What flavor does the liqueur Creme de Noisette have?

Crème de noisette is a liqueur flavored with hazelnut. The French name literally means “hazelnut cream,” although the drink is typically a sweet, nutty spirit rather than a dairy-based cream liqueur.

Its flavor comes from hazelnuts, which may be infused, distilled, or incorporated through natural and flavoring extracts. Depending on the producer, crème de noisette can have notes of toasted nuts, vanilla, caramel, cocoa, or roasted coffee. It is commonly used in dessert cocktails, coffee drinks, and recipes that call for a concentrated hazelnut flavor.

The most common confusion is with crème de noix, a walnut liqueur. “Noisette” means hazelnut, while “noix” means walnut. Crème de noisette may also be mistaken for Irish cream because both can be sweet and dessert-like, but traditional crème de noisette is identified by its hazelnut profile.

Hazelnut liqueur is especially popular in after-dinner drinks and pairs well with chocolate, espresso, cream, and aged spirits such as whiskey or brandy.