Nocino

Name: Nocino
Ingredients: 2 pounds green English walnuts, 1 1/2 inches or less in diameter (about 30); 750 milliliters 80-proof vodka; 3 1/2 cups sugar; Zest of 1 lemon, in strips; Zest of 1 orange, in strips; 5 cloves; 1/4 whole nutmeg; 1 heaping teaspoon whole dark-roast coffee beans

8 ingredients

2 steps

Ingredients

2 pounds green English walnuts, 1 1/2 inches or less in diameter (about 30)
750 milliliters 80-proof vodka
3 1/2 cups sugar
Zest of 1 lemon, in strips
Zest of 1 orange, in strips
5 cloves
1/4 whole nutmeg
1 heaping teaspoon whole dark-roast coffee beans

Directions

1

1. Quarter the walnuts and place them in a large glass jar, at least 3-quart capacity. Add the remaining ingredients and stir. Don't worry that the sugar won't immediately dissolve. Seal the jar, and place it in a sunny place for 40 days. The liquid will first turn a sinister green, then black. Once every 10 days, agitate the jar by inverting it a time or two. You can taste the alcohol at any stage and add more aromatics if you like.
2

2. After 40 days, strain the contents of the jar through a damp jelly bag and catch the liquids in a bowl. Funnel the liqueur into scalded bottles, and seal. Store in a cool, dark place for several months; Lanza suggests opening them on All Saints' Day. Before serving, you may want to strain the liqueur through a coffee filter to remove sediments, but it isn't necessary to do so. The liqueur will keep indefinitely without refrigeration.