Il Mallo Nocino Recipe

Selecting Walnuts

Choose 15 green walnuts that are firm, unripe, and preferably picked on the summer solstice. Ensure they are free from blemishes or mold.

Cutting Walnuts

Using a sharp knife, cut each walnut into quarters. Be careful as the green juice can stain your hands and surfaces.

Combining Ingredients

In a large glass jar, combine the quartered walnuts with 1 liter of alcohol. Seal the jar tightly.

Infusing

Let the mixture steep in a cool, dark place for at least 40 days. Shake the jar gently every few days to ensure the walnuts are well infused.

Straining the Mixture

After 40 days, strain the walnut mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl.

Creating Syrup

In a saucepan, combine the strained liquid with 500 ml of water, 500 grams of sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, 5 cloves, 1 tsp of nutmeg, and a split vanilla bean. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Cooling and Bottling

Once the syrup is ready, remove it from heat and let it cool. Pour the cooled syrup back into the jar with the walnut infusion. Seal tightly and let it sit for an additional 30 days for flavors to meld.