Hazelnut White Russian Cocktail Recipe

Hazelnut White Russian Nutrition Facts

Calories:320

Fat:10g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Hazelnut White Russian is a delicious twist on the classic White Russian cocktail, which was originally made popular by the 1998 film, 'The Big Lebowski'. This version adds a nutty flavor to the mix, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a sweet and creamy cocktail with a hint of hazelnut. It's perfect for those cozy nights in or for impressing guests at a cocktail party.

How Hazelnut White Russian Tastes?

The Hazelnut White Russian is a rich, creamy, and sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness from the hazelnut. It has a smooth and velvety texture, with the vodka providing a subtle kick that balances the sweetness.

Interesting facts about Hazelnut White Russian

  • The Hazelnut White Russian is a variation of the classic White Russian, which is made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream.
  • Despite its name, the White Russian cocktail is not Russian in origin. It gets its name from the use of vodka, a popular Russian spirit.
  • The addition of hazelnut in this version gives it a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from the traditional White Russian.

Ingredients

A few good options for Hazelnut White Russian are:

  • Absolut
  • Belvedere
  • Ciroc

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

Vodka is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a clean, neutral spirit that allows the other flavors to shine. At 1.5 oz, it offers just enough bite without overpowering the nuanced sweetness of the liqueurs. Use less vodka and you might miss that warming alcohol presence; more and it might overshadow the hazelnut and coffee duo.

Emma Rose

Hazelnut Liqueur

One shot (1 oz) of hazelnut liqueur infuses a sweet, nutty depth. It's the heart of this drink's unique character. Skip it, and it's no longer a Hazelnut White Russian. Frangelico is a popular choice, but an alternative like Amaretto could give a different nutty perspective—almond instead of hazelnut.

Alex Green

Coffee Liqueur

At half an ounce (0.5 oz), coffee liqueur adds a whisper of rich coffee flavor without turning the cocktail into an iced coffee. Kahlua is a classic option, but if it were excluded or increased significantly, you'd lose or overpower the balance of coffee and cream. For a twist, you might try a chocolate coffee liqueur for even more decadence.

Mary Mitkina

Heavy Cream

The cream (1 oz) crowns the cocktail with a silken texture and a lovely contrast against the dark liquors beneath. Too little, and the drink loses its lushness; too much, and it can become overly heavy. For a lighter version, half-and-half or milk could be used, though the drink would be less indulgent.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Hazelnut White Russian Drink

  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
  2. Pour the vodka, hazelnut liqueur, and coffee liqueur over the ice.
  3. Stir until well combined.
  4. Top with heavy cream and stir gently until the cream is well incorporated.
  5. Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts and serve.

Pro Tips

  • For the best flavor, use a high-quality vodka and hazelnut liqueur.
  • Be sure to stir the cocktail well to ensure all the flavors are well combined.
  • For an extra touch of luxury, you can top the cocktail with a dollop of whipped cream.

Perfect Pairings

Desserts

  • Chocolate Cake: The rich and creamy texture of the cocktail complements the moist and dense cake.
  • Cheesecake: Its smooth and tangy profile pairs wonderfully with the sweet and nutty flavors of the drink.

Snacks

  • Salted Nuts: The saltiness contrasts with the sweetness and amplifies the hazelnut notes.
  • Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of the chocolate balances the cocktail's sweetness.

Coffee

Pairing with espresso can accentuate the coffee flavor in the drink for a more pronounced coffee experience.

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What you could change in Hazelnut White Russian

  • If you don't have hazelnut liqueur, you can substitute it with amaretto for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
  • For a dairy-free version, you can replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy creamer or milk alternative.

Explore all drinks starting with H here

And of course - twists🍹

Coconut Cream White Russian

Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, and garnish with toasted coconut flakes. The coconut adds tropical flair to the Russian classic and pairs intriguingly with the hazelnut and coffee notes.

Ingredients: 1.5 oz Vodka, 1 oz Hazelnut Liqueur, 0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur, 1 oz Coconut Cream.

Spiced Hazelnut White Russian

Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the cocktail for a warm, spiced twist. The spices complement the hazelnut and could be especially delightful during the colder months.

Ingredients: 1.5 oz Vodka, 1 oz Hazelnut Liqueur, 0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur, 1 oz Heavy Cream, Pinch of Cinnamon, Pinch of Nutmeg.

Irish Hazelnut White Russian

Replace the vodka with Irish whiskey for a more robust and caramel note. This twist would feel warmer, with the whiskey imparting a slightly spicy and oaky flavor, and it would be a hit on St. Patrick's Day or any day you fancy an Irish touch.

Ingredients: 1.5 oz Irish Whiskey, 1 oz Hazelnut Liqueur, 0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur, 1 oz Heavy Cream.

In case you forgot basics how to make Hazelnut White Russian

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Hazelnut White Russian

What is the best time to consume Hazelnut White Russian?

There's no specific time for a Hazelnut White Russian. However, due to its creamy and sweet nature, it's often enjoyed as a dessert cocktail, after a meal or in the evening.

What type of glass is preferred to serve a Hazelnut White Russian?

A Rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass is typically used to serve a Hazelnut White Russian.

Can I use regular cream instead of heavy cream for Hazelnut White Russian?

Yes, you can use regular cream if heavy cream is not available, though the cocktail may be a bit less rich and creamy.

Are there any variations to this recipe?

Yes, you can add a twist of your choice to the Hazelnut White Russian. Some add different types of nuts or flavored syrups, while others might use different types of vodka or coffee liqueur to change the flavor profile.

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