At the very beginning of this post, I have to say that I don’t really drink alcohol. It’s just not my cup of tea. I’m not a fan of wines or beers, but I do enjoy trying different liqueurs. I also love to use them in my desserts, and iced coffee, they blend very well.
If you love these too, you must have heard (and probably already tried) the Frangelico liqueur. It is a delicious hazelnut drink that is often used in cocktails and desserts. Its nutty and sweet flavor is what sets it apart, and it’s a popular ingredient in many recipes.
However, there may be times when you don’t have this liqueur on hand, or you want to try something different. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Frangelico that can be used in cocktails and desserts. I’ll give you 13 substitutes that can add the same nutty and sweet flavors to your favorite drinks and desserts.
1. Hazelnut syrup
This syrup is made from sugar, water, and hazelnut flavoring, and it can be used in a variety of ways. It brought a delightfully sweet and pronounced hazelnut kick to my morning coffee. It doesn’t have the alcohol content of Frangelico, making it a family-friendly option for flavoring homemade desserts and beverages.
For cocktails, simply add a splash of hazelnut syrup to your drink to add a nutty flavor. In desserts, you can use it to add a sweet and nutty flavor to cakes, cookies, and other treats.
2. Amaretto
This Italian liqueur will offer you a rich, almond sweetness with subtle hints of bitterness. It transformed my chocolate brownies into something a bit more complex and intriguing. The almond flavor is distinct but complements hazelnut well in mixed drinks.
It pairs well with coffee and can be used to make an Amaretto Sour or an Almond Joy Martini.
3. Godiva chocolate liqueur
If you’re looking for a substitute that adds a rich chocolatey touch, Godiva chocolate liqueur is a great option. It’s so creamy and delicious. Adding it to a hazelnut martini instead of Frangelico can create a lovely dessert cocktail you’ll like for sure. When I plated these dishes for a dinner party, my guests couldn’t stop raving about them.
4. Baileys
To be honest, this has been my personal favorite since I was a teenager. My mom used to make a Baileys cheesecake and my brother and I would always fight about that last piece.
This creamy liqueur is made from cream and Irish whiskey, and has a sweet, nutty flavor. You should use it to add a creamy, nutty taste to drinks and desserts. In drinks, Baileys Irish Cream can be used to make an Irish Hazelnut Coffee or a Nutty Irishman.
5. Almond extract
If you don’t have any nut liqueurs on hand, you can use the almond extract as a substitute for Frangelico. Just a drop or two infused my baking with a potent, sweet almond flavor. While it lacks the subtle complexities of Frangelico, it’s an excellent way to add nuttiness to cookies and cakes without the alcohol.
You can also use it to make an Almond Joy Cocktail or an Amaretto Sour.
6. Kahlua
Kahlua has a sweet, rich flavor with notes of coffee and caramel, and it pairs well with hazelnut flavoring. Because of that coffee note, I tried adding it to a tiramisu recipe and it gave it an extra coffee kick with a smooth vanilla undertone. It’s less nutty but adds a rich depth that’s hard to resist.
Kahlua can be used to make a Nutty Russian or a Hazelnut Espresso Martini.
7. Homemade hazelnut liqueur
If you want to make your own hazelnut liqueur, it’s very easy. All you need is vodka, hazelnuts, sugar, and water. Simply combine the ingredients in a jar and let it steep for a few weeks.
8. Nocello
Nocello is an Italian liqueur made from walnuts. It will bring an earthy, nutty flavor to your chocolate cake recipe, making it denser and more moist. It’s a wonderful Frangelico substitute in cocktails for those who appreciate a deeper, more complex nutty profile.
9. Orgeat syrup
Orgeat syrup is made from almonds, sugar, and water. It has a sweet and nutty flavor and is often used in tropical drinks. Orgeat syrup can be used to make a Mai Tai or a Zombie. In desserts, it can be used to add a nutty flavor to fruit tarts or macarons.
10. Bicerin
Bicerin is a traditional Italian drink made with coffee, chocolate, and hazelnut liqueur. It has a rich and decadent flavor that is perfect for a cold winter night. Though not a liqueur, using Bicerin as a dessert ingredient, especially in layered desserts, adds an authentic Italian coffee-chocolate flavor
11. Praline liqueur
Praline liqueur is made with caramelized sugar and nuts. It has a sweet and nutty flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla. You can use it to make a Nutty Irishman or a Praline Martini. In desserts, you can add it to crème brûlée or pecan pie (my friend Emily loves this one), it will bring such a lovely caramel note.
12. Maraschino chestnut liqueur
Maraschino has a nutty and earthy flavor with notes of vanilla and spice. It’s perfect for making Nutty Manhattan or a Chestnut Alexander. For getting a more nutty and earthy flavor in your pumpkin pie or gingerbread, don’t hesitate – add Maraschino.
13. Macadamia nut liqueur
I tried this in a white Russian, and I loved it. Macadamia nut liqueur is a rich and buttery liqueur that has a sweet flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel. It’s a unique alternative to Frangelico that adds an exotic, creamy nut flavor to drinks and desserts.
To wrap things up…
We covered some seriously delish substitutes for Frangelico. Now you’ve got options for days whether you’re craving something nutty in your nightcap or want to get fancy with a hazelnut cream pie. Just remember – taste as you go so you can tweak the flavors to your liking. You can also read more about best Aperol alternatives.
Now go get sippin’ and bakin’ – you’ve got this in the bag. Just remember, enjoy yourself, and don’t be too hard on yourself if a recipe doesn’t turn out perfect. Taste is what matters most. Can’t wait to hear how everything turns out! Ciao for now 😘
