16 Traditional Italian Nocino Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!

Published on: Mar 16, 2024

Nocino is a traditional Italian liqueur made from unripe walnuts, steeped in alcohol and a variety of spices. This dark and slightly bitter drink is a staple in many Italian households, especially during festive occasions such as Christmas and Easter. The recipe for nocino has been passed down for generations, with each family adding their own unique touch to the mix. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Italian nocino recipe and how you can recreate this delicious drink in your own home.

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Joie de Vivre Martini

Main Ingredients: Blackberries, Grey Goose Vodka, Simple Syrup, Creme De

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Indulge in a little French flair with this delicious cocktail. Made with a combination of vodka, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice, this Joie de Vivre Martini is the perfect way to start off your beer can chicken feast. The fruity flavors will complement the smoky, savory flavors of the chicken, making it a match made in heaven.

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Walnut Old Fashioned

Main Ingredients: Calvados, Nocino, Maple Syrup, Angostura Bitters, Lemon

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For a twist on the classic Old Fashioned, try this Walnut Old Fashioned recipe. Made with bourbon, walnut liqueur, and bitters, this cocktail has a rich and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of beer can chicken. Serve it over ice and garnish with a cherry for a sophisticated and delicious drink.

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A Visit to Sonoma’s Spirited Side – Prohibition Spirits

Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Orange Peel, Nocino, Rum, Orange Bitters

Take a trip to Sonoma’s spirited side with Prohibition Spirits. This family-owned and operated distillery offers a variety of handcrafted spirits, including vodka, gin, and whiskey. Take a tour of the distillery and sample their products, then pick up a bottle to use in your beer can chicken marinade for a unique and flavorful twist.

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Favorite Things

Main Ingredients: Light Rum, Nocino, Angostura Bitters, Cherries

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When it comes to beer can chicken, sometimes simple is best. That’s why we love this recipe for favorite things. Made with just a few key ingredients like garlic, lemon, and thyme, this chicken is full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any herbs or lemons you have lying around in the fridge.

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BONES OF THE DEAD COOKIES-OSSA DI MORTO

Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Egg White, Vanilla, All Purpose

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Add a touch of Italian tradition to your beer can chicken dinner with these BONES OF THE DEAD COOKIES-OSSA DI MORTO. These sweet and crunchy cookies are traditionally made for All Souls' Day in Italy and are perfect for dipping in your after-dinner coffee. Plus, they make a great conversation starter for your dinner guests.

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Facebook

Main Ingredients: Walnuts, Sugar, Dark Chocolate, Lemon, Egg Whites

If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful marinade for your beer can chicken, look no further than Facebook. This recipe uses a combination of soy sauce, honey, and Sriracha for a sweet and spicy kick. Plus, it’s a great way to use up some of those condiments that have been sitting in your fridge for a while.

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Italian Meatballs

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Milk, White Bread, Ricotta

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No Italian meal is complete without a plate of delicious meatballs. These Italian meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, as well as breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.

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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs

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If you’re a fan of big, juicy meatballs, then this recipe is for you. These Great Big Italian Meatballs are made with a mixture of beef, pork, and veal, as well as herbs, breadcrumbs, and cheese. They’re perfect for serving alongside your beer can chicken or on top of a bed of pasta for a classic Italian meal.

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Classic Italian Wedding Soup

Main Ingredients: Ground Chicken, Sausage Casings, Bread Crumbs, Egg

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Warm up on a chilly evening with a bowl of classic Italian wedding soup. This hearty soup is made with chicken broth, meatballs, pasta, and spinach, and is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover Italian meatballs.

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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style

Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion

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If you’re following a keto diet, you don’t have to miss out on the delicious flavors of Italian cuisine. These keto stuffed peppers are filled with a mixture of Italian sausage, cheese, and herbs, and make a great side dish for your beer can chicken. They’re also a great option for anyone looking to cut down on carbs.

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Authentic Italian Braciole

Main Ingredients: Beef, Salt, Pepper, Grated Parmesan, Provolone, Italian

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Elevate your beer can chicken dinner with this recipe for authentic Italian braciole. This traditional Italian dish features thin slices of beef stuffed with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Serve it alongside your chicken for a truly authentic Italian meal.

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Italian Almond Paste Cookies

Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt

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If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love these Italian almond paste cookies. Made with almond paste, sugar, and egg whites, these cookies are soft and chewy with a subtle almond flavor. They’re the perfect way to end your beer can chicken dinner on a sweet note.

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Homemade Italian Meatballs

Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh

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Why buy frozen meatballs when you can make them yourself? These homemade Italian meatballs are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Use a combination of beef, pork, and veal for a classic flavor, or mix in some herbs and spices for a unique twist.

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Italian Pasta Salad

Main Ingredients: Rotini Pasta, Cucumber, Cherry, Crumbled Feta Cheese

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Looking for a side dish that’s a little lighter than pasta? Try this Italian pasta salad. Made with a variety of vegetables, cheese, and a homemade Italian dressing, this salad is full of flavor and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.

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Creamy Italian Ravioli

Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy

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Ravioli is always a crowd-pleaser, and this recipe for creamy Italian ravioli is no exception. The ravioli is filled with a mixture of ricotta, spinach, and herbs, then topped with a creamy tomato sauce. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.

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Veal Ravioli with Walnut Sauce

Main Ingredients: Ground Veal, Ground Pork, Onions, Parmesan, Fresh Sage

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For a more sophisticated take on ravioli, try this recipe for veal ravioli with walnut sauce. The ravioli is filled with a mixture of veal, cheese, and herbs, then topped with a rich and nutty walnut sauce. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken dinner.

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Kahlo Mexican Wedding Cookies

Main Ingredients: Walnuts, Confectioners Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Maldon

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Add a touch of Mexican flavor to your beer can chicken dinner with these Kahlo Mexican Wedding Cookies. These buttery and crumbly cookies are made with a combination of flour, almonds, and cinnamon, and are the perfect sweet treat to end your meal.

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Italian Crescent Casserole

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Prepared Pasta Sauce, Refrigerated

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If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of Italian cuisine, try this Italian crescent casserole. Made with crescent roll dough, Italian sausage, and cheese, this casserole is quick and easy to make, and makes a great side dish for your beer can chicken.

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Keto Italian Meatballs

Main Ingredients: Garlic, 85 Lean Ground Beef, Large Eggs, Almond Flour

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For a keto-friendly option, try these keto Italian meatballs. Made with a combination of beef, pork, and almond flour, these meatballs are low in carbs but still full of flavor. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.

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Italian Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Cremini Mushrooms, Cream

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The Ingredients

To make traditional Italian nocino, you will need unripe walnuts, grain alcohol, spices, and sugar. The main ingredient, unripe walnuts, should be picked in late June or early July when they are still green and soft. The green husk of the walnut is what gives nocino its distinct color and flavor. It is important to use grain alcohol, such as Everclear, as it has a high alcohol content and will extract the flavors from the spices more effectively. As for the spices, a typical nocino recipe calls for cinnamon, clove, vanilla, and orange peel. These ingredients not only add depth of flavor but also balance out the bitterness of the walnuts. Lastly, sugar is added to sweeten the drink and make it more palatable.

The Process

To start, halve the unripe walnuts and place them in a large jar or container. Add in the spices and pour in the grain alcohol, making sure that all the ingredients are fully submerged. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 40 days, making sure to shake it every few days to help infuse the flavors. After the 40 days, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter and discard the solids. In a separate saucepan, boil equal parts of water and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let it cool and then add it to the strained mixture. Bottle the nocino and let it age for 3 months before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Traditional Italian nocino is typically served chilled as an after-dinner digestif. It can also be used in cocktails or as a flavoring in desserts. Some families even use it to make a delicious nocino gelato. However you choose to enjoy it, the rich and complex flavors of this traditional Italian liqueur are sure to impress. In conclusion, the traditional Italian nocino recipe is a labor of love that has been perfected over generations. With its unique flavor and versatility, it is no wonder that this liqueur has stood the test of time and remains a beloved drink in Italian culture. So why not try your hand at making it yourself and continue this delicious tradition in your own home?