Irresistible: Nocino della Cristina

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is just over a week away. Hints have been dropped by the turning of our calendar pages to "November" and a few fleeting moments of seasonably appropriate weather, but you're certainly not the only one feeling caught a bit off guard. So if we may, let us suggest something delicious to add to your holiday menu and sip along the way. Nocino della Cristina is sure to make your planning process highly enjoyable!

Nocino della Cristina is a walnut liqueur from Napa Valley's Oak Knoll district. 100% natural with no artificial colors or ingredients, this Nocino has been described by Wine Enthusiast Magazine as "stately, concentrated, luxurious," delicious enough to earn a Superb/Highly Recommended rank with 90-95 points.

Monteverdi Spirits makes this artisanal liqueur with distilled Napa Valley grapes and walnuts then infused with carefully selected ingredients sourced from producers in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Enjoy on its own or as an accompaniment to dessert, especially those with a fruit and/or cream component. Our colleague poured Nocino della Cristina over simple vanilla ice cream and I found myself in heaven. Mmmm!

Nocino also adds silkiness and complexitiy to cocktails and coffee drinks. Here are a couple of cocktail recipes developed on the West Coast for your walnut liqueur pleasure...

NEGRONI UMBRIA from Angele in Napa

1 oz Nocina della Cristina

1 oz Bombay Sapphire Gin

1 oz Campari

Stirred with ice. Serve up or on the rocks with an orange twist.

CRISTINA by Gary Regan at the San Francisco Chronicle

2 oz Nocino della Cristina

1/2 oz Belvedere Cytrus Vodka

Stir on ice and serve up.

209 HARVEST by Press in St. Helena

1 oz Edge Hill Port

1 oz Nocino della Cristina

1 oz No. 209 Gin

Muddle with orange wedge and shake over ice.

Serve in a martini glass with orange wheel garnish.

Please ask your sales rep for additional recipes.

Our suggestion for you: Nocino della Cristina

Feeling better about the next week? We certainly hope so!