Chilled Awards Winner of the Week: Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka

Some flavored vodkas are built around sweetness. Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka takes a more cocktail-minded approach, layering fresh coffee character, hazelnut richness, vanilla, and dark caramel into a spirit that impressed Chilled Awards judges across both flavor and function behind the bar.

The Bend, Oregon vodka earned a 95-point score and Platinum honors in the 2026 Chilled Awards. Judges gave it perfect 10.0 scores for both Varietal / Style Accuracy and Mixability Potential / Sipper, calling it a benchmark coffee vodka and a standout choice for Espresso Martinis.

What the Judges Said

The judging panel praised the vodka’s deep coffee color and clarity, along with aromas of dark-roasted coffee, caramel, and sweet vanilla. On the palate, judges found it warm and inviting, with a velvety texture that stayed smooth rather than syrupy. They also noted layers of fresh espresso, nutty vanilla, and dark caramel, followed by a long, clean roasted-coffee finish.

Its strongest scores came where bartenders tend to care most: style accuracy and versatility. Judges awarded 10.0 for both, noting that the vodka authentically captures the character of a fresh espresso martini while remaining smooth enough to enjoy over ice.

What Makes It Noteworthy

Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka is infused with fresh-brewed hazelnut espresso and finished with a touch of pure cane brown sugar. According to Crater Lake Spirits, it is 50 proof, distilled from corn, and made without artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors. The brand describes it as rich and sophisticated, with deep coffee and hazelnut notes and just enough brown-sugar character to add depth without overwhelming a drink.

Behind the Bar

The obvious home is an Espresso Martini, but the flavor profile gives bartenders more room to play. Crater Lake recommends it in coffee-forward cocktails, dessert drinks, or even alongside desserts. Its official recipe collection also uses the vodka in drinks such as the Sunday Kicker with cold brew, amaretto, and sweet cream, as well as an Iced Chai Latte and a simple Hazelnut Coffee cocktail.

The Chilled Awards judges also found it smooth enough to sip neat or over ice, making it useful both as a cocktail ingredient and as an after-dinner drink.

Award Details

2026 Chilled Awards
Final Score: 95 Points
Award: Platinum
Perfect Scores: Varietal / Style Accuracy (10.0) and Mixability Potential / Sipper (10.0)

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