Vin de Noix (Green Walnut Wine Cordial)

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on some green young walnuts, plan ahead and make a big batch of this green walnut wine cordial. It makes a lovely digestif in the fall and in small bottles would be a great gift for the holidays. Just a note of warning though, you absolutely must wear gloves and cover your entire work area while you’re cutting up the walnuts. They may look innocent and green, but given a little time their juice turns dark brown and stains everything that hasn’t been wiped down in time.

• 50 green walnuts, rinsed and quartered
• 750 mL bottle of brandy
• 5 liters red wine, nothing fancy
• 2 lbs sugar
• 12 walnut leaves, optional
• Peel of 1 lemon, leave out the pith
• 6 whole cloves
• 2 sticks cinnamon

• 1 vanilla bean, split

  Instructions

1. Stir together all of the ingredients in a 5 gallon glass jar with a tight fitting lid. You want it to be non-reactive because the alcohol could eat away or react badly with metals or plastic. Store in a cool dark place for 6 to 8 weeks, shaking occasionally. Don’t forget to put a label on the jar with the date so that you know when to check it for readiness.
2. Strain through a few layers of cheesecloth into a bowl or another large container. Taste, and adjust the sugar if you want it sweeter. Bottle and store in a cool dark place letting the flavors mellow and develop for another month or three. It should be ready to drink/share around the holidays.