Homemade Choke Cherry Wine
📜 Collection: JohnBCollection | ✍️ Attribution: Ferma Best | 📂 Category: Beverages A traditional large-batch fruit wine crafted from fresh chokecherries, warm water, yeast, and a progressive sugar addition. Fermented over three weeks until rich and sweet to taste.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 mins | 3 weeks | 3 weeks | 4 to 5 gallons |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Large fermentation vessel
- Stirring paddle
- Coffee filter
- Bottles
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Gallons | Choke Cherries | Fresh |
| 5 Gallons | Water | Warm |
| 1/4 tsp | Yeast | Standard |
| 5 Cups | Sugar | Initial amount |
| 1-2 Cups daily | Sugar | Additional, as needed |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation and Initial Mix
- Crush some of the 2 gallons choke cherries to release their juices.
- Place the crushed cherries into a large fermentation vessel with the 5 gallons warm water, 1/4 tsp yeast, and 5 cups sugar.
Step 2: Fermentation and Daily Feeding
- Each morning, stir the mixture thoroughly and add 1 to 2 cups sugar. Continue this daily until the mixture reaches your desired sweetness.
- Continue stirring daily for about 3 weeks, or until the choke cherries settle completely to the bottom and active bubbling subsides.
Step 3: Bottling
- Once fermentation is complete and the sediment has settled, siphon the liquid through a coffee filter into clean bottles until clear and sediment-free.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store bottled wine in a cool, dark place to age and mature for optimal flavor development.
Original Recipe Scan
