What You’ll Need
- 1 bottle of red wine (750ml)
- 10 unripe green walnuts
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 1 lemon, zest only
- 1 vanilla bean
Step by Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to make your own delicious nocino!
Step 1: Prepare the Green Walnuts
Start by washing the green walnuts. Using a sharp knife, cut them in half and remove any blemishes or dark spots. Be sure to wear gloves as the walnuts will stain your hands!
Step 2: Infuse the Ingredients
In a large jar or bottle, combine the red wine, green walnuts, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, lemon zest, and the split vanilla bean.
Step 3: Let it Steep
Seal the jar tightly and shake it gently to mix the ingredients. Place it in a cool, dark place and let it steep for at least 40 days. Remember to give it an occasional shake to help meld the flavors together.
Step 4: Strain and Bottle
After 40 days, strain the nocino mixture using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the solids. You can then transfer the infused nocino into sterilized bottles or jars.
Step 5: Age and Enjoy
For the best taste, allow the nocino to age for an additional 3 to 6 months in a cool place before consuming. The longer it ages, the smoother and more flavorful it will become. Serve it chilled in small glasses, and enjoy the rich, warming flavors of your homemade nocino!
Now that you know how to make nocino with wine, you can impress friends and family with your homemade Italian liqueur. Experiment with different spices and flavors to make it your own. Just remember, patience is key – the longer you let it age, the better it will taste. So start preparing your own batch of nocino today, and savor the fruits of your labor in the near future!