Delicious and Easy Strawberries in White Zinfandel Recipe
Welcome, wine enthusiasts and cooking aficionados! Today, I am excited to introduce you to a delightful recipe that infuses the sweet flavor of fresh plump strawberries with the crisp notes of a White Zinfandel wine.
My Strawberries in White Zinfandel Recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s light, refreshing, and sophisticated. A beautiful treat that can be served as a dessert or as part of an indulgent cocktail.
For years, I’ve witnessed the magic of berries mixed with wine, creating that perfect balance between sweet and tangy. This recipe is an incredibly easy way to elevate this classic combination and capture its essence in every bite.
So whether you’re planning on hosting a dinner party, want to surprise your partner with a sweet dessert or just crave a fancy treat after a long day, let me show you how easy it is to make this Strawberry in White Zinfandel recipe in your own home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are few things in life more enjoyable than a delicious and refreshing dessert on a warm summer day. And that’s exactly what you’ll get with this Strawberries in White Zinfandel recipe!
Firstly, this dish is bursting with fresh and juicy strawberries, which are perfect when paired with a subtle sweetness of the sugar, and a delightful tartness from the oranges. Secondly, the White Zinfandel wine gives this dessert an elegant and sophisticated twist, making it perfect for serving to guests or enjoying during a romantic dinner for two.
But it’s not just the taste that makes this recipe so great, it’s also incredibly easy to make! The ingredient list is simple and straightforward, and the process is relatively quick. So even if you’re a beginner baker or chef, you can easily whip up this Strawberries in White Zinfandel dish.
And lastly, because it’s made with wine (and who doesn’t love wine?), this recipe is also versatile. You can serve it as a refreshing dessert on its own, or pair it ideally with vanilla ice cream or strawberry shortcake. Alternatively, you could switch up the wines and try making homemade strawberry wine as well!
Overall, there are so many reasons why you’ll love this recipe! From its delicious taste to its versatility and ease of preparation, you won’t regret giving this Strawberries in White Zinfandel recipe a try. So go ahead and impress your family or friends with this decadent dessert today!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you need for this strawberries in white zinfandel recipe:
- White Zinfandel wine: 1 gallon
- Water: 1 gallon
- Sugar: 4 cups
- Fresh strawberries: 2 quarts, hulled and sliced
- Oranges: 2, juiced and zested
- Wine yeast: 1 tsp
- Acid Blend: 2 tsp
This recipe requires quality ingredients, particularly the wine. Make sure to use a good White Zinfandel like Sutter Home White Zinfandel. You can also try using Arbor Mist or Wild Vines Strawberry if you prefer to make it slightly sweeter.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Making the White Zinfandel Wine Base
To make this strawberry wine recipe, we will first create a white zinfandel wine base. In a large pot, mix together 4 cups of water and 4 cups of sugar. Cook over medium heat until all the sugar has dissolved, stirring occasionally.
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pot from heat and cool it to 70°F. Then, add one packet of wine yeast and stir thoroughly. Let the wine yeast work for about 3 hours.
Next, mix in 1 tsp of acid blend, which helps balance acidity, and stir thoroughly. Cover the mixture and let sit for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, you can go ahead and strain out any sediment in the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter. At this point, your white zinfandel wine base is complete!
Step 2: Preparing Strawberries for Wine
Before adding fresh strawberries to our white zinfandel base, we need to sanitize them to avoid introducing any unwanted bacteria. Simply wash the 2 cups of fresh strawberries with warm water and rinse them again with cold water.
Cut off the tops of the strawberries and slice them in half. Then put them in a large bowl and sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar over them.
Pour the cooled white zinfandel wine base over your strawberries until completely submerged so that they’re fully covered by liquid.
Separately cut an orange into chunks and then add them to your bowl with strawberries and white zinfandel.
Cover everything with a clean cloth or lid and let it sit for several days until fermentation starts slowing down (usually between days 5-7), stirring occasionally to avoid mold developing on top.
At this point, you can gently press on your strawberries to extract their flavor into the wine fermentation. Continuing fermentation at this point can last up to a month.
