Night Heron - A Coffee, Hazelnut, and Cocoa Cocktail
A pick-me-up cocktail loaded with bold flavours, but without the cloying sweetness found in many coffee drinks. Plus, how-to make your own hazelnut milk!
- Prep time
- 5 min
- Cook time
- 4 min
- Yield
- 1 serving
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
- 150 g hazelnuts ((about 1 cup))
- 750 ml water ((about 3 cups))
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp honey (or to taste)
- 2 shots hazelnut milk
- 4 shots espresso (or about 125 ml (1/2 cup) strong coffee)
- 1 shot coffee vodka ((see note))
- honey ((or other preferred sweetener), optional and to-taste.)
- cinnamon ((optional))
Instructions
- 1
Place the hazelnuts in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let stand overnight.
- 2
Discard the soaking liquid and rinse the hazelnuts thoroughly.
- 3
Place the hazelnuts in a blender along with 750 ml (about 3 cups) of water. Blend as thoroughly as possible, trying to break down the hazelnuts into the smallest crumbs possible.
- 4
If you have a jelly bag, use it here - it's the easiest way to go. If not, line a strainer with several layers of cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl or pot. Pour the liquid through slowly and allow it to sit for about 1 hour. Keep the filtered hazelnut milk. You can dry out the solids in the oven and use them as a flour replacement, or simply discard them.
- 5
Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey (or more if you want it sweeter) to the hazelnut milk, along with the cocoa powder. Combine thoroughly (I used a blender again). The finished hazelnut milk can be kept in the fridge for about a week. It will separate into layers when sitting, so shake it thoroughly before using.
- 6
Gently warm a portion of hazelnut milk (only warm as much as you need for drinks). You can carefully use a microwave or stovetop, but take care not to boil the milk, as it will separate.
- 7
Prepare the espresso or strong coffee.
- 8
Pour a little honey (about 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste) into the bottom of a cup. Add the coffee vodka and espresso. Pour the warmed hazelnut milk over top and gently stir. Serve immediately.
- 9
(Optional) You can garnish with a little cinnamon, add a more honey, or even a little vanilla for added variations.