Steps
- Wash 560g of green unripe English walnuts with firm white centers and soft inner shells. Wearing gloves, cut each into four slices and divide between two large clean jars.
- Add the thinly peeled zest of 1 washed lemon, 20g of peeled sliced fresh ginger, 10 lightly crushed green cardamom pods, 1 split vanilla bean, and 2 washed mint sprigs.
- Add 1½ teaspoons of fennel seeds, 1½ teaspoons of anise seeds, 3 cinnamon sticks, each 3-4in / 8-10cm long, 1½ tablespoons of cloves, and 2 star anise pods. Cover with 1.4 liters of vodka, at 40% ABV.
- Seal and steep in a warm spot for about 6 weeks, until nearly black. Strain, then filter through layered cheesecloth; discard the solids.
- Stir in 300g of light brown sugar until dissolved. Return to the cleaned jars, seal, and stand for 1-2 weeks. Bottle and let mellow until the flavor softens.