Frangelico is a popular Italian liqueur known for its rich, hazelnut flavor and distinctive bottle design. However, have you ever wondered where this unique name comes from? In this article, we’ll delve into the history and origins of Frangelico, exploring the story behind its name and what makes this liqueur so special.
A Brief History of Frangelico
Frangelico was first introduced in the 1980s by the Italian company, Gruppo Campari. The liqueur quickly gained popularity worldwide for its smooth, nutty flavor and elegant packaging. But despite its widespread recognition, the origins of the name “Frangelico” remain somewhat mysterious.
The Legend of Fra Angelico
According to the company’s official website, the name “Frangelico” is inspired by a 15th-century Italian monk named Fra Angelico. Born Guido di Pietro, Fra Angelico was a renowned artist and Dominican friar who lived in Florence during the Renaissance. He was known for his beautiful frescoes and paintings, which adorned the walls of churches and monasteries throughout Italy.
Fra Angelico’s artwork was characterized by its delicate, ethereal quality, and his use of vibrant colors and intricate details. He was particularly famous for his depictions of angels and other heavenly beings, which earned him the nickname “Fra Angelico” or “Brother Angelic.”
A Connection to the Liqueur?
So, what’s the connection between Fra Angelico and the liqueur? According to Gruppo Campari, the name “Frangelico” was chosen because it evokes the idea of a delicate, heavenly flavor. The company wanted to create a liqueur that was both smooth and sophisticated, with a flavor that was reminiscent of the artist’s beautiful paintings.
In terms of flavor profile, Frangelico is indeed a delicate and refined liqueur, with a rich, hazelnut taste that’s balanced by notes of vanilla and caramel. The liqueur is made from a combination of hazelnuts, sugar, and neutral grape spirit, which are blended together and aged in oak barrels to create a smooth, velvety texture.
The Design of the Bottle
Another distinctive feature of Frangelico is its unique bottle design. The liqueur comes in a distinctive, monk-shaped bottle that’s adorned with a rope belt and a label featuring a picture of Fra Angelico. The bottle is designed to evoke the idea of a medieval monk’s habit, complete with a hood and a rope belt.
The design of the bottle is meant to reinforce the connection to Fra Angelico and the idea of a delicate, heavenly flavor. The use of a monk-shaped bottle also adds to the liqueur’s unique and distinctive packaging, which has become a hallmark of the brand.
Awards and Accolades
Frangelico has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including a gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge and a silver medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The liqueur has also been praised by critics and reviewers, who have noted its smooth, refined flavor and elegant packaging.
Uses in Cocktails
Frangelico is a versatile liqueur that can be used in a variety of cocktails and desserts. Some popular uses for Frangelico include:
- The Hazelnut Martini: a classic cocktail made with Frangelico, vodka, and hazelnut syrup
- The Frangelico Sour: a tangy cocktail made with Frangelico, whiskey, and lemon juice
- The Hazelnut Praline: a dessert made with Frangelico, hazelnuts, and caramel sauce
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name “Frangelico” is a nod to the 15th-century Italian monk Fra Angelico, who was known for his beautiful artwork and delicate, ethereal style. The liqueur’s unique flavor profile and elegant packaging are meant to evoke the idea of a delicate, heavenly flavor, and the use of a monk-shaped bottle adds to the liqueur’s distinctive and recognizable design.
Whether you’re a fan of hazelnut-flavored liqueurs or just looking for a unique and sophisticated drink, Frangelico is definitely worth trying. With its smooth, refined flavor and elegant packaging, it’s a great addition to any cocktail bar or home liquor cabinet.
| Year | Award | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | International Spirits Challenge | Gold Medal |
| 2020 | San Francisco World Spirits Competition | Silver Medal |
Note: The table above lists some of the awards and accolades won by Frangelico in recent years.
What is Frangelico liqueur?
Frangelico is a popular Italian liqueur made from hazelnuts, and it is often enjoyed as a digestif or used as an ingredient in various cocktails. The liqueur has a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. It is typically bottled at 20% ABV and is often served chilled or used as a topping for desserts.
Frangelico is a versatile liqueur that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be sipped on its own, used as a mixer in cocktails, or even used as an ingredient in cooking and baking. The liqueur’s unique flavor profile makes it a popular choice among those who enjoy nutty or dessert-like flavors.
What is the origin of the name Frangelico?
The name Frangelico is derived from the Italian word “frate,” which means “brother,” and the suffix “-gelico,” which is a diminutive form of the name Angelico. The name is thought to refer to a medieval monk named Fra Angelico, who was known for his artistic talents and his love of fine liqueurs.
According to legend, Fra Angelico was a member of a medieval monastery in Italy, where he created a recipe for a hazelnut liqueur that became popular among the local population. The recipe was passed down through the centuries and eventually became the basis for the modern Frangelico liqueur.
Who is Fra Angelico?
Fra Angelico was a medieval Italian monk and artist who lived in the 15th century. He was born Guido di Pietro in 1395 and joined the Dominican Order at a young age. Fra Angelico is best known for his beautiful frescoes and paintings, which adorn the walls of many Italian churches and monasteries.
Fra Angelico was also known for his piety and his love of fine food and drink. According to legend, he created a recipe for a hazelnut liqueur that became popular among the local population. While there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, it is possible that Fra Angelico did create a recipe for a hazelnut liqueur, which was later adapted and commercialized as Frangelico.
Is Frangelico still made using the original recipe?
The exact recipe used to make Frangelico today is a closely guarded secret, and it is not known whether the modern recipe is based on the original recipe created by Fra Angelico. However, the company that produces Frangelico claims to use a traditional recipe that dates back to the medieval period.
The production process for Frangelico involves a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The hazelnuts used to make the liqueur are sourced from local farms in Italy, and the liqueur is aged in oak barrels to give it a rich, smooth flavor. While the exact recipe may have changed over time, the company’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional production methods ensures that Frangelico remains a unique and delicious liqueur.
What are some popular ways to enjoy Frangelico?
Frangelico is a versatile liqueur that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. One popular way to enjoy Frangelico is as a digestif, sipped on its own after a meal. The liqueur’s rich, nutty flavor makes it a great way to round off a meal and aid digestion.
Frangelico can also be used as a mixer in cocktails, adding a unique flavor dimension to drinks like the Frangelico Sour or the Hazelnut Martini. Additionally, Frangelico can be used as an ingredient in cooking and baking, adding a rich, nutty flavor to desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.
Can I make my own Frangelico at home?
While it is possible to make a homemade version of Frangelico, it may be difficult to replicate the exact flavor and texture of the commercial product. The production process for Frangelico involves a combination of traditional and modern techniques, including aging the liqueur in oak barrels.
However, there are many recipes available online for homemade hazelnut liqueurs that can be made using simple ingredients like hazelnuts, sugar, and vodka. These recipes can be a fun and creative way to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, and may result in a delicious and unique liqueur that is similar to Frangelico.
Is Frangelico suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Frangelico is suitable for vegetarians, as it is made from hazelnuts and does not contain any animal products. However, the liqueur may not be suitable for vegans, as it is filtered using animal products like gelatin or isinglass.
It’s worth noting that some brands of Frangelico may use vegan-friendly filtration methods, so it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients and production methods used by the manufacturer before consuming the liqueur. Additionally, there are many vegan-friendly alternatives to Frangelico available, made using plant-based ingredients and filtration methods.