Homemade Spiced Wine

by Dan V.
(Bark River, MI.)

Follow this process for a tasty homemade spiced wine - Made Easy!

First, you will need a gallon jug of distilled water which you can purchase at a grocery store for about $1.19 a gallon.

Next purchase two cans of frozen Welch's concord grape juice and a 1/4 ounce packet of dry yeast(sold in three-packs for around $1.50).

Next, you will need 9" helium-grade party balloons and some electrical tape. The secret to the unique flavor of this wine is dark brown sugar and ordinary powdered ginger, which can be purchased in the spice section of your favorite store for about $1.50. The recipe for homemade spiced wine is below:


Recipe

Thaw the two containers of frozen concentrate to room temperature.

Empty out a little over half of the water jug into a clean dry container.

Empty one packet of dry yeast into four tablespoons of very warm tap water and wait 15 minutes; yeast will foam-up slightly, indicating that it is activating.

Add both cans of concentrate to jug along with one cup of dark brown sugar, one cup of white cane sugar and 1/8 level teaspoon of powdered ginger.

Rinse balloon thoroughly and puncture one single pinhole in end to gradually release pressure during fermentation.

Add remainder of water as necessary to jug to fill it to within 3" or so from the top; shake contents until most of the sugars are dissolved.

Carefully add yeast mixture to the jug making sure that the majority of foam enters, but DO NOT shake it into ingredients. Stretch balloon over top of opening and seal it to the lip with a length of electrical tape for a tight secure seal.

Put jug in a dark dry place with a room temperature of 72-78 degrees; balloon will begin to expand in a day or so.

Let sit for 4-5 weeks or until balloon completely deflates (do not disturb or move mixture); patience is the key. When ready(balloon is deflated), cap the jug with the original cap and let sit for a day.

Pour contents through cheese cloth into another container and rinse-out dead yeast from bottom of original container with hot tap water and then return the wine to original container.

Repeat this process for next three days. Put in fridge for two or three days to clarify a little.

You can then sip. You will have a nice homemade spiced wine between 8 1/2% and 10% alcohol with a surprisingly pleasant after-taste.

ENJOY!
Dan