Easy Refreshing Dandelion Wine Recipe
A simple and refreshing homemade dandelion wine recipe perfect for spring foraging, capturing the floral charm and light fizz of the season.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 days fermentation plus 3 months aging
- Total Time: Approximately 3 months and 7 days
- Yield: About 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of dandelion wine 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Homemade / Foraged
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh dandelion petals (yellow petals only, no green parts)
- 4 cups granulated sugar (800 g)
- 1 gallon (3.8 liters) filtered or spring water
- Juice of 2 large lemons (about ½ cup or 120 ml)
- 1 medium orange, sliced thinly
- ½ teaspoon wine yeast or champagne yeast (e.g., Lalvin EC-1118)
- Optional: a couple of crushed cloves or a cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Pick and prepare the dandelions: Gather about 8 cups of dandelion petals, avoiding any green parts. Rinse gently in cool water to remove dirt and bugs. Drain well for about 10 minutes.
- Steep the petals: Place petals in fermentation vessel. Boil 1 gallon of water and pour over petals. Add sugar and stir until dissolved (about 5 minutes). Cover and steep for 24-48 hours at room temperature, stirring occasionally.
- Add citrus and yeast: Strain liquid through fine mesh or cheesecloth into a clean vessel. Add lemon juice, orange slices, and optional spices. When liquid cools to about 70°F (21°C), sprinkle yeast over surface and let hydrate for 15 minutes without stirring.
- Fermentation: Stir gently to mix yeast, cover with airlock or loosely with cloth. Keep in dark, warm place (65-75°F / 18-24°C) for 5-7 days until bubbling slows. If no airlock, open lid daily to release pressure.
- Bottling and aging: Strain out orange slices and sediment. Transfer wine to clean bottles leaving 1 inch headspace. Seal tightly and store in cool, dark place for at least 3 months to mature.
Notes
[‘Pick only yellow petals to avoid bitterness from green parts.’, ‘Sanitize all equipment thoroughly to prevent off-flavors.’, ‘Maintain fermentation temperature around 70°F (21°C) for best results.’, ‘Be patient; aging for at least 3 months improves flavor.’, ‘Adjust sweetness carefully before bottling to avoid restarting fermentation.’, ‘If fermentation stalls, gently stir or warm the vessel slightly to revive yeast.’, ‘Non-alcoholic version possible by skipping yeast and refrigerating infusion.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 5 oz (150 ml)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
Keywords: dandelion wine, homemade wine, spring foraging, floral wine, easy wine recipe, fermentation, natural wine