Step 3: Straining and Fine Tuning the Strawberry Wine
After a month white wine fermentation, it’s time to transfer the strawberry mixture to another container with a clean cloth or sieve on top. Gently squeeze out any excess liquid from the strawberries so that you can get as much of that strawberry flavor into your wine as possible.
Continuing fermentation slows down and bubbles should stop (or nearly stop).
Next, use a plastic clarifying agent in the recipe if desired, following product instructions. Make sure everything’s adequately blended and then let everything settle for a few days before bottling and corking.
Step 4: Serving Your Homemade Strawberry Wine
Once you have bottled your strawberry wine, you can serve it chilled or at room temperature – whichever best suits your preferences! My personal favorite was having it served chilled.
This strawberry wine pairs exceptionally well with fresh strawberry shortcake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even enjoyed on its own.
We hope this recipe has been enjoyable and inspires you to
Substitutions and Variations
for the Strawberries in White Zinfandel Recipe
While this recipe is delightful on its own, there are some easy substitutions and variations you can try to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
1. Swap out the white zinfandel: If you’re not a fan of white zinfandel, try using another white wine, such as pinot grigio or chardonnay. You could also use a sweeter wine like moscato if you prefer.
2. Use different fruit: While strawberries are the star of this recipe, you could easily use other fruits instead. Consider using raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor.
3. Make it a cocktail: To turn this recipe into a tasty drink, add some soda water and serve over ice. You could also add some triple sec and sliced oranges to make a strawberry sangria.
4. Serve with something else: This recipe is delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but it would also pair well with other desserts such as strawberry shortcake or chocolate-covered strawberries.
5. Add some spice: If you want to add some extra flavor to the dish, try adding some cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce. This will give it a warm and cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall.
No matter how you customize this recipe, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Experiment with different ingredients and see what you come up with!
Serving and Pairing
This decadent dessert of Strawberries in White Zinfandel Wine is the perfect cap to a lovely meal with your loved ones. The strawberries are soaked in a mixture of white zinfandel wine, sugar, water, and oranges, which makes them tastier and juicier.
Paired with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream, this dessert takes on a new level of indulgence that will melt in your mouth. It’s also an excellent pairing for a crisp and refreshing glass of white zinfandel or any fruity white wine.
If you’re looking for something different, try pairing with homemade sangria or strawberry wine. The sweetness of the dessert balances well with the strong flavors of the sangria or strawberry wine.
In addition to being a dessert, this recipe can also work as an exciting cocktail to serve at your next party. Using the soaked strawberries right from the fridge, blend them with ice and some more white zinfandel wine to make delicious wine slushies. Add some carbonated water to it for some fizziness. Or you can try using Arbor Mist Wild Vines Strawberry wine to create a fruity cocktail that will wow your guests.
The berries can also be paired with other desserts such as strawberry shortcake, tarts or covered strawberries to add extra texture and flavor combinations.
This dish is best served fresh but can hold up well if stored correctly in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To store them, transfer them into an airtight container or cover them up with plastic wrap while still soaking in their juices.
So have fun indulging in this dish and get creative with new ways of serving it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. If you’re having a dinner party, you can prepare this dish in advance so that you can focus on other tasks while your guests arrive. Make sure to store it properly though!
To store, cover the strawberries and white Zinfandel mixture tightly in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors will intensify as it sits, making for an even tastier treat.
When reheating, gently warm the mixture on medium heat until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to boil or overheat or else the strawberries will turn mushy and lose their flavor.
For an extra indulgent experience, serve over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, your guests will thank you for it!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the most out of your Strawberries in White Zinfandel dish, follow these tips for perfect results:
1. Use fresh strawberries: The key to a delicious Strawberries in White Zinfandel dish is using fresh strawberries. Avoid using frozen or canned strawberries as they may not hold up well and will not have the same texture or flavor.
2. Let the mixture sit for at least three hours: It’s important to let the mixture of white zinfandel wine, sugar, water, oranges, and fresh strawberries sit for at least three hours to fully infuse the flavors together. Make sure the mixture is covered before letting it sit.
