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Frangelico is a sweet, nutty Italian liqueur used in delicious cocktails, added to coffee and baked goods, or sipped neat as a digestif. If you don’t have a bottle at hand, we have five great substitutes, from delicious nutty liqueurs to non-alcoholic options.
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What is Frangelico?
Frangelico is a sweet, delightfully balanced hazelnut liqueur from Piedmont, Italy. Toasted Tonda Gentile hazelnuts are distilled and blended with distillates from roasted coffee, vanilla berries, cocoa seeds, alcohol, and other extracts to create a golden elixir.
Frangelico liqueur is bottled at 24% alcohol by volume (ABV) and boasts a rich texture, pronounced hazelnut aroma, and hints of dark chocolate and vanilla.
The Best 5 Substitutes for Frangelico
Frangelico’s rich Italian hazelnut flavor allows us to create unique, one-of-a-kind cocktails. However, if you’re ready to try something new or can’t find Frangelico at the store, here are the best five substitutes.
Nocello
Nocello is an exquisite nutty liqueur that lends similar flavors to Frangelico, making it an excellent replacement. This premium Italian liqueur has won several awards and accolades, a testament to its quality.
Nocello is known for its brilliant walnut and hazelnut flavors and hints of sweet vanilla. Its versatility makes it a cult favorite among liquor connoisseurs. It is equally enjoyable sipped neat or splashed into a cocktail or espresso. Like Frangelico, Nocello has a 24% ABV content. So, there’s no guessing needed. Simply use the two liqueurs interchangeably in recipes.
An unopened bottle of Nocello can last practically indefinitely. It is a reasonably high-proof alcohol containing no ingredients susceptible to spoilage. An opened bottle can even last several years. However, the flavors may fade, especially if your liqueur isn’t kept in a cool, dark place. If the color, aroma, or flavor changes, it’s time to toss your Nocello.
Amaretto
Also from Italy, Amaretto is a versatile staple bar ingredient. The nut-based liqueur is prized for its sweet, almond taste and hints of bitterness. It’s our favorite substitute for Frangelico in shots, digestifs, and cocktail recipes.
While Frangelico is made with hazelnuts and has a sweet, nutty taste, Amaretto is made with almonds and has a slightly bitter flavor. Amaretto is more one-dimensional, with a subtle almond flavor, compared to Frangelico’s bold, complex hazelnut taste. Ensure you choose a high-quality amaretto to match Frangelico’s refined taste.
You can serve Amaretto on the rocks or drizzle it over ice cream as a dessert option, or pair the liqueur with vodka, whiskey, cola, and cocktails. The best Amaretto cocktails include the Bocce Ball, Godfather, Amaretto Sour, and Triple Espresso Martini.
Amaretto contains 21 to 28% AVB compared to Frangelico’s 24%. Although slightly higher, you can use Amaretto and Frangelico interchangeably in recipes.
Nuts and apples are a classic pairing in our home, from breakfast to snacks, desserts, and adult-only beverages. On Saturdays, I enjoy treating myself to a Frangelico (or Amaretto) and apple cider cocktail. Swirl caramel sauce inside a martini glass, then add 5 ounces of fresh apple cider and 1 ounce of nutty liqueur. You can add a stick of cinnamon for a spicy Autumn twist.
Kahlúa
Kahlúa is a Mexican coffee liqueur that makes a delicious substitute for Frangelico in coffee-based cocktails and desserts. Kahlúa is made with 100% Arabica coffee beans distilled in rum and sugar. It boasts rich, full-bodied coffee flavors with caramel and vanilla finishing notes.
The White Russian is arguably the most common cocktail containing Kahlúa, but some other cult favorites include the Espresso Martini and Classic Mudslide. Add a dash of Kahlúa instead of Frangelico to your cup of Joe for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Kahlúa contains 16% AVB compared to Frangelico’s 24%. You can use Kahlúa and Frangelico interchangeably in recipes, but adding an extra dash of Kahlúa to your coffee will do no harm.
Note: Although dairy-free, Kahlúa is not 100% vegan. One of Kahlúa’s suppliers uses a sugar refining process that isn’t vegan-friendly. If you’re into making vegan meal prep, especially desserts, this is not for you.
