Frangelico liqueur, with its irresistible taste of hazelnut and berries, has a history that few realize. The creator, a hermit monk Angelico, lived in the hills of Piedmont by the river Po in Northern Italy during the 17th century. Legend has it that the monks love of nature led him to produce many fine foods and drinks.
Fra. Angelico created his wonderful liqueur by infusing locally grown hazelnuts with alcohol and then distilling this mixutre. Herbs, berries, and "secret" ingredients (including toasted cocoa, toasted coffee, vanilla berries, rhubarb root
and sweet orange flowers) werre blended in and the resultant liqueur was aged in oak barrels. Today, this tradition to craftmanship, care, and quality is carried on by the Barberos family in the heart of the Piedmont.
Frangelico is a fine liqueur, that is well known the world over by its distinct flavor and monk shaped packaging. One can enjoy it straight, over ice, mixed with coffee or teas, or added to other recipes for a distinct, almost exoctic, taste. Frangelico is 24% alcohol by volume, or 48 proof.
The information above was gathered in part at the following websites:
http://www.frangelico.com/Default.htm
http://www.webtender.com/db/ingred/167