Caffe Nocino Recipe
vodka, espresso, nocino, vanilla, black walnut
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Ingredients
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Cocktail Base
Sweetener & Balance
Finish & Garnish
Method
Prepare Espresso
Brew
Brew a fresh shot of espresso (about 1 oz). Allow to cool slightly if you prefer the cocktail chilled; for a warm variation keep it hot and assemble immediately. If using hot espresso, proceed carefully with ice step below (see chilling option).
Measure out an extra 0.25 oz of cooled espresso to use as a light float in the finished drink (optional).
Mix Cocktail
Combine in Shaker
Add vodka (1.5 oz), nocino (0.75 oz), vanilla liqueur or syrup (0.25 oz), freshly brewed espresso (1 oz), and simple syrup (0.25 oz) into a cocktail shaker. Add a pinch of fine sea salt to enhance the walnut and coffee flavors.
Shake
If you want the cocktail chilled and slightly frothy: add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 12–18 seconds until well chilled and slightly foamy. For a warmer, less-diluted version: omit ice and stir gently to combine, then pour into warmed glass.
Strain
Double-strain the contents into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass (or over one large ice cube in an old-fashioned glass if you prefer on the rocks). Double-straining removes fine espresso crema particulates for a cleaner presentation.
Finish & Garnish
Float
Gently pour the reserved 0.25 oz of cold espresso over the back of a spoon onto the surface of the cocktail to create a thin coffee float (optional). This adds an aromatic layer and a visual contrast.
Garnish
Express an orange peel over the drink and discard or rub the rim and rest on the edge. Add a single coffee bean or a whole black walnut on the rim as garnish. Serve immediately.