with soda. Take 1 ½ ounces of Frangelico and pour over a tall glass with ice. Top off with club soda and serve with a wedge of lime. Served with just club soza, allows for you to taste and smell all of the flavors that Frangelico has to offer on its own. It’s also one of the lighter drinks that you can make with Frangelico.

German Chocolate Martini

If you are looking for something sweet, perhaps as an after dinner drink or something later in the night, then a German Chocolate Martini featuring Frangelico, may be something that you would enjoy. First prepare a martini glass by dunking the rim of the glass in coconut syrup and then coconut flakes.  In a shaker, combine one ounce of Frangelico, ice and one ounce of Stoli Vanil. Strain the drink into the martini glass and then top with chocolate shavings.

Creme Brulee Martini

Another sweet cocktail with Frangelico is the Creme Brulee Martini. In a shaker, combine ice, one ounce of Frangelico, one ounce of your favorite brand of vanilla vodka and ½ ounce of Cointreau, give a light shake and then strain into a chilled martini glass and enjoy.

Frangelico Affogato

Another use of Frangelico besides in a cocktail could be over ice cream. A “spiked” affogato using your favorite vanilla ice cream and then pouring about ½ ounce to one ounce of Frangelico over the ice cream and perhaps even top with whipped cream and/or nuts to complete the “sundae”, and then of course, enjoy!

Caramel Mudslide

The Caramel Mudslide is a twist on the traditional frozen mudslide that is made with strictly Kahlua. To make this sweet, frozen drink combine the following ingredients into a blender: two cups of your favorite vanilla bean ice cream, two bananas, ½ cup of 1% milk and a ½ cup of Fangelico. Blend until smooth and pour into glasses, it should make about four portions. Top with caramel syrup and chopped nuts.

Frangelico Sour

For those who aren’t looking for a sweet Frangelico drink then this Frangelico Sour may be the answer. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, one ounce of Frangelico, 1 ½ ounces of your favorite brand of whiskey, one ounce of lemon juice, ½ ounce of simple syrup and one egg white. Shake until all ingredients are completely mixed and strain into a rocks glass or something similar. 

Frangelico substitutes

Although Frangelico is made of the best Italian hazelnuts and other well thought out ingredients, there are some substitutes that can be used in place of the hazelnut liqueur. Whether you are looking for a more affordable option for a liqueur or perhaps a liqueur that just doesn’t have as vibrant of flavors, there are quite a few substitution ideas to choose from.

While some of these liqueurs may have a hazelnut blend, they may not have the same consistency which could change your overall experience.

1. Fratello Hazelnut Liqueur

A good substitution in terms of hazelnut liqueur is the Fratello Hazelnut Liqueur. The Fratello is also made in Italy but,instead of a hint of caramel it has a hint of elderflower alongside the vanilla and cocoa. It’s sold for about $25 per bottle and it’s definitely a good option for a sweet hazelnut liqueur. 

2. Luxardo Angioletto Hazelnut Liqueur

The Luxardo Angioletto Hazelnut Liqueur, is another high quality hazelnut liqueur that would make as a good substitution. Sold for about $28 per bottle, this liqueur really uses the cocoa and vanilla to compliment the hazelnut and create a slightly different taste that the Frangelico.

3. Borgata Hazelnut Liqueur

The Borgata Hazelnut Liqueur is also another Italian made brand. The Borgata is a cream liqueur, so it is a bit heavier than the Frangelico and although it most likely wouldn’t work well in a drink on the rocks, it could work well in a sweeter, creamier drink. Even a frozen mudslide or other blended drink. The Borgata is sold on average for about $20 per bottle.

4. Francesca Hazelnut Liqueur

Another brand of hazelnut liqueur is the Francesca Hazelnut Liqueur. Costing between just $10-$15 per bottle, it’s one of the cheapest as well. But, the flavors are not cheap as this American made liqueur blends hazelnut and vanilla to create a sweet taste and smell.

