Our cranberry wine recipe is one of the best wine recipes on the internet. It has a perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and the refreshing taste of fresh cranberries. We don’t add any grapes in this recipe, just 100% fresh cranberries. Cranberry wine is a favorite around Thanksgiving time. It obviously pairs well with turkey or poultry dishes.
It goes great with thanksgiving dinners. It’s also a good mixer for making some cranberry cocktails. A nice pink color, pleasant aromas, and rich fruit flavors make this wine a winner. Check out our cranberry wine recipe below.
Cranberry Wine Recipe
Homemade cranberry wine has a sweet, tart flavor reminiscent of the fresh cranberries it was made from. It has a strong, fruity aroma and a light, crisp taste that is both sweet and tart. The flavor is complemented by subtle notes of oak, vanilla, and spice.
Ingredients
- 15 pounds (6.8 kg) fresh cranberries
- 5 pounds (2.3 kg) raisins
- 15 pounds (6.8 kg) sugar
- 5 teaspoons (23 g) yeast nutrient
- 10 drops (0.5 mL) pectic enzyme liquid
- Water enough to make 5 gallons (19 L)
- 1 package (5 g) Wyeast Mead (Sweet) yeast
- 8 Campden tablets or 1½ teaspoons (9.3 g) potassium metabisulfite powder
Instructions
- Sanitize all equipment.
- Crush the cranberries and chop the raisins.
- Put the cranberries and raisins into the fermentation container. Add the sugar, yeast nutrient, pectic enzyme, and enough tepid water to make 5 gallons (19 L). Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.
- When the must has cooled to 70°F (21°C), add the yeast to the container and stir well.
- In 5 to 7 days, the specific gravity should read 1.040 or lower. Put 2½ crushed Campden tablets or ¼ teaspoon (1.4 g) of potassium metabisulfite powder into a 5-gallon glass carboy. Press out the new wine and rack it into the carboy.
- Rack again in a month, following the procedure in step 5.
- Rack again in 3 months and make adjustments as needed, following the procedure in step 5.
- When the wine is clear, it’s ready to bottle.
- Bottle the wine and let sit for 3 months before tasting.
The Benefits of Making Cranberry Wine at Home
Making cranberry wine at home may be fun and result in some delectable products. It may be a terrific way to be creative in the kitchen as well as a method to save money on pricey wine bottles. Here are some advantages of producing your own cranberry wine.
Making wine at home is quite affordable, which is one of the key advantages of cranberry wine. Cranberries, sugar, yeast, and a few other staple ingredients are all you need. This implies that folks on a tight budget can still take pleasure in the activity and enjoy a nice bottle of wine without going overboard.
Making your own cranberry wine at home also gives you the freedom to customize the taste and add special touches. You can simply alter the flavor and sweetness of your cranberry wine to fit your preferences, whether you want a sweet or a dry, tart wine.
Last but not least, creating your own cranberry wine at home is a fun way to experiment in the kitchen. To obtain the perfect flavor for your wine, you may experiment with different ingredient pairings. In addition, you may bottle the findings and share them with friends and family.
In general, producing cranberry wine at home may be satisfying and fun. It may be a terrific way to be creative in the kitchen and save money on pricey wine bottles. Additionally, doing it with friends and family may be enjoyable. Cranberry wine is a fantastic choice if you want to brew wine that is both affordable and tasty.
Common Questions About Making Cranberry Wine at Home
Can I make cranberry wine at home?
Yes, it is possible to make cranberry wine at home. It is a relatively easy process, and with the right equipment and ingredients, you can make a delicious and refreshing cranberry wine right at home.
What ingredients do I need to make cranberry wine?
To make cranberry wine at home, you’ll need fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, water, yeast, and a few other items that you can find at a local home brewing supply store.
What equipment do I need to make cranberry wine?
You’ll need some basic equipment such as a large pot, stirring spoon, funnel, siphon, hydrometer, airlock, rubber stopper, and bottles for bottling. Additionally, you may want to invest in some specialized equipment such as a fermentation lock, fermentation bucket, and carboy.
How long does it take to make cranberry wine?
The entire process of making cranberry wine can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, depending on how long you choose to let your cranberry wine ferment.
What is the process for making cranberry wine?
The process for making cranberry wine involves several steps, including sanitizing your equipment, preparing the cranberry juice, adding the yeast, fermenting the mixture, and bottling the wine. You can find detailed instructions for each step of the process online.
What is the alcohol content of cranberry wine?
The alcohol content of cranberry wine can vary depending on the amount of sugar used and the length of time it is allowed to ferment. Generally, cranberry wine has an alcohol content between 10% and 12%.
Conclusion
This recipe for homemade cranberry wine makes a tasty and simple drink. It is ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special treat. This cranberry wine is a flexible accompaniment to any meal or occasion because to its tart and sweet flavor. It can be offered warm, cold, or even straight up. Try this recipe for cranberry wine the next time you need a special beverage, and let the festivities begin!
