Homemade hazelnut liqueur: A delight from the autumn harvest

The end of August is a great time - not only because summer slowly turns into autumn, but also because it is the best time to collect ripe hazelnuts. At this time of year, nature gives us its delicious treasures that we can use in a variety of ways. If you're wondering how to identify and process good hazelnuts to create an unforgettable treat, our post on homemade hazelnut liqueur is the answer. In this article we will show you how to make this fine liqueur and how you can optimally bring out the fruity note of the hazelnuts.

Recognizing and processing hazelnuts:

Good hazelnuts are full, plump and have an intact shell. They should not show any signs of moisture or mold. If you place a nut in cold water and the skin peels off easily after about 3.5 minutes, they are ready to be processed. To prepare the hazelnuts for the liqueur, boil them briefly with baking soda, peel them and roast them in the oven at 150 °C top/bottom heat for about 25 minutes until they are golden brown. The roasting intensifies the nutty taste and gives the liqueur a special note.

Hazelnut liqueur recipe:

Ingredients:

• 20 g baking soda
• 500 ml water
• 250 g whole hazelnut kernels with “skin”
• 450 ml vodka
• 300 ml cognac
• 1 vanilla bean
• 1/2 cinnamon stick
• 1 clove
• 150 g brown rock candy or 250 g honey

Preparation:

1. Boil the water with baking soda and add the hazelnuts. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the water turns black. Drain the nuts, rinse them thoroughly and peel off the skins. Dry the nuts well and roast them in the preheated oven.

2. Fill the cooled hazelnuts with vodka, cognac, slit vanilla pod, clove and rock candy/honey into a sealable container. Shake the batch once a day for about 8 weeks of maturation.

3. Strain the aged liqueur through a sieve and cloth. Pour the liqueur into small bottles and let it mature for another 2 weeks.

Tips:

• The color of the liqueur depends on the sugar or honey used and how the nuts are roasted.
• You can also toast the hazelnuts in an air fryer, just keep an eye on them to avoid bitterness.
• Vary the amount of vodka and cognac according to your preferences.
• Hazelnut liqueur is perfect for baking or as an aromatic note in coffee or cocoa.

Homemade hazelnut liqueur is not only a treat for the fall season, but also a versatile and delicious gift from the kitchen. With the right preparation and a pinch of love, you can capture the fruity essence of hazelnuts in a liqueur that will be a highlight not only for yourself, but also for your loved ones. Discover the magic of late summer and the autumn harvest and give your enjoyment a very special touch.