Ingredients
- .5 oz Hazelnut Liqueur
- .5 oz White Creme De Cacao
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker with ice add Hazelnut Lequeur and White Creme De Cacao.
- Shake until chilled and strain into your shot glass.
Notes
- For an extra touch, garnish the shot glass rim with crushed hazelnuts or chocolate shavings.
- This shot is best served chilled to enhance its creamy and nutty flavors.
- Adjust the ratios to taste if you prefer a stronger hazelnut or chocolate flavor.
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This shot is a modern creation, likely born in a busy bar or through online cocktail communities looking to replicate popular candy bar flavors in liquid form. It is not steeped in Prohibition lore but rather caters to contemporary tastes for sweet, easy-drinking shots. The ‘number 2’ implies a refinement or a popular alternative to an earlier iteration.
It fits squarely in the dessert shot category, alongside drinks like the Buttery Nipple or the Kamikaze, though those lean into different flavor profiles. The specific combination of hazelnut and white chocolate sets the Crispy Crunch Shot #2 apart, offering a distinct confectionary experience that mimics a popular treat.
You will find these shots making appearances at house parties, celebratory events, or as a sweet ending to a casual night out. It is a fun, unpretentious pour for when the mood is light and sweet, often served to kick off a night or as a digestif.
What it tastes like
The Crispy Crunch Shot #2 hits with a smooth, sweet hazelnut flavor upfront, quickly followed by the creamy, vanilla notes of white chocolate. The finish is lingering and sweet, like a melted candy bar, without any harsh alcoholic bite. It is a truly decadent and dessert-like experience from start to finish.
At 0.5 oz each of two 20% ABV liqueurs, this 1 oz shot comes in around 20% ABV. That is about four times stronger than a typical beer, but comparable to or slightly stronger than a full-sized standard cocktail, condensed into a single gulp. It packs a pleasant punch for its size.
The technique
Building this shot is straightforward. Combine both liqueurs in a shaker with fresh ice. Give it a good, hard shake for about 10 to 15 seconds. This chills the liquid thoroughly and adds a tiny bit of dilution, which helps meld the flavors and soften the sweetness. Strain the mixture directly into your chilled shot glass.
The key technique here is ensuring a proper chill. Shaking with ice is not just about temperature; it also incorporates a small amount of water from the melting ice. For a sweet, high-proof shot like this, that slight dilution is crucial for opening up the flavors and preventing it from tasting syrupy or overly boozy. A lukewarm shot falls flat and tastes cloying.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Hazelnut Liqueur
- Use
- Frangelico is the standard for hazelnut liqueur, offering a rich, authentic flavor. Kahlua Hazelnut is another solid choice if available.
- Skip
- Avoid cheap, artificial hazelnut syrups. They lack the depth and alcoholic warmth required, making the shot taste flat and overly sugary.
- Why
- This ingredient is the primary driver of the ‘crunch’ flavor profile, providing the distinct nutty base that mimics a popular chocolate bar.
White Creme De Cacao
- Use
- Bols White Creme de Cacao or Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur are excellent choices, providing a creamy, sweet white chocolate note without altering the shot’s color.
- Skip
- Do not use dark creme de cacao unless you intend to completely change the drink’s color and introduce a stronger, darker chocolate flavor. It will be a different drink.
- Why
- White Creme De Cacao provides the creamy, sweet white chocolate backbone that completes the ‘Crispy Crunch’ flavor, adding richness and a smooth finish.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Crispy Crunch Martini
- A full-sized, sippable version.
- To make a martini, combine 1 oz hazelnut liqueur, 1 oz white creme de cacao, 1.5 oz vodka, and 0.5 oz cream in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Dark Crunch Shot
- For those who prefer a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Simply swap the White Creme De Cacao for Dark Creme De Cacao. This will result in a darker color and a more intense chocolate note, complementing the hazelnut differently.
Crispy Crunch Float
- A boozy dessert in a glass.
- Pour the prepared Crispy Crunch Shot over a small scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream in a small glass. It melts into a delicious, boozy milkshake.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try almond liqueur like Amaretto for a similar nutty profile, though the specific flavor will shift. Coffee liqueur can also work if you do not mind a mocha twist.
A standard chocolate liqueur can work, but the color will be darker and the chocolate note more prominent. Alternatively, a good quality white chocolate syrup with a splash of neutral vodka can approximate the flavor.
A small cordial glass, a tiny espresso cup, or even a small rocks glass will work in a pinch. The presentation will change, but the shot will still taste the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Crispy Crunch Shot #2?
It contains hazelnut liqueur and white creme de cacao.
Is the Crispy Crunch Shot #2 very sweet?
Yes, it is designed as a dessert-style shot, so expect it to be quite sweet and rich.
How strong is a Crispy Crunch Shot #2?
It is about 20% ABV, making it similar in strength to a full cocktail, but in a smaller, concentrated serving.
Can I make a Crispy Crunch Shot #2 into a full-sized drink?
Absolutely. Try adding 1.5 oz of vodka and 1 oz of cream to the base liqueurs, then shake and serve over ice in a rocks glass.
What does “Crispy Crunch” refer to?
It likely refers to the flavor profile of a popular chocolate bar, combining nutty and sweet chocolate notes to create a familiar taste.
Do I need specific brands for this shot?
While specific brands like Frangelico and Bols are common, any reputable hazelnut liqueur and white creme de cacao will yield good results.
Can I prepare these shots in advance?
You can pre-mix the liqueurs and store them chilled, but always shake with fresh ice just before serving for optimal chill and slight dilution.
What kind of occasions are best for a Crispy Crunch Shot #2?
These are perfect for parties, after-dinner treats, or any casual gathering where sweet, indulgent drinks are appreciated.
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