Dandelion wine –Are you ready to bring a taste of nostalgia into your home? Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of old-fashioned dandelion wine. This warm and golden beverage is not only a unique treat but also a refreshing way to celebrate the beauty of spring with the vibrant dandelion flowers popping up everywhere. Let’s get started on this lovely concoction!
Old-Fashioned Dandelion Wine
Dandelion wine is steeped in tradition and offers a wonderful way to make use of this common flower that many consider a weed. With its delightful flavor and sunny hue, it’s sure to brighten your spirits. Below is a beautiful image of the drink itself, capturing the essence of what makes this recipe so special.
Ingredients
- 1 quart of dandelion flower petals (ensure they are freshly picked and pesticide-free)
- 1 gallon of water
- 3 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 lemon (thinly sliced)
- 1 orange (thinly sliced)
- 1 package of wine yeast
- 1 teaspoon of yeast nutrient
Instructions
- Begin by gathering your dandelion petals. Make sure to pick them on a sunny day, as the flowers will be fully open and easier to harvest. Rinse the petals thoroughly to ensure they are clean and free from insects.
- In a large pot, bring 1 gallon of water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the dandelion petals, lemon, and orange slices. Cover and let steep for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container, discarding the solids.
- Add the granulated sugar to the dandelion infusion and stir until dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature.
- Once cooled, sprinkle the yeast and yeast nutrient over the mixture and stir gently to combine. Cover with a cloth and let it sit for 5 days. During this time, you should see some bubbling as fermentation begins.
- After the 5 days, transfer the wine to a sanitized fermentation vessel, leaving any sediment behind. Fit with an airlock and allow it to ferment in a dark, cool place for about 4 to 6 weeks.
- Once fermentation is complete, siphon the wine into clean bottles, sealing them tightly. It’s best to age the wine for at least a couple of months, but feel free to taste along the way!
Enjoy your homemade dandelion wine as a delightful toast to spring, or share it with friends and family. Cheers to crafting memories with delicious sips!