Embrace the Season with a Cozy Hazelnut Old Fashioned

As the leaves start to turn and the air takes on a crisp, cool edge, there's nothing quite like the warmth of a crackling fireplace or the comforting scent of roasted nuts to make you feel at home. Now, imagine capturing that feeling in a glass. That's exactly what you'll get with the Hazelnut Old Fashioned—a cozy, nutty twist on the classic cocktail that's perfect for fall.

The Classic Old Fashioned: A Quick Refresher

Before we dive into the specifics of this autumnal delight, let's take a moment to appreciate the Old Fashioned in its original form. This classic cocktail is a staple for good reason—it's simple, elegant, and endlessly satisfying. Traditionally, an Old Fashioned consists of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus peel. It’s a drink that’s all about balance, with the whiskey’s bold flavor tempered by just the right amount of sweetness and bitterness.

The beauty of the Old Fashioned lies in its simplicity, which also makes it the perfect canvas for creativity. By swapping out ingredients and adding new flavors, you can create a version of the Old Fashioned that suits any season or mood. That’s exactly what we’re doing with the Hazelnut Old Fashioned.

Introducing the Hazelnut Old Fashioned

If you’re a fan of the rich, nutty flavor of hazelnuts, then you’re in for a treat. The Hazelnut Old Fashioned takes everything you love about the original cocktail and infuses it with the cozy, comforting taste of hazelnuts. It’s like sitting by a fireplace in a cozy cabin, wrapped in your favorite blanket, but in drink form.

This version of the Old Fashioned replaces the traditional sugar or simple syrup with hazelnut syrup, adding a subtle nutty sweetness that complements the whiskey beautifully. The addition of orange bitters brings a bright, citrusy note that enhances the hazelnut flavor, making the whole drink feel well-rounded and satisfying.

Crafting the Perfect Hazelnut Old Fashioned

Ready to make your own Hazelnut Old Fashioned? Here’s how to do it.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
• 0.5 oz Hazelnut Syrup (see recipe below)
• 2-3 dashes Orange Bitters
• Ice (preferably a large cube)
• Orange peel for garnish

For the Hazelnut Syrup:

• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 cup Water
• 1/2 cup Chopped Hazelnuts

Instructions:

1. Make the Hazelnut Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and chopped hazelnuts. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let it cool. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the hazelnuts, and store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
2. Prepare Your Glass: Place a large ice cube in a rocks glass. The large cube will melt slowly, keeping your drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
3. Build the Cocktail: In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon or rye whiskey, hazelnut syrup, and orange bitters. Add a handful of ice and stir until well chilled—about 20-30 seconds.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over the large ice cube.
5. Garnish: Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink by holding the peel over the glass and giving it a good twist. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass before dropping it into the drink as a garnish.
6. Enjoy: Sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy the warm, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors of your Hazelnut Old Fashioned. It’s the perfect drink for a cozy fall evening.

Why Hazelnut?

Hazelnuts have a distinctive flavor that’s both sweet and earthy, with a hint of warmth that makes them ideal for fall cocktails. They’re often associated with comfort foods like Nutella, pralines, and other sweet treats, but they also work wonderfully in savory dishes and drinks. In the Hazelnut Old Fashioned, the nutty sweetness of hazelnut syrup adds a new layer of depth to the cocktail, making it richer and more complex.

Using hazelnut syrup instead of traditional sugar not only changes the flavor profile of the drink but also gives it a smoother, more velvety texture. This makes the Hazelnut Old Fashioned feel indulgent, almost like a dessert in a glass—but without being overly sweet.

The Importance of Bitters

In any Old Fashioned, bitters play a crucial role in balancing the flavors. They add complexity and depth, preventing the drink from becoming too sweet or one-dimensional. In the Hazelnut Old Fashioned, we’re using orange bitters, which pair perfectly with the hazelnut syrup and whiskey.

Orange bitters bring a bright, citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness of the hazelnut and whiskey, adding a refreshing contrast that keeps the drink from feeling too heavy. The slight bitterness also enhances the other flavors, making the hazelnut and whiskey stand out even more.

The Flavor Profile: What to Expect

The Hazelnut Old Fashioned is a drink that’s all about balance. The bourbon or rye provides a strong, warming base, with its natural sweetness enhanced by the hazelnut syrup. The hazelnut flavor is subtle but unmistakable, adding a nutty richness that feels comforting and indulgent. The orange bitters add a bright, citrusy note that keeps the drink from feeling too heavy, while also bringing out the complexity of the whiskey.

The result is a cocktail that’s both familiar and new, offering the warmth and depth of an Old Fashioned with an added layer of nutty sweetness. It’s a drink that’s perfect for sipping slowly, savoring each sip as you relax and unwind.

Why You’ll Love the Hazelnut Old Fashioned

There are many reasons to love the Hazelnut Old Fashioned, but perhaps the best is how it captures the essence of fall. This drink is warm and comforting, with flavors that evoke the best parts of the season—crisp air, cozy evenings, and the rich, earthy scents of roasted nuts and fallen leaves.

If you’re someone who loves the classic Old Fashioned but is looking for something a little different, this is the drink for you. The Hazelnut Old Fashioned retains the simplicity and elegance of the original while adding a unique twist that makes it perfect for fall.

This cocktail is also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a quiet night at home, a gathering with friends, or even as a pre-dinner drink at a fall dinner party. The nutty sweetness pairs well with a variety of foods, from savory dishes like roasted meats and vegetables to sweet treats like chocolate and caramel desserts.

Tips for Making the Best Hazelnut Old Fashioned

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh hazelnuts and high-quality bourbon or rye whiskey will make a big difference in the flavor of your cocktail. Don’t skimp on the ingredients!
• Experiment with Different Bitters: While orange bitters work beautifully in this cocktail, you can also try other bitters to see what flavors you enjoy. Chocolate bitters, for example, could add an interesting twist.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, you can reduce the amount of hazelnut syrup. Start with 0.25 oz and adjust to taste.
• Use Large Ice Cubes: Large ice cubes melt slower, helping to keep your cocktail cold without watering it down. If you don’t have large ice cubes, consider using several smaller cubes to avoid too much dilution.
• Try a Smoked Version: For an extra layer of flavor, try smoking your glass before adding the cocktail. You can do this by lighting a piece of wood (like oak or hickory) and capturing the smoke in the glass before pouring in your drink. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the nutty sweetness of the hazelnut syrup.

Cheers to a Conclusion!

The Hazelnut Old Fashioned is more than just a cocktail—it’s an experience. This drink captures the warmth and comfort of fall in every sip, making it the perfect way to unwind as the days grow shorter and the nights cooler. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Old Fashioned or just looking for something new to try, the Hazelnut Old Fashioned is sure to become a favorite.

So why not give it a try? With its rich, nutty flavor and comforting warmth, the Hazelnut Old Fashioned is the perfect drink to enjoy as you cozy up in your favorite sweater, sit by the fire, and watch the leaves fall. Cheers to embracing the season with a cocktail that’s as cozy and comforting as fall itself.