homemade dandelion wine recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best homemade dandelion wine recipe

I’ve been making homemade dandelion wine for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. This recipe is a perfect blend of old-world tradition and modern convenience, using fresh dandelion greens to create a delicious and unique wine.

I love that this recipe is so easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment. The end result is a wine that’s full of flavor and character, with a hint of bitterness from the dandelions balanced by the sweetness of the sugar.

My kids have even learned to appreciate the process, helping me gather dandelions in the spring and pressing the juice to make the wine. We like to serve it at family gatherings and special occasions, but it’s also a great addition to any meal or gathering.

Plus, it’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while foraging for dandelions! One of the things I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is – we’ve made it with different types of sugar, from honey to agave nectar, and even added a splash of citrus or spices for extra flavor.

The best part? It’s actually pretty healthy for you too – dandelions are packed with vitamins and minerals, and the process of making wine helps preserve them so you get all the benefits without any added preservatives or chemicals.

We’ve even started making smaller batches for our neighbors who appreciate the taste of homemade wine without all the fuss of making it themselves.

Homemade Dandelion Wine

4.9 from 993 votes

Homemade Dandelion Wine is a delightful and unique beverage made from foraged dandelions. This recipe transforms the humble dandelion into a sweet and bubbly wine perfect for spring and summer sipping.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dandelion Wine

2 cups dandelion flowers
4 cups water
2 cups sugar
1 lemon, sliced
1 tsp yeast

For the Secondary Fermentation

1 cup sugar
1 tsp yeast

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse dandelion flowers thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
2Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
3Add dandelion flowers to the boiling water and reduce heat to medium.
4Simmer for 20 minutes until the flowers release their color and the water turns a vibrant yellow.
5Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for an additional 20 minutes.
6Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a fermentation vessel, pressing down gently to extract as much liquid as possible.
7Stir in the sugar until completely dissolved.
8Add the lemon slices and yeast.
9Cover the vessel with a clean cloth and secure it with a rubber band.
10Allow the mixture to ferment in a warm, dark place for 5-7 days, or until it stops bubbling vigorously.
11This indicates that the primary fermentation is complete.
12Strain the mixture again to remove any solids and transfer it to a clean fermentation vessel with an airlock.
13Add the remaining sugar and yeast for the secondary fermentation.
14Allow the mixture to ferment for an additional 4-6 weeks, or until the wine is clear and no longer bubbling.
15This indicates that the secondary fermentation is complete.
16Bottle the wine in clean bottles and store in a cool, dark place for at least 6 months to allow the flavors to develop.
17Enjoy your homemade dandelion wine chilled or at room temperature.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Fine mesh strainer
Fermentation vessel
Airlock
Bottles for storage

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 5mg🌾Total Carbs: 29g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

Tips: Use fresh, vibrant dandelion flowers for the best flavor. Ensure all equipment is thoroughly sanitized to prevent contamination. Adjust sugar levels to taste.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Dandelion Wine Works

This homemade dandelion wine recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want something new to try at home.

We like serving it chilled over ice on hot summer days or warmed up as a digestif after dinner.

Either way, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Dandelion Wine

Q1: What kind of equipment do I need to make homemade dandelion wine?

A: To make homemade dandelion wine, you’ll need a large pot or fermenter, a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer, a hydrometer (optional), and an airlock or bung to seal the container during fermentation.

Q2: Can I use dried dandelion greens instead of fresh ones?

A: While you can use dried dandelion greens as a substitute, fresh greens are preferred for their better flavor and nutritional content. If you do use dried greens, rehydrate them in water before using them in the recipe.

Q3: How long does it take to make homemade dandelion wine?

A: From start to finish, this recipe takes about 6-8 weeks to complete – 2 weeks for fermentation, followed by 4-6 weeks for aging.

Q4: Can I add other ingredients to my homemade dandelion wine?

A: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different spices, herbs, or fruits to create unique flavor profiles. Some popular additions include citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, or even a splash of fruit juice.

Q5: Is homemade dandelion wine safe to drink?

A: When made properly with clean equipment and good sanitation practices, homemade dandelion wine is completely safe to drink. Just be sure to follow proper fermentation techniques and store your wine in a cool dark place until serving.

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