Baileys Irish Cream
Baileys Irish Cream is one of life’s most pleasing indulgences – it isn’t the top-selling liqueur worldwide for no reason. It is a sweet meeting of the finest Irish whiskey, cream, cocoa beans, and vanilla extract. Baileys Irish Cream’s complex flavors make it a decadent substitute for Frangelico.
Swirl this crowd-pleasing liqueur into your coffee, shake it into cocktails, sip it straight up, or drizzle it over ice cream and desserts.
Baileys Irish Cream contains 17% AVB compared to Frangelico’s 24%. You can use Baileys and Frangelico interchangeably. However, the extra splash of Baileys is worth every calorie!
A family tradition of ours is to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a boozy Baileys Chocolate Cake. I like adding a shot of Baileys to the cake batter and frosting to ensure the dessert is festive and packed with Irish flavor.
Hazelnut or Almond Extract
Hazelnut and almond extract are suitable non-alcoholic alternatives to Frangelico. These extracts are rich and nutty, ideal for adding to chocolate, coffee, cinnamon, and citrus-flavored foods or meal prep ideas you have.
While extracts contain small amounts of alcohol, it’s not enough to get your head spinning. They are typically designed for cooking or baking recipes that allow the alcohol to evaporate. For every 2 tablespoons of Frangelico liqueur, use ¼ to ½ teaspoon of Hazelnut or Almond extract. You can use more or less to match the desired flavor.
Note that hazelnut and almond extract aren’t your best options for substituting Frangelico in cocktail or other drink recipes.
Understanding Frangelico
Let’s get things straight: we aren’t drinking Frangelico because it’s healthy or nutritious. It’s a sweet treat for evenings where dessert simply doesn’t do the trick.
A 1-ounce serving of Frangelico liqueur contains approximately:
- Calories: 103 calories
- Carbs: 11 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Sugar: 10.9 grams
- AVB: 24%
While hazelnuts offer an array of benefits on their own, the alcoholic liqueur has zero nutritional value. Overconsumption can be related to health problems like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and liver cirrhosis.
Frangelico History
Frangelico liqueur is of Italian origin and is made in the Piedmont Epicurean paradise. The Frangelico brand dates back to 1978, when it was created by the Barbero family. However, its origin goes even farther back in time.
According to old tales, Frangelico’s origin dates back over 300 years ago, when Christian monks living in the northern Piedmont hills were making liqueurs out of wild hazelnuts.
The brand’s trademark comes from the hermit monk Fra’ Angelico, a skillful distiller who inhabited the glorious Piedmont hills during the 18th century. To celebrate the monks’ craftsmanship, the bottle is shaped into a monk’s habit, complete with a rope belt around the middle.
Reasons to Substitute Frangelico
Frangelico is a premium liqueur with irresistibly rich flavors. However, you may want to broaden your horizons and explore infusing different liqueurs into your favorite cocktail concoction.
Alternatively, some people may have nut allergies, making Kahlúa and Baileys Irish Cream excellent replacements.
Related Questions
Is Frangelico Healthy
Frangelico isn’t a healthy drink. This sweet treat contains a high dose of alcohol and sugar. A 1-ounce serving contains 11 grams of sugar, making Frangelico close to 40% sugar by weight. However, you can enjoy Frangelico in moderation without it affecting your health.
What Is a Non-alcoholic Substitute for Frangelico?
You can use hazelnut or almond extract or syrup as a non-alcoholic substitute for Frangelico. You’ll only need a few drops of hazelnut extract to substitute Frangelico. So, even if you use a brand containing alcohol, it’ll be too little to have any effect.Â
Is Frangelico Similar to Amaretto?
Amaretto is an excellent substitute for Frangelico; however, their taste differs slightly. Amaretto has a milder profile and a tad more bitterness than Frangelico. However, you can substitute the ingredients interchangeably in alcoholic drinks, desserts, coffees, and more.
Conclusion
Frangelico is a delightful nutty liqueur that can be served anywhere and anytime. If you don’t have a bottle on hand, consider one of our delicious substitutes. These replacements still capture the essence of your recipes, allowing you to continue indulging in sweet sensations. I trust you’ll enjoy exploring the list of alternatives just as much as I have.
Richmond Howard started Meal Prepify in 2019 and has helped over a million people learn how to meal prep, get better at meal planning, and create a kitchen they love to use. He’s an avid home chef and loves to bbq, grill out, and make awesome food for family and friends. He’s been featured on MSN, Renaissance Periodization, and Good Financial Cents.