Ingredients
- 1 oz Vodka
- .5 oz Hazelnut Liqueur
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine 1 oz of vodka and 0.5 oz of hazelnut liqueur.
Strain into Glass:
- Stir the mixture until well chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the smooth, nutty flavors of the Hazelnut Martini.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
Like many vodka-based “martinis,” the Hazelnut Martini is a modern invention, likely emerging in the late 20th or early 21st century. It doesn’t have a storied past or a specific bartender credited with its creation. Instead, it’s a natural evolution, born from the trend of crafting sweet, flavored cocktails using a neutral spirit base, appealing to those who found traditional gin martinis a bit too dry.
This drink sits squarely in the dessert martini family, alongside popular variations like the Espresso Martini or the Chocolate Martini. What sets the Hazelnut Martini apart is its distinct nutty profile, offering a different kind of sweetness and depth compared to its coffee or cocoa cousins. It’s a simple two-ingredient formula, relying on the liqueur to carry the flavor.
You’ll typically find the Hazelnut Martini on dessert menus in upscale lounges or as a featured cocktail at a modern bistro. It’s also a popular choice for home entertaining, easy enough for any host to whip up, especially after a meal when something sweet but not heavy is desired.
What it tastes like
The first sip of a Hazelnut Martini delivers a clear, sweet, toasted hazelnut flavor, thanks to the liqueur. The vodka acts as a clean, almost imperceptible canvas, allowing the nuttiness to shine without competition. The finish is smooth, lingering with a pleasant, warm, and sweet hazelnut note, making it an easy drinker.
Clocking in around 33% ABV, this drink is no lightweight for its small volume. To put that in perspective, a standard 5% ABV beer would be about six or seven times less potent by volume. While it tastes smooth and sweet, two of these will hit harder than you might expect from a single beer. Treat it like a proper cocktail, not a casual sipper.
The technique
Building a Hazelnut Martini is straightforward. Combine the vodka and hazelnut liqueur in a mixing glass with plenty of fresh ice. Stir it well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and slightly diluted. Then, fine strain it into a pre-chilled cocktail glass. The goal is a cold, clear, and perfectly smooth drink.
The single most important technique here is proper stirring and chilling. Rushing this step results in a warm, watery drink that tastes thin and unbalanced. Stir until the outside of your mixing glass is frosted and your hand feels genuinely cold. This ensures the necessary dilution and a crisp, refreshing temperature, which is crucial for a spirit-forward drink like this.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Vodka
- Use
- Go for a clean, neutral vodka like Ketel One, Tito’s, or Absolut. You want something that provides a smooth base without adding its own strong character.
- Skip
- Avoid flavored vodkas, especially anything fruity or spicy, as they’ll clash with the hazelnut. Also, skip the cheapest rail options; a harsh vodka will stand out.
- Why
- Vodka is the backbone, providing the alcoholic kick and body. Its neutrality allows the hazelnut liqueur to be the star without fighting for attention.
Hazelnut Liqueur
- Use
- Frangelico is the industry standard and works perfectly here, bringing a rich, authentic toasted hazelnut flavor. Bols Hazelnut is another solid choice.
- Skip
- Don’t substitute with hazelnut syrup. While it provides flavor, it lacks the alcoholic depth and body of a liqueur, resulting in a much thinner and overly sweet drink.
- Why
- This liqueur defines the drink. It provides the signature hazelnut taste, along with sweetness and a slight viscosity that rounds out the cocktail.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Chocolate Hazelnut Martini
- A sweeter, richer take.
- Add 0.5 oz of chocolate liqueur, like Godiva Dark Chocolate, to the mix for a boozy Nutella vibe.
Creamy Hazelnut Martini
- A softer, dessert-like texture.
- Add 0.5 oz of heavy cream or Irish cream liqueur to the mixing glass before stirring for a smoother, richer mouthfeel.
Nutty Espresso Martini
- Coffee and nut combine.
- Add 1 oz of cold brew coffee or espresso to the recipe, or swap half the vodka for a coffee liqueur for a bolder coffee-nut blend.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try an almond liqueur like Amaretto for a similar nutty profile, though it will taste distinctly different. Coffee liqueur like Kahlua can also work for a coffee-nut twist.
A light, unaged rum could offer a different kind of clean base, but it will slightly alter the flavor profile. Gin is an option, but expect a much more botanical, less sweet result.
A chilled coupe glass is the next best option for serving it ‘up.’ If all else fails, a small rocks glass will do, though it won’t look as elegant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Hazelnut Martini?
A Hazelnut Martini typically contains vodka and hazelnut liqueur, stirred with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass.
Is a Hazelnut Martini strong?
Yes, for its small volume, it’s quite potent. With around 33% ABV, it’s significantly stronger than most beers and on par with many spirit-forward cocktails.
Is it sweet?
Yes, it is definitely a sweet cocktail. The hazelnut liqueur provides both the primary flavor and the sweetness.
What kind of vodka should I use?
A clean, neutral vodka is best. Brands like Ketel One, Tito’s, or Absolut allow the hazelnut flavor to be the star.
What hazelnut liqueur works best?
Frangelico is the classic choice for its authentic, rich hazelnut flavor. Other quality hazelnut liqueurs will also work.
Can I make it creamy?
Yes, you can add a splash of heavy cream or an Irish cream liqueur to the mixing glass for a richer, creamier texture.
Is it a dessert drink?
Absolutely. Its sweet, nutty profile makes it an ideal after-dinner drink or a sophisticated dessert cocktail.
Can I serve it on the rocks?
While traditionally served ‘up’ in a chilled cocktail glass, you can certainly serve it over fresh ice in a rocks glass if you prefer a slightly more diluted and longer-lasting drink.
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