Welcome to a world where rich espresso meets the toasty warmth of hazelnuts, all blended into the smooth embrace of Crater Lake Vodka. This unique concoction is not just a drink; it’s an experience that wakes up your senses and comforts your soul.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a cozy gathering or simply want to elevate your cocktail game, this recipe for Hazelnut Espresso Vodka is your new go-to. The deep, roasted coffee notes combined with the nutty sweetness create a harmonious balance, perfect for sipping neat, mixing into cocktails, or even adding an extra kick to your desserts.
In this post, you’ll discover how to craft this alluring spirit at home with simple ingredients and easy steps. Plus, we’ll explore variations to customize your creation and serving suggestions to make every sip memorable.
Ready to dive into the delicious world of Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka recipes? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a celebration of bold flavors and smooth finishes. The combination of Crater Lake Vodka’s pristine purity and the robust character of espresso creates a sophisticated base.
The addition of hazelnut syrup brings a nutty, slightly sweet dimension, making the vodka incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it straight, on the rocks, or as the foundation for inventive cocktails.
What’s more, making your own hazelnut espresso vodka lets you control the sweetness and intensity, tailoring it exactly to your taste. It’s a fantastic conversation starter and a wonderful way to infuse your home bar with something unique.
Ingredients
- 750 ml Crater Lake Vodka – clean, smooth vodka base
- 1/2 cup freshly brewed espresso – strong and hot
- 1/2 cup hazelnut syrup – store-bought or homemade
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – for added depth
- Ice cubes – for chilling
Equipment
- Large glass jar or bottle with airtight lid for infusing
- Measuring cups for accurate ingredient amounts
- Espresso machine or coffee maker to brew espresso
- Fine mesh strainer or coffee filter (optional)
- Mixing spoon or stirrer
- Funnel for bottling
Instructions
- Brew the espresso: Start by brewing a strong half cup of espresso using your preferred method. It should be freshly made and hot for best flavor extraction.
- Combine liquids: In your large glass jar, pour the 750 ml of Crater Lake Vodka. Add the hot espresso immediately to the vodka, which helps infuse the flavors more effectively.
- Add hazelnut syrup: Pour in the 1/2 cup of hazelnut syrup. If you prefer a less sweet vodka, start with 1/3 cup and adjust later.
- Stir in vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to enhance the flavor complexity. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well.
- Seal and infuse: Close the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. This allows the vodka to absorb the espresso and hazelnut aroma fully.
- Chill and filter: After infusion, put the jar in the fridge to chill for another 24 hours. If you notice any sediment or coffee grounds, strain the vodka through a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter into a clean bottle.
- Serve: Your Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka is ready! Serve over ice, or use it as a cocktail base.
Tips & Variations
“For a richer hazelnut flavor, toast a handful of hazelnuts lightly in a dry pan, then crush and add them to the vodka during infusion. Remove them before bottling.”
- Adjust sweetness: Use less or more hazelnut syrup depending on your taste preference.
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of cream or milk for a dessert-style drink similar to a Nutty Irishman.
- Spice it up: Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves during infusion for a warm spice note.
- Cold brew espresso: Try cold brew espresso instead of hot for a smoother, less acidic flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per 1.5 oz Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 110 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 7 g (mostly from hazelnut syrup) |
Sugars | 6 g |
Alcohol | 17% ABV (approximate) |
Fat | 0 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Serving Suggestions
This hazelnut espresso vodka shines in many ways. Serve it chilled over ice for a simple, elegant drink that highlights the rich coffee and nutty flavors.
You can also mix it into cocktails such as:
- Hazelnut Espresso Martini: Shake 2 oz hazelnut espresso vodka with 1 oz coffee liqueur and ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with coffee beans.
- Nutty White Russian: Combine 2 oz hazelnut espresso vodka, 1 oz coffee liqueur, and 1 oz cream over ice. Stir gently.
- Espresso Hazelnut Tonic: Mix 1.5 oz vodka with tonic water and a twist of lemon for a refreshing, lighter option.
For dessert lovers, drizzle this vodka over vanilla ice cream or blend it into chocolate milkshakes for an adult twist.
Conclusion
Crafting your own Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka at home is a rewarding way to explore new flavor combinations and impress your friends with a personalized spirit. The infusion process is straightforward, requiring only a few quality ingredients and a bit of patience.
The result is a beautifully balanced vodka that combines the boldness of espresso with the sweet nuttiness of hazelnut syrup, all mellowed by the smoothness of Crater Lake Vodka.
Whether you sip it neat, mix it in cocktails, or use it to enhance desserts, this recipe opens up a world of delicious possibilities. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the tips and variations to perfect your own signature blend.
Cheers to the perfect pairing of coffee and nuts in a bottle!
📖 Recipe Card: Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka Cocktail
Description: A smooth and rich cocktail featuring Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka with a hint of chocolate and coffee. Perfect for an evening pick-me-up or dessert drink.
Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT5M
Servings: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 2 oz Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka
- 1 oz cold brew coffee
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 0.5 oz heavy cream
- Ice cubes
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
- Coffee beans (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add vodka, cold brew coffee, chocolate liqueur, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Slowly pour heavy cream on top to create a layered effect.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings and coffee beans.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 10g
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