Sweet and Savory Strawberry Wine Recipe
Indulge your senses with the taste of summer in every sip when you try this herbed strawberry wine recipe. With its sweet and tangy notes, this wine is perfect to savor on a warm day or paired with a light dinner. Whether you prefer red or white wine, this recipe will cater to your taste buds with its unique blend of herbs and fruits.
If you love everything homemade, this herbed strawberry wine recipe should definitely go on your must-try list. It takes around 20-25 pounds of fresh strawberries to make five gallons of this fruit wine, which makes it an ideal choice for winemakers who want to experiment with something new. The addition of rosemary and lemon balm leaves give this wine a refreshing aroma that’s not overpowering but still noticeable.
Making your own herbed strawberry wine is surprisingly easy and won’t require any expensive equipment. You only need a few recipe ingredients readily available at home like vinegar, sugar, and boiling water. And who doesn’t have fresh strawberries just waiting to be turned into something delicious in their kitchens?
I promise that after trying this herbed strawberry wine recipe, you’ll start looking for other ways to incorporate it into your life. From using it in cocktails, such as a strawberry herb-infused wine punch or a sparkling wine cocktail, to pairing it with dishes like goat cheese bruschetta or strawberry salad—this homemade fruit wine is versatile enough for many culinary adventures.
So why not take a break from your usual bottle or glass of grape wine and explore the world of homemade fruit wines with this delectable herbed strawberry wine recipe?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you are looking for a unique and delicious wine recipe, look no further than this herbed strawberry wine recipe. Not only is it an excellent way to use the abundance of strawberries during the summer season, but it also creates a refreshing and fulfilling drink that will leave you wanting more.
This recipe has the potential to become your go-to homemade wine for gatherings or special occasions. The rose wine blends well with the sweet and juicy strawberries, creating a light and flavorful wine that everyone will appreciate. The infusion of fresh herbs like rosemary and lemon balm leaves adds a unique twist to the traditional strawberry wine, making it an exciting drink that will impress your guests.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it is easy to make, so you can create large batches without hassle. With some basic winemaking knowledge and ingredient list, you can make five gallons of this delicious herbed red wine within a short time. And with the combination of fresh strawberries, rose wine, white wine, sugar, and infused herbs, you will have a mouth-watering experience each time.
Whether you are interested in trying fruit wines or just want to know how many pounds of strawberries take to make five gallons of homemade strawberry wine, this recipe has got you covered. You can even get creative with how you serve it – whether as a refreshing stand-alone drink on its own or as part of a cocktail recipe or wine punch.
So if you’re looking to delight your taste buds with a fresh and unique flavor profile that checks all the boxes for homemade wine – sweet, tangy, fruity with subtle herb notes – then give this herbed strawberry wine recipe a try. You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
For this herbed strawberry wine, you will need:
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20-25 pounds of fresh strawberries: Of course, the fresher the strawberries, the better the result. But don’t worry if you don’t have access to fresh ones. You can also use frozen strawberries.
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Herbs: 6 sprigs of rosemary and 6 large lemon balm leaves. This will infuse your wine with a delightful herby aroma that will add a special touch to the fruity flavor.
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Water (1 gallon): The amount of water needed for this recipe depends on how many pounds of strawberries you use. Generally, you will need about 1 gallon of water for every 5 gallons of wine you want to make.
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Wine yeast: You can use any kind of wine yeast, but make sure it’s suitable for fruit wines.
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Sugar (to taste): The amount of sugar needed for this recipe also depends on personal preference. Some prefer the wine to be sweeter than others, so adjust accordingly.
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Red wine vinegar (1 cup): This adds a tangy flavor that goes perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries.
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Rose wine (2 bottles): Add a crisp and refreshing flavor by incorporating a couple bottles of rose wine into this recipe.
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White wine (2 bottles): The white wine can be any variety but should be dry and not too sweet.
Remember that you don’t need too many ingredients to produce excellent homemade strawberry wine – it is essential to buy high-quality items to receive an unforgettable outcome!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
– Rinse and hull 20-25 pounds of fresh strawberries.
– Cut them in half or quarters before placing them in a large primary fermenter.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Boiling Water
– Boil 3 cups of water (add more if needed) and dissolve sugar to taste.
