Nocino (Italian Walnut Liqueur)
Category: Beverages
Serves: 1 (makes approximately 1 liter of Nocino)
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Walnuts | 850g |
| Pure Alcohol (such as Everclear) | 1L |
| Water | 500g |
| Sugar | 500g |
| Lemon Peel | 1 lemon |
| Cinnamon Sticks | 2 sticks |
| Cloves | 3 cloves |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Walnuts:
Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh walnuts to remove any dirt. Afterward, wearing gloves is recommended as the walnuts can stain your hands. -
Cut the Walnuts:
Cut the walnuts in half, exposing their insides. The fresh, green walnuts are the key to creating that unique, rich flavor. -
Prepare the Infusion:
Place the halved walnuts into a large, sterilized glass jar. Add the lemon peel, which should be removed using a vegetable peeler to avoid any bitter, white pith. This ensures a fresh, zesty flavor without any bitterness. -
Add Alcohol:
Pour the pure alcohol over the walnuts and lemon peel, ensuring that the mixture is fully covered. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny spot. Let it steep for about 40 days, shaking the jar gently every day to mix the ingredients and ensure all the flavors are absorbed. -
Strain the Infusion:
After 40 days, strain the alcohol to remove the walnuts, cloves, and lemon peel, leaving you with a rich, aromatic walnut-infused alcohol. -
Make the Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat the mixture until it reaches a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely. Once the syrup is ready, turn off the heat. -
Combine Syrup and Infused Alcohol:
Allow the syrup to cool slightly before pouring it into the jar containing the walnut-infused alcohol. Stir the two together until fully combined. -
Maturation:
Store the combined mixture in a cool, dark place for 3 to 4 months. During this time, the flavors will mature, resulting in a smooth and flavorful Nocino. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the maturation period has passed, your homemade Nocino is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it chilled as a delightful after-dinner digestif.
Tips for Best Results:
- Choosing Walnuts: Opt for fresh, unripe green walnuts, which provide the distinctive flavor profile of Nocino.
- Storage: The longer you allow Nocino to age, the more complex and rounded the flavors will become. However, it is best consumed within a year for optimal taste.
- Personalization: Feel free to adjust the sugar level to suit your taste preferences, but do so in small increments to ensure the right balance.
Enjoy the essence of Italy with this traditional Nocino, perfect for sipping or gifting during the holiday season!
