Night Heron

The Night Heron - an Espresso, Cocoa, and Hazelnut cocktail - Diversivore.com

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!

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine Canadian, North American

Keyword cocktail with nut milk, coffee and hazelnut cocktail, hazelnut milk cocktail

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings drink

Calories 128kcal

Ingredients

Hazelnut Milk (see note)

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

Hazelnut Milk

Place the hazelnuts in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let stand overnight.
Discard the soaking liquid and rinse the hazelnuts thoroughly.
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.
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.
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.

Night Heron

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.
Prepare the espresso or strong coffee.
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.
(Optional) You can garnish with a little cinnamon, add a more honey, or even a little vanilla for added variations.

Notes

Making your own hazelnut milk is optional of course, though commercial hazelnut milk isn't the easiest thing to find. A good quality almond milk could be substituted, though I will say that if the homemade touch makes for an exceptional drink. You'll obviously make more than you need, but you can use the leftover hazelnut milk as a delicious milk substitute, and/or drink it as is. It will keep in the fridge for about 5-7 days.

Nutrition