– Pour it over the strawberries, stirring to dissolve any lumps.
Step 3: Mash the Berries
– Using a sanitized potato masher, mash the berries until they are somewhat broken down but not pureed.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Wine Vinegar
– Add rosemary sprigs and a handful of lemon balm leaves to the mixture.
– Pour in one bottle of wine vinegar to help balance the pH.
Step 5: Top up with Water and Yeast
– Top up the fermenter with enough water to fill it up so that it makes 5 gallons of liquid total.
– Add yeast as per instructions on the package.
Step 6: Fermenting Time
– Let your wine ferment for around two weeks while stirring daily.
– Once the bubbling in your fermentation lock slows down, your wine is ready to be racked.
Step 7: Aging
– Transfer the wine form primary fermenter into a secondary one leaving any sediment behind.
– Allow your strawberry wine to age for a minimum of six months before bottling.
Note: Enjoy your homemade strawberry wine with some goat cheese bruschetta, add it to a strawberry herb-infused wine punch, or make a refreshing strawberry sorbet recipe using your homemade strawberry fruit wine.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to switch things up with this herbed strawberry wine recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations to consider. First of all, you could experiment with different herb combinations, such as substituting the rosemary and lemon balm leaves for thyme or mint.
In terms of the wine itself, you could try using a different base wine than a rose or red wine, like a white wine. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try making this recipe using grape wine instead of strawberry wine.
For those who don’t consume alcohol, you can replace the wine with non-alcoholic alternatives such as cranberry juice, grape juice, or even apple cider vinegar to create a tangy mocktail. You can still add the herbs and strawberries but adjust the sweetness level with sugar syrup or honey.
Additionally, for those who want something sweeter than dry wine, adding additional sugar or honey to your mixture will help balance out the tartness of the berries.
Finally, including fresh herbs in this recipe not only adds an enticing flavor but also provides an appealing visual aesthetic when serving to guests. Serve it chilled and garnish glasses with fresh strawberry fruit or herb sprigs and champagne flutes for an elegant touch.
These substitutions and variations provide several options that can cater to anyone’s individual taste buds whether it is goat cheese bruschetta, sparkling wines or even to suit specific dietary requirements which do not include alcohol consumption.
Serving and Pairing
This herbed strawberry wine recipe creates a delicious and refreshing fruit wine that is perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening. This sweet and slightly tart wine will pair beautifully with light appetizers or salads. Because of the herbed red wine base, it also makes a great complement to full-flavored dishes like roasted meat or stews.
For appetizer options, try accompanying this wine with goat cheese bruschetta topped with fresh strawberries, or a simple salad with chopped strawberries, feta, and balsamic dressing. You could also use this wine in a marinade for grilled chicken to give it a unique fruity flavor.
As for main courses, consider adding the herbed red strawberry wine as an ingredient in your favorite stew recipe, or pairing it with roasted lamb or beef. The fruitiness of the strawberry complements the richness of the meat perfectly.
Finally, you can also use this strawberry herb-infused wine to create delicious cocktails and desserts. Use it as an ingredient in a sparkling wine cocktail or a refreshing strawberry wine punch. Alternatively, pour it over strawberry sorbet for a refreshing treat that’s perfect for summer evenings.
Overall, this homemade strawberry wine recipe is versatile and pairs well with many foods. Serve it chilled and garnish it with fresh strawberries for the perfect finishing touch.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This herbed strawberry wine recipe can be made well ahead of time, ensuring that the flavors have a chance to meld and intensify. You can make 5 gallons of this delicious wine recipe by using 20-25 pounds of strawberries. The process is simple; combine the water, rose wine, and lemon balm leaves in a pot and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes before you add the strawberries, rosemary, and red wine vinegar. Allow this mixture to cool completely before adding the yeast.
After fermenting for 7-10 days, you’ll notice that your homemade strawberry fruit wine smells sweet, tangy, and full of delicate herbaceous notes from the rosemary and lemon balm leaves. This herbed red wine strawberry wine is great on its own or as a base for delightful wine cocktail recipes like strawberry herb-infused wine punch or even a strawberry sorbet recipe.
