How to make Homemade Teranino

Teranino is a very popular choice for aperitifs as well as digestifs. A shot of this “hot brandy” can serve as the perfect introduction to a hearty meal, while a sweet sip at the end can help aid with digestion. This liqueur has deep roots in Istrian tradition, where brandy is often used as the base for crafting aromatic liqueurs. These liqueurs harness the medicinal properties and phytonutrients of fruits and herbs harvested from the orchards, forests, and fields of Northwestern Istria.

Let’s dive into the rich world of Teranino and learn how to make this delightful liqueur at home!

What is Teranino?

Teranino is a unique Croatian liqueur made from fruit or pomace brandy combined with Teran red wine—which is where this dring got its name. It is sweetened and infused with flavours such as cinnamon, cloves, star anise, lemon, vanilla, or fennel to create its signature flavor.

Flavor Profile details:

• Color: Clear ruby-red with a partially thick texture.
• Taste: Sweet taste that is dominated by notes of ripe cherry, white chocolate, and cinnamon.
• Aftertaste: A delightful cherry finish with hints of spice.

This liqueur is a true sweet treat before or after every meal, offering both warmth and spice in every sip.

How to Make Homemade Teranino

Creating your own Teranino is surprisingly simple, all you need is handful of ingredients and a bit of patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious liqueur at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of Teran wine (a robust red wine from Istria)
• 200–250 g of sugar (adjust based on your desired sweetness)
• 100 ml of rum (optional, for added strength and flavor)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3–4 cloves
• 1 vanilla pod (or 1–2 tsp of vanilla extract)
• Zest of 1 orange (or lemon for extra citrus notes)

Instructions:

1. Heat the Wine
   Pour the Teran wine into a large pot and gently heat it over low heat. Avoid- heating to the point of boiling, as this can affect both flavor and alcohol content.
2. Add Sugar
   Stir in the sugar until it is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.
3. Add Spices and Zest
   Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, vanilla and citrus zest. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
4. Simmer and Infuse
   Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes to allow the spices and zest to infuse their flavors into the wine.
5. Cool and Strain
   Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the spices and zest.
6. Optional: Add Rum
   Stir in the rum for an extra layer of depth and warmth. This step is traditional but optional.
7. Bottle and Store
   Pour the Teranino into sterilized glass bottles and seal tightly. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place for at least one week to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.

How to Serve Teranino

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve neat at 10–12°C (50–54°F) to fully appreciate its rich flavors.
• It’s perfect as a digestif after a hearty meal or as an aperitif to whet the appetite.

Pairing Recommendations:

• Pair with chocolate-based desserts or wild berry treats.
• It also works beautifully as a finishing touch to a rich, festive meal.

Not in the Mood to DIY? Try These Top Picks

If making Teranino at home isn’t your thing, or you’d like to compare your creation to some renowned options, here are a couple of high-quality Teranino brands to try:

• Aura Teranino
• Rossi Teranino