The Francesca Hazelnut Liqueur could easily be enjoyed without any additional ingredients as it has plenty of flavor.

5. Trizanti Hazelnut Liqueur

Made in the Netherlands, the Trizanti Hazelnut Liqueur has a strong taste and aroma of the roasted hazelnuts and not as much vanilla, cocola, or even caramel as additional flavors. Sold for under $10 on average, the Trizanti is definitely a good option if you are looking for a nuttier taste and not so much the other sweeteners.

Trizanti also makes a walnut liqueur, if you are interested in trying a different type of nut flavor than the hazelnut. 

6. DeKuyper Hazelnut Liqueur

DeKuyper Hazelnut Liqueur is also an American made hazelnut liqueur that is sold for just about $10 a bottle. The DeKuyper is also a great choice for sweet cocktails, not so much rocks drinks, as its hazelnut flavors could be quite overwhelming.

7. Vita Divine Hazelnut

Vita Divine Hazelnut is commonly found in smaller “shot sized” bottles. Vita Devine is made in Minnesota, so it’s another American made liqueur and is perfect if you just plan on making a recipe once for a special occasion and don’t need such a large bottle. It’s also a great idea if you’re looking to try a hazelnut liqueur for the first time and don’t want to spend a lot of money the first time you consume it.

8. Hiram Walker Liqueur: Hazelnut

Hiram Walker Liqueur: Hazelnut is known for its smooth, all natural hazelnut taste and markets the brand as being best for cocktails. Its robust hazelnut flavor will be great for mixed and blended drinks. It’s an affordable choice, sold for under $20 per bottle and if you like the brand, they also make fall and winter flavors featuring pumpkin spice and gingerbread.

9. Amaretto

Amaretto is an almond liqueur whereas Frangelico is a hazelnut liqueur. Amaretto can be used in many of the same recipes as Frangelio but the taste and aroma aren’t as bold as the Frangelico. On average, also depending on the brand, Amaretto can be found for a much cheaper price than the Frangelico.

10. Kahana Royale Hawaii Macadamia Nut Liqueur

Kahana Royale Hawaii Macadamia Nut Liqueur is also not a hazelnut liqueur but a macadamia nut blend. Made in Hawaii, you will get the flavor of the islands in each sip. Kahana Royale recommends adding their macadamia nut liqueur to coffee. This liqueur can be purchased for just around $12 a bottle.


Besides the hazelnut, almond and macadamia nut liqueurs mentioned above, there are other brands of nut flavored liqueurs including a peanut butter liqueur that may make your favorite sweet cocktail tasting like your favorite brand of candy as well. It’s all in preferred taste and cost as to what you are looking to achieve with the liqueur that you decide on. 

Conclusion

Hazelnut liqueurs are made throughout Europe as well as the United States with each bringing a different flavor to the table, although they all have a hazelnut base. While Frangelico is seen as the top hazelnut liqueur on the market, the Italian hazelnuts and blend of cocoa and vanilla give it that one of a kind taste and texture that makes it great on its own or in a cocktail. 

Other hazelnut liqueurs seem to either choose the vanilla or cocoa flavor to add to the hazelnut and some can be a bit thick and creamier which makes for a different taste altogether and may not be the right for all recipes. Whether it’s Frangelico or another hazelnut or nut liqueur there is a preferred taste for everyone.

Mini Description: Crafting a cocktail made with hazelnut liqueur will create a deliciou, sweet treat for an after dinner drink or even as a dessert. Frangelico is the most well-known hazelnut liqueur on the market and there is a reason for that. It’s handcrafted with only the finest ingredients in Italy and offers a bold, yet delicious taste and smell that will leave you wanting to make another. There are delicious recipes to use Frangelico in as well as substitution options if you are looking for another hazelnut liqueur to try as well.

Originally posted 2022-05-04 10:58:45.