| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 259 | 0.3g | 0g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 0.7g | 0.5g | 0.01g |
One of the recipes from my collection that always sparks joy is the German May Wine with Sweet Woodruff. This delightful concoction, with its sweet and aromatic character, seamlessly blends the lush freshness of fruit with the intricate sophistication of wine. Whenever I prepare this recipe, my senses are transported to the festive, wine-soaked May Day celebrations in Germany, far from the heat and spice of my Texan roots. Yet, just like my favorite Southern dishes, it’s a simple recipe that brings people together.
Anticipation in a Glass
The German May Wine with Sweet Woodruff is a taste of anticipation. As I infuse the Riesling wine with freshly gathered sweet woodruff leaves, I love how their unique, aromatic fragrance fills the kitchen. This scent is unlike anything else; it’s earthy and fresh with a minty sweetness that hints at vanilla and fresh hay. This aroma is an incredible nod to springtime when these leaves are in abundance. It’s a pure reflection of the season of rejuvenation, offering hope for good times ahead.
The Flavor Journey
The journey doesn’t stop there. The addition of strawberries and a whole lemon brings an invigorating twist. The tangy-sweet explosion of the strawberries complement the citric surprise from the thinly-sliced lemon, leaving a burst of refreshing flavors on the palate. All these ingredients come together harmoniously, much like the flavors of a traditional fruit salad but with a grown-up touch of German Riesling wine. Of course, one may choose to add sparkling water – or better still, Champagne – for that celebratory fizz.
Health In A Glass
Besides its delightful taste, the German May Wine with Sweet Woodruff offers some health benefits. Sweet woodruff is abundant in coumarin, which is known for its blood-thinning properties, potential to aid migraines, and even its ability to reduce edema. The strawberries and lemon provide a decent dose of vitamin C, which contributