Nocino Cocktails

As executive editor Paul Clarke noted in his exploration of nocino cocktails, “walnuts offer one of the most fortifying and complex flavors to be savored during the cooler months.” And when transformed into the nutty liqueur called nocino, its bittersweet character makes for an excellent digestif. Bartenders have also discovered nocino’s versatility in cocktails. “Dark spirits, such as whiskey and brandy, have a natural affinity for nocino, as do deeper-flavored fortified wines, such as rosso vermouth, Madeira and oloroso sherry,” Clarke says. Drinks like the Morning Bell and Matrimony are great examples of the liqueur’s versatility, but we’ve also rounded up a handful of others to bookmark for the season. Try your hand at making a batch of nocino at home and then get mixing!

Brass Elephant Nocino lends a balancing bittersweetness to this seasonal cocktail.

Dark as Night Cognac, chinato and walnut liqueur combine into a smooth, luxurious cocktail.

La Sirena Clandestina’s Amaro Cocktail A dark and brooding number with Cynar, walnut liqueur and barrel aged-cachaça.

Snowball Old Fashioned Snowball Old Fashioned blends walnut liqueur with spiced Becherovka and warming whiskey.

Storm King Scotch, nocino, Bénédictine and bitters make for perfect wintertime sipping.

Rum Walnut Alexander To update the classic Brandy Alexander, Jon Howard reaches for rum and walnut liqueur.

Walnut Manhattan Bittersweet Punt e Mes and luxurious walnut liqueur take the classic into bold new territory.

Walnut Old Fashioned Multiply the proportions to fill an empty bottle for an ideal Thanksgiving host gift.

Weekend’s Prize Nutty sherry and walnut liqueur boost a smoky scotch base in this warming apple cocktail.