3. Use the right amount of acid blend: Too much or too little acid blend can affect the balance of flavors in your Strawberries in White Zinfandel dish. Follow the recipe closely and use 1 tsp of acid blend for every 4-5 cups of wine.
4. Choose a good quality white zinfandel wine: Using a good quality white zinfandel wine will enhance the flavors and give your Strawberries in White Zinfandel dish a better taste. Sutter Home White Zinfandel or Arbor Mist White Zinfandel are both great options.
5. Experiment with different variations: Try experimenting with different variations by adding other fruits, such as apples or blueberries or even wild vines strawberry or making strawberry slushies with your homemade strawberry wine.
6. Serve with vanilla ice cream or on top of strawberry shortcake: Serve your Strawberries in White Zinfandel dish with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or on top of strawberry shortcake for a twist on a classic dessert.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious Strawberries in White Zinfandel dish that’s perfect to serve as a dessert or to enjoy on its own.
FAQ
Now that you have all the necessary information and instructions, you might still have some questions about this delicious recipe for Strawberries in White Zinfandel. In this section, I will answer some frequently asked questions to help clarify any doubts or concerns you may have.
Why do people put strawberries in wine?
Pairing sparkling wines with fresh strawberries is a match made in heaven due to their subtlety in taste. This combination is ideal for romantic occasions, as the vivid red hue and powerful flavor of strawberries are often linked to love.
Does white zinfandel have strawberries in it?
Picture yourself sipping a crisp White Zinfandel that tantalizes your taste buds with its ripe flavors of sweet strawberries, juicy melons, and plump raspberries – that’s Sutter Home’s White Zinfandel from California! Its medium sweetness and smooth finish make it a delightful and enjoyable wine to drink.
Can you soak strawberries in alcohol?
Enhancing the flavors of strawberries can be achieved by infusing them with a dry alcoholic beverage. Different types of alcohol such as Prosecco, Champagne, Vodka, Rum, White wine, Red wine or Rosé are known to perfectly complement the sweet taste of strawberries.
What pairs well with white zinfandel?
As a sommelier, I can recommend different types of wine to pair with specific dishes to enhance the dining experience. For example, fresh or roasted vegetables can be paired with a variety of white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Meanwhile, fish and salads are best enjoyed with light-bodied white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Albariño. If you’re feeling fancy and want to indulge in some crab cakes, a crisp sparkling wine like Prosecco or Champagne is a perfect match. For acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits, a high acidity white wine like Vermentino or Riesling will balance out the flavors. And if you’re a fan of blue cheeses, opt for a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a fortified wine like Port.
Bottom Line
With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to try out this delicious and refreshing Strawberries in White Zinfandel recipe. Not only is it easy to make and customizable to your taste preferences, but it also makes for a stunning and impressive dessert that will wow your guests.
The sweet and juicy fresh strawberries soaked in the light and fruity white zinfandel wine make for a mouthwatering combination that pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a slice of strawberry shortcake. You can even get creative with this recipe by using different types of wines, adding in other fruits like oranges or making it into a cocktail or sangria.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and mix up a batch of this delightful treat for your next summer gathering. Your guests will be blown away by the fresh flavors and unique twist on traditional desserts. Cheers to a summer filled with delicious wine recipe creations!
Strawberries in White Zinfandel Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oranges
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 cup white zinfandel wine
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and cut into six wedges
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Remove zest from 1 orange and cut into thin strips.
- Bring 2 cups water to boil in small saucepan.
- Add peel and return to boil.
- Drain.
- Repeat process two more times.
- Refrigerate.
- Squeeze enough juice from oranges to equal 1/2 cup.
- Bring juice, white zinfandel and sugar to a simmer in a small saucepan.
- Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the sugar dissolves.
- Transfer to sauce to a bowl and stir in berries.
- Chill for 1 1/2 hours.
- Divide the ice cream between 4 bowls.
- Top with strawberries& sauce.
- Garnish with the cooked peel.