Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- .5 oz Coffee Liqueur
- 1 tsp Nutella
- 3 oz Milk
- Whipped Cream
- Strawberries
- Chocolate Sauce
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice to cool down the ingredients quickly.
- Pour in the vodka, coffee liqueur, Nutella, and milk.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the Nutella is fully incorporated with the other ingredients and the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Generously top with whipped cream.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of luxury.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This isn’t some Prohibition era classic or a forgotten speakeasy gem. The Nutella Cocktail is a modern creation, likely born in a home kitchen or a creative bar looking to capitalize on the widespread love for the chocolate-hazelnut spread. It’s a contemporary dessert drink, probably emerging in the last couple of decades as fun, indulgent cocktails gained popularity.
It sits squarely in the dessert cocktail family, alongside drinks like the Mudslide, White Russian, or an Espresso Martini. What sets the Nutella Cocktail apart is its specific, unmistakable hazelnut chocolate profile. While a Mudslide uses chocolate syrup and coffee liqueur, this one brings in the unique texture and flavor of Nutella itself, making it distinctively rich and spread-like.
You’d find this on a dessert menu at a casual restaurant, perhaps as a special at a lively bar, or most commonly, at a house party where someone wants to impress with a fun, sweet offering. It's perfect for capping off a meal or as a standalone treat when you’re craving something decadent and boozy.
What it tastes like
From the first sip, you get a creamy, sweet hit of hazelnut chocolate, front and center, thanks to the Nutella and milk. The coffee liqueur then comes through in the mid-palate, adding a balancing bitterness and a familiar dessert coffee note. The finish is smooth, lingering with that distinctive chocolate-hazelnut richness and a touch of warmth from the vodka.
At roughly 11% ABV, this drink lands somewhere between a strong craft beer and a weaker standard cocktail. Considering the volume of milk and Nutella, it’s not going to knock you off your feet like a stiff Martini. It’s designed for enjoyment, not for potency, making it a pleasant, easy-drinking dessert option.
The technique
Start by chilling your cocktail glass, then grab a shaker and fill it with ice. Measure your vodka, coffee liqueur, Nutella, and milk directly into the shaker. The key here is to make sure that Nutella gets in there cleanly. Secure the lid and give it a serious, sustained shake. You’re not just chilling; you’re emulsifying that spread. Once it’s frosty and well-mixed, fine strain it into your chilled glass. Finish it with a generous dollop of whipped cream and your preferred garnishes.
The single most important technique for the Nutella Cocktail is the vigorous shake. Nutella is thick and sticky, and a lazy shake will leave you with clumps at the bottom of your shaker or a gritty texture in your drink. You need to shake hard and long enough to fully incorporate the Nutella into the liquid ingredients, ensuring a smooth, uniform, and well-chilled cocktail.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Nutella
- Use
- Stick with the original Ferrero Nutella for the classic flavor, or any high-quality chocolate-hazelnut spread you trust. The key is a good balance of chocolate and hazelnut, with a smooth, emulsified texture.
- Skip
- Don’t try to substitute with just chocolate syrup or hazelnut syrup. You’ll miss the unique creamy texture and the specific blend of flavors that Nutella provides. It won’t be the same drink.
- Why
- Nutella is the star here. It provides the drink’s namesake flavor, its rich body, and contributes significantly to the creamy mouthfeel. Without it, you’re just making a generic chocolate coffee drink.
Coffee Liqueur
- Use
- Kahlua is the standard and works perfectly, but Tia Maria or Mr. Black Cold Brew Liqueur are excellent alternatives. Choose one that you enjoy on its own, as its flavor will be prominent.
- Skip
- An espresso shot alone is too bitter and lacks the sweetness and body needed to balance the other ingredients. If you want more coffee flavor, use a good quality coffee liqueur.
- Why
- The coffee liqueur adds a crucial layer of roasted bitterness and sweetness that complements the chocolate and hazelnut, preventing the drink from becoming overly cloying. It’s essential for that dessert cocktail depth.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Nutella Spiked Shake
- Thicker, colder, more dessert-like.
- For a thicker, more indulgent version, add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream to the shaker along with the other ingredients, or use a higher ratio of milk and blend instead of shaking.
Nutella Mint Cocktail
- A refreshing chocolate-mint twist.
- Introduce a quarter to half an ounce of creme de menthe to the shaker for a cool, minty kick that pairs well with the chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
Nutella White Russian
- A familiar classic with a Nutella upgrade.
- Swap the milk for heavy cream or half-and-half and slightly increase the vodka. The Nutella then becomes the star alongside the traditional creamy, coffee notes of a White Russian.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use a good quality dark rum for a richer, more caramel-like undertone, or Irish cream for an even creamier, sweeter drink.
Combine a shot of chilled espresso with a quarter ounce of simple syrup, but be aware the flavor will be less sweet and more direct.
Mix equal parts chocolate syrup and hazelnut syrup, or use a chocolate liqueur like Godiva with a dash of hazelnut extract. The texture will be different.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream, frothed milk, or a dusting of cocoa powder can work as a topping.
Fresh raspberries, banana slices, or even a few toasted hazelnuts make great garnishes.
A sturdy glass jar with a tight-fitting lid will work in a pinch. Just make sure it seals well before you start shaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Nutella Cocktail?
A Nutella Cocktail typically contains vodka, coffee liqueur, Nutella, and milk, often garnished with whipped cream, strawberries, and chocolate sauce.
Is the Nutella Cocktail strong?
No, it’s a relatively mild cocktail. With around 11% ABV, it’s less potent than many classic cocktails and more comparable to a strong beer.
Is this considered a dessert drink?
Absolutely. With its creamy texture, chocolate-hazelnut flavor, and sweet profile, it’s designed to be an indulgent treat, perfect after a meal.
Can I make the Nutella Cocktail vegan?
Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with a creamy plant-based milk like oat or almond milk, and use a vegan whipped cream. Ensure your coffee liqueur is also vegan.
What kind of glass should I use?
A chilled cocktail glass, a coupe, or even a sturdy rocks glass is suitable. Since it’s a dessert drink, something that showcases the creamy texture is ideal.
Can I make this drink hot?
While traditionally served cold, you could gently warm the milk and Nutella together, then stir in the vodka and coffee liqueur for a hot chocolate-style boozy drink.
How can I make the drink thicker?
To make it thicker, you can use less milk, add a scoop of ice cream, or use a heavier cream instead of regular milk.
Can I prepare this in advance?
It’s best made fresh to ensure the Nutella is fully incorporated and the drink is properly chilled and aerated. However, you can pre-measure ingredients to speed up the process.
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