Well, I have found that when wine may be available (or not), it is still a fun thing to make. The problem for any alcoholic beverage is that you have to be thinking weeks and months ahead of its consumption. Which means, that not only do you need to practice delayed gratification, but you also have to almost force yourself to consume it when it is ready. I mean, to replace it is well, a long wait.
Basic ingredients:
- Glass bottle with cork stopper. I prefer one of those that look like an old fashioned mason jar
- Balloon
- Unfiltered, unpasteurized, organic pure apple juice – 1 liter
- Dates – 5
- Raisins – 6-10
- Raw Sugar – 4 tsp
- yeast – 1/2 tsp
- Cloves – 4
Pour all ingredients in sterilized bottle. All the apple juice won’t fit, so use the remaining for drinking. Close and shake gently for 30 seconds. Open and slip on the balloon over the neck of the bottle. This is for keeping pressure on and outside air out.
Let sit for 3-4 weeks in a cool, dark pantry. Filter by pouring into another glass jar using a paper coffee filter. Close the jar and let sit for one months and filter again. Age for another 2+ months. The longer, the better. When you pour to drink, be careful to not allow any of the sediment into your glass. Best if served chilled. It probably won’t be much less expensive than a $3 buck “Chuck”, but you will enjoy it more. Guaranteed!
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