Ingredients:
2 quarts green black walnuts, quartered
3 c vodka
1 c red wine
1 cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
1 vanilla bean, split
zest of one orange, peeled into strips
3-4 c sugar
Instructions:
Quarter the green black walnuts. Place in a jar large enough to hold the nuts and liquid. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla bean, orange zest, vodka and red wine. Cover the jar and place in a cool dark spot for 9-12 months.
Strain the liquid, then mix in sugar to taste. You’re going for a very sweet, bitter and dry liqueur. When in doubt, add more sugar. The dryness from the tannin will fade a bit over time.
Try this now, or bottle and age for at least 6 more months. This should be palatable by Christmas! If not, put it back into storage and try again in the summer.