Nocino Old Fashioned Recipe

Build and chill

Add 2 oz Maker's Mark bourbon, 0.5 oz nocino, 0.25 oz simple syrup, 3 dashes chocolate bitters, and 2 dashes cinnamon bitters into a mixing glass. Fill the mixing glass with plenty of ice (enough to chill and dilute properly).

Stir

Stir the mixture briskly with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds (about 20–30 full rotations) until the outside of the mixing glass is well chilled and a slight frost forms. This provides proper dilution and integration of the nocino's walnut sweetness with the bourbon.

Prepare glass

Place one large ice cube or sphere into an old fashioned glass. If you prefer, chill the glass briefly before pouring.

Strain

Use a strainer to pour the stirred cocktail over the large ice cube in the prepared old fashioned glass, ensuring a smooth pour without additional shards of ice.

Express orange oils

Cut a wide strip of orange peel. Hold it skin-side down over the drink and give it a sharp twist to express the oils onto the surface. Run the peel around the rim of the glass and drop it into the drink.

Add aromatics

Optional: Lay a cinnamon stick on the rim or float it in the drink for aroma. Optionally grate a small amount (about 1/4 tsp) of dark chocolate over the surface for an extra chocolate note that complements the chocolate bitters.

Serve immediately and enjoy. Sip slowly to appreciate the walnut-rich nocino harmonizing with the bourbon, and the warm spice from the cinnamon and chocolate bitters.

If you don't have cinnamon bitters, substitute a light pinch of ground cinnamon added to the mixing glass before stirring, but be aware this can cloud the drink slightly. Adjust nocino between 1/3–3/4 oz to taste for more or less walnut sweetness. Simple syrup can be omitted if your nocino is particularly sweet; reduce to 0.125 oz or 0 oz accordingly.