Hazel’s Wonder Cocktail Recipe

Hazel’s Wonder is a blended drink you could easily swap with dessert. Blended drinks combine some liquid ingredients with at least one solid, such as ice or fruit.

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This one’s a little unusual in that it uses shelled hazelnuts as the solid ingredient. This gives the drink a unique nutty flavor that’s out of this world. It’s fantastic for parties.

What Makes Hazel’s Wonder Special?

Hazel’s Wonder stands out because it uses shelled hazelnuts as a key ingredient, which isn’t something you see every day in cocktails. Most blended drinks rely on ice or fruit to give them texture, but adding hazelnuts brings a rich, nutty flavor that you can actually taste in every sip.

This nutty taste pairs really well with the creamy and sweet elements from the Kahlua and Baileys. If you like drinks that feel a bit like dessert but without being too sweet, this is a great choice.

Using real nuts also gives the drink a slightly thicker, creamier texture compared to just using ice or fruit. That makes Hazel’s Wonder feel a little more substantial — almost like a treat you’d enjoy after dinner.

It’s not just about flavor; it’s about the overall experience of sipping something smooth and satisfying.

How to Choose Your Ingredients

This is one cocktail where the ingredients are spelled out by name. No trying to guess if you’ve picked the right liquor – there’s basically just one choice. Well, sort of.

Kahlua and Baileys

Kahlua is a coffee-flavored liqueur that adds a subtle bitterness and sweetness all at once. It balances out the creaminess of Baileys Irish Cream, which is a blend of Irish whiskey and cream. Both are popular liqueurs on their own, but together they create a great base for this drink.

When picking your Kahlua and Baileys, go for the original versions for the most classic flavor. There are flavored variations of both, but they might change the overall taste of Hazel’s Wonder. The original Kahlua offers deep coffee notes, while Baileys gives smooth cream and whiskey flavors.

Yes, you can substitute other brands. Tia Maria is a deeper, darker coffee liqueur and Carolan’s is an Irish cream with more caramel notes than Bailey’s.

Heavy Cream

The heavy cream is what makes the drink rich and smooth. You want to use real heavy cream, not half-and-half or milk, to get that thick texture and full flavor.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could try substituting with a lower-fat cream, but keep in mind it will change how thick and creamy the drink feels.

In regions where nothing is marketed as “heavy cream”, look for whipping cream. Or any cream that’s roughly 36% fat.

Shelled Hazelnuts

This ingredient is what really sets Hazel’s Wonder apart. Using fresh shelled hazelnuts gives you a nutty flavor that’s fresh and natural. You can find shelled hazelnuts in most grocery stores or specialty food shops.

If you don’t have shelled hazelnuts on hand, you could try using roasted hazelnuts for an even deeper flavor. Just be aware that roasting brings out oils and changes the texture slightly, so it might make the drink thicker or a bit more intense in taste.

Tips for Blending the Perfect Hazel’s Wonder

Blending this drink properly is key to getting the right texture and flavor balance. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Start with small pulses: Instead of blending everything at once on high speed, start by pulsing a few times to break down the nuts before blending fully. This helps avoid any large chunks.
• Add ice carefully: The recipe says ice is optional. If you want your drink colder and a bit lighter in texture, add a scoop of crushed ice. But if you want it thick and creamy, skip the ice or use just a little.
• Blend until smooth: Make sure you blend long enough so that the hazelnuts are fully broken down and mixed into the cream and liqueurs. A grainy texture means it needs more blending.
• Use a high-speed blender: A good blender will help get a smoother consistency. Nut pieces can be tough to break down with a weaker blender. A Vitamix is awesome for cocktails.

Serving Ideas and Glassware

Hazel’s Wonder looks great served in medium-sized goblets or tumblers. The thick drink holds up well in these kinds of glasses, and they’re easy to handle when you’re at a party or relaxing at home.

You can serve it with straws, which is convenient since it’s a thicker drink. For an extra touch, try garnishing with a few whole hazelnuts or a dusting of cocoa powder on top.

If you want to make it look extra nice for guests, use glassware that shows off the creamy color of the drink. Clear glasses work best so people can see the texture.

Variations to Try

If you want to experiment with Hazel’s Wonder, there are a few easy ways to switch things up:

• Add chocolate: Blend in some chocolate syrup or cocoa powder for a mocha twist.
• Add Frangelico. Right? Were you as surprised as I was to find a drink called Hazel’s wonder didn’t have any? You can’t go wrong adding it to the actual hazelnuts.
• Use different nuts: Try almonds or pecans instead of hazelnuts if you want a different nutty flavor.
• Make it boozy: Add an extra shot of whiskey or coffee liqueur for more kick.
• Go vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free versions of Baileys and Kahlua (some brands offer these).

These changes can help you customize the drink based on what you like or what you have available.

When to Serve Hazel’s Wonder

This drink is perfect for occasions where you want something a little special but easy to make:

• Parties: It’s great as a crowd-pleaser because it feels like dessert but is served as a drink.
• After dinner: Instead of pulling out cake or pie, serve Hazel’s Wonder as a tasty finish.
• Holiday get-togethers: The nutty flavor fits well with fall and winter celebrations.
• Casual nights: It’s easy enough to whip up when you want something cozy but not too complicated.

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