Mint and Tea Wine Recipe from Maldives

Mint and Tea Wine

Mint and Tea Wine Recipe from Maldives
Region / culture: Maldives | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 3 months | Servings: 10

Introduction

Mint and Tea Wine
Mint and Tea Wine

Mint and Tea Wine is a unique and refreshing beverage that combines the flavors of mint, tea, and grapes into a delicious and aromatic wine. This recipe is perfect for those looking to try something different and experiment with new flavors in their homemade wine.

History

The combination of mint, tea, and grapes in wine is a traditional recipe that has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world. Mint is known for its refreshing and cooling properties, while tea adds a depth of flavor and complexity to the wine. The addition of grapes provides a natural sweetness and fruity undertone to the wine, creating a well-balanced and flavorful beverage.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Wash and chop the dried fruit and place it into a fermentation vessel (or the grape concentrate) together with the sugar. Wash and bruise the mint leaves and add them to the vessel as well, making sure to leave out the stalks.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare 2.4 liters of hot tea and strain it into the vessel. Stir well with a wooden or plastic spoon to dissolve the sugar. When cool (21°C or 70°F), add the citric acid, pectic enzyme, yeast nutrient, and the activated yeast. Cover the vessel and leave it to ferment for five days.
  3. After five days, strain everything into a glass fermentation jar. If necessary, top it up with more must obtained by washing the pulp with weak, lukewarm tea. Fit a bung and airlock, and then leave it to ferment until completion (this took about 3 months for me).
  4. When fermentation is complete, rack the wine from the lees and bottle it when it is mature and ready.

Variations

  • Add lemon or lime juice for a citrusy twist.
  • Experiment with different types of tea, such as green tea or herbal tea, for unique flavors.
  • Substitute honey for sugar for a natural sweetener.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to bruise the mint leaves before adding them to the fermentation vessel to release their oils and flavors.

- Use a wooden or plastic spoon to stir the ingredients, as metal can react with the wine and affect the taste.

- Make sure to leave enough space in the fermentation vessel for the wine to ferment and expand.

- Keep the fermentation vessel covered and in a cool, dark place to prevent contamination and spoilage.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mint and Tea Wine chilled in wine glasses or over ice for a refreshing and aromatic drink. Pair it with light appetizers, salads, or seafood dishes for a perfect summer meal.

Cooking Techniques

Fermentation is the key technique in making Mint and Tea Wine. Be sure to follow the fermentation process carefully to ensure a successful batch of wine.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have grape concentrate, you can use fresh grapes or grape juice as a substitute. You can also use honey instead of sugar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Mint and Tea Wine needs time to ferment and mature, so be sure to plan ahead and allow for at least 3 months of fermentation before enjoying the wine.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mint and Tea Wine in decorative wine glasses garnished with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also add a slice of lemon or lime for an extra pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Mint and Tea Wine pairs well with light and fresh dishes such as salads, grilled fish, or fruit desserts. It also complements spicy or Asian-inspired dishes for a unique flavor combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Mint and Tea Wine in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, store the wine in the refrigerator and consume within a few days for the best flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mint and Tea Wine contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mint and Tea Wine contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Mint and Tea Wine is a fat-free beverage.

Proteins

There are no proteins in Mint and Tea Wine.

Vitamins and minerals

Mint and Tea Wine contains vitamins and minerals from the mint leaves, tea, and grapes, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and various antioxidants.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, individuals with allergies to mint or grapes should avoid this wine.

Summary

Mint and Tea Wine is a low-calorie, fat-free beverage that is rich in carbohydrates and vitamins from the mint leaves, tea, and grapes.

Summary

Mint and Tea Wine is a refreshing and aromatic beverage that combines the flavors of mint, tea, and grapes into a unique and delicious wine. With a balance of sweetness, freshness, and complexity, this wine is perfect for enjoying on a hot summer day or as a special treat for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Martha in her quaint little cottage. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most intoxicating aroma - a blend of fresh mint and tea that filled the air.

Martha had just finished making a batch of mint and tea wine, and she offered me a glass to try. As soon as I took a sip, I was hooked. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before - the sweetness of the mint combined with the subtle bitterness of the tea created a perfect harmony that danced on my taste buds.

I begged Martha to share her recipe with me, and she agreed. She told me that she had learned how to make mint and tea wine from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. Martha's grandmother had learned the recipe from a dear friend who had traveled to the Far East and brought back the secret of this unique wine.

I listened intently as Martha explained the process to me. It was a labor of love, she said, requiring patience and attention to detail. The key, she told me, was to use only the freshest ingredients - mint picked straight from the garden, and high-quality tea leaves sourced from a reputable supplier.

I watched as Martha prepared the wine, carefully measuring out the ingredients and steeping the tea in boiling water. She added the mint leaves, crushing them gently to release their oils and flavors. As the mixture cooled, she added a touch of honey for sweetness, and then transferred it to a large glass jar to ferment.

Over the next few weeks, Martha tended to the wine, stirring it occasionally and tasting it to ensure it was developing the right balance of flavors. Finally, after a month of waiting, the wine was ready to be bottled.

Martha poured me a glass of the finished product and I took a sip. It was even better than I remembered - the flavors had deepened and melded together, creating a smooth and rich wine that was both refreshing and complex.

I thanked Martha profusely for sharing her recipe with me, and she smiled warmly. "Recipes are meant to be shared," she said. "It's what keeps the culinary traditions alive and thriving."

I left Martha's cottage that day with a newfound appreciation for the art of winemaking and a deep sense of gratitude for the friendships that bring us together over a shared love of food and drink. I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my own family and friends, passing on the tradition that had been handed down to me.

And so, every summer, I make a batch of mint and tea wine, using Martha's recipe as my guide. Each sip brings back memories of that warm summer day and the friendship that sparked my love for this unique and delicious wine. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned from Martha and her grandmother, and I am proud to carry on their legacy through this cherished recipe.

Categories

| Dried Fruit Recipes | Grape Recipes | Maldivian Beverages | Maldivian Recipes | Mint Recipes | Sherry Recipes | Tea Recipes | Wine Yeast Recipes |

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