If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at making wine at home, this old fashioned raisin wine recipe is the perfect place to start. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a rich, flavorful wine that’s perfect for sipping on a cozy evening or gifting to friends and family.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, share tips for success, and recommend some handy tools to make your winemaking journey even easier. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Raisin Wine Recipe
This old fashioned raisin wine is a timeless classic that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s sweet, aromatic, and has a deep, rich flavor that’s perfect for wine enthusiasts. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover raisins!
Whether you’re a seasoned home brewer or a complete beginner, this recipe is foolproof and requires minimal equipment. And the best part? You can customize it to suit your taste preferences.
Tools You’ll Need
Before we get started, here are a few tools that will make the process smoother:
- Fermentation Jar: A large glass jar with an airlock is essential for fermenting the wine.
- Cheesecloth: For straining the raisins.
- Siphon Tube: Makes transferring the wine easier and reduces sediment.
- Wine Bottles: For storing your finished product.
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Ingredients for Old Fashioned Raisin Wine
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 1 gallon of wine:
- 2 lbs raisins (chopped)
- 2 lbs granulated sugar
- 1 gallon water
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 1 orange (juiced)
- 1 packet wine yeast
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Raisins
Start by chopping the raisins into small pieces. This helps release their natural sugars and flavors during fermentation.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
In a large pot, combine the sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the chopped raisins, lemon juice, and orange juice to the sugar syrup. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Ferment the Mixture
Transfer the mixture to a fermentation jar and add the wine yeast. Seal the jar with an airlock and let it ferment in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks.
Step 5: Strain and Bottle
Once fermentation is complete, strain the liquid through cheesecloth to remove the raisins. Use a siphon tube to transfer the wine into clean bottles. Seal the bottles and let the wine age for at least 3 months for the best flavor.
Tips for Success
- Use organic raisins for a cleaner, more natural flavor.
- Store the wine in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage.
- Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or cloves for a unique twist.
Equipment
- Fermentation jar
- Cheesecloth
- Siphon tube
- Wine bottles
Ingredients
- 2 lbs raisins chopped
- 2 lbs granulated sugar
- 1 gallon water
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 orange juiced
- 1 packet wine yeast
Instructions
- Chop the raisins and set aside.
- Dissolve sugar in water and let cool.
- Combine raisins, citrus juices, and sugar syrup in a fermentation jar.
- Add wine yeast and seal with an airlock. Ferment for 4-6 weeks.
- Strain and bottle the wine. Age for at least 3 months.
Have you tried making old fashioned raisin wine at home? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us on social media with your creations! Don’t forget to check out our other drink recipes like this Irish Breakfast Tea or this refreshing Matcha Milk Tea.
Happy winemaking! 🍷