If you want to store your homemade strawberry wine, transfer it to a mason jar or any other air-tight container and keep it in your refrigerator. When serving your stored wine, give it some time at room temperature before popping open the bottle for a fresher taste. If you have some leftover herbed red wines and want to elevate your next meal’s flavor profile, try pairing it with with goat cheese bruschetta topped with fresh strawberries or a sweet strawberry salad drizzled with balsamic glaze.
This herbed strawberry and red-wine recipe is versatile as well. You can substitute white wine for rose wine, use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones, or even add more sugar to taste if you want a sweeter outcome. This recipe is perfect for winemaking enthusiasts who want to experiment with different berry combinations, techniques or even combining beer with grape wine.
Overall, this is an ideal make-ahead recipe, allowing lots of time to adapt and perfect timing due to its long-shelf life. No need to worry about reheating, just keep it in the fridge and serve when you’re ready.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure perfect results when making herbed strawberry wine, consider the following tips:
1. Use fresh, ripe strawberries: The flavor and aroma of your wine will depend on the quality of your strawberries. Choose only firm and fully-ripe fruits, and make sure they are free of bruises or mold.
2. Pick the right quantity of strawberries: Depending on how much wine you plan to make, you’ll need to adjust the number of strawberries accordingly. Generally, for a 5-gallon batch of wine, you’ll need around 20-25 pounds of fresh strawberries.
3. Sanitize your equipment and work area: To prevent contamination by unwanted bacteria, sanitize all your utensils, bottles, and work surfaces before starting the winemaking process.
4. Use the right yeast: For fruit wines like strawberry wine, it’s best to use a wine yeast that can handle the natural acidity and low sugar content of the fruit. Choose a yeast that’s specifically formulated for fruit wines and follow the package instructions for best results.
5. Adjust sugar levels carefully: The amount of sugar you add to your wine will determine its sweetness level. Be careful not to over or under sweeten your wine – it’s best to taste as you go and adjust gradually until it reaches your desired flavor.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your herbed strawberry wine turns out perfectly every time. Happy winemaking!
FAQ
As an experienced sommelier, I understand that readers may have questions about this recipe. Therefore, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help clarify any confusion arising from it. So without further ado, scroll down to learn more about the herbed strawberry wine recipe.
How many pounds of strawberries does it take to make 5 gallons of wine?
To produce 5 gallons of wine, approximately 20 to 25 pounds of strawberries are required.
What kind of yeast to use for strawberry wine?
If you want to make a fruit wine but are unsure of which dry yeast to use, Montrachet is a reliable option with a wide appeal. This yeast is known for its neutral flavor profile, allowing the fruit’s natural taste to shine. Additionally, Montrachet ferments quickly, making it a convenient choice for winemakers.
Does strawberry wine need tannin?
When it comes to strawberry wine, a touch of tannin can unexpectedly enhance the overall taste by harmonizing the sweetness and incorporating a distinct earthy note.
How much fruit do I need to make 5 gallons of wine?
When making fruit wines, the amount of fruit used determines the wine’s weight and intensity. If a smaller amount of fruit is used, the resulting wine will be more delicate, and if a larger amount is used, the wine will be more robust. It’s recommended to use 3 to 6 pounds of fruit per gallon of wine for optimal flavor.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this herbed strawberry wine recipe is an excellent choice for any wine enthusiast. The taste of the freshly picked strawberries, combined with the rose wine and the aroma of the rosemary and lemon balm leaves, creates an unforgettable flavor that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is versatile and can also be used to create other drinks such as strawberry wine punch or infused wine.
With proper storage, this homemade strawberry wine will last a long time, so it’s perfect for entertaining friends and family or as a gift for wine lovers. This recipe is relatively easy to make and requires only a few ingredients that are readily available at any grocery store.
Moreover, homemade fruit wines like this also offer several health benefits, including antioxidants and vitamins. So why not try this herbed strawberry wine recipe today? You won’t regret it!
Herbed Strawberry Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (750 ml) bottle rose wine
- 1/2 lb strawberry
- 20 -25 lemon balm leaves
- 2 teaspoons rosemary
Instructions
- Remove tops from strawberries, wash and slice.
- Chop the herbs finely.
- Mix all ingredients and seal in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Shake well.
- Refrigerate for two days, shaking occasionally.
- Strain through a cloth towel, and serve chilled.