Rather than using fresh dates, which are expensive and require a lot of prep work, this recipe uses date syrup. It lends the flavor of date in a honey-like form. I use D’Vash date syrup which I found at Sprouts, but you can use any brand. Check middle eastern grocers or even Amazon (paid link) if you can’t find it at your normal grocery store.
Date Wine
Difficulty: EasyIngredients & Equipment
14.1 oz bottle of D’Vash date syrup
2 cups sugar
Bentonite
Fermax yeast nutrient
Lalvin EC-1118 wine yeast
One gallon glass jug
Directions
- Pour date syrup into glass jug (leave the bottle upside down for about 10 minutes to get as much out as possible)
- Add 13 cups of water
- Add 2 cups of sugar
- Stir or shake well until sugar and syrup are fully dissolved
- Take a hydrometer reading – SG should be 1.070
- Add 1/4 tsp bentonite
- Add 1/4 tsp yeast nutrient
- Add yeast
- Stir or shake until ingredients are well mixed
- Ferment until the hydrometer reads 1.000 or less
- Rack into a clean glass jug, leaving behind any yeast that has fallen to the bottom
- Leave until clear or use Sparkolloid as directed for faster clearing
- Add Potassium Sorbate and Campden tablet (if desired for stabilizing)
- Bottle
Notes
- You can add a vanilla bean during secondary for a more dessert-like flavor if desired.
- This wine takes well to backsweetening with a little honey if you don’t want it dry.