Nocino Ratafià from Ticino

Ratafià – Walnut liqueur according to an ancient recipe

The nocino, a liqueur made from green walnuts, is the most popular digestif in Italian‑speaking Switzerland. The term Nocino has recently taken over and the product was better known as ratafià.

The Capuchin monks of the Santa Maria dei Frati Cappuccini monastery in Bigorio above Tesserete have been producing this tasty walnut liqueur since time immemorial. It was tradition to gather them on the night of St John, from June 23 to 24. Some Ticino families claim to have received the recipe from a certain Father Gaucher. The Nocino Ratafià comes from the Latin “rata” – “fiat”, to ratify. This drink was consumed on the signing of important treaties or agreements. Here is one of those secret recipes…

AROMA: notes of caramel and toasted walnuts

TASTE: intense, persistent with a sweet finish

PAIRING: ideal with Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream or simply enjoyed on its own as a digestif

Bottle: 70 cl

Alcohol by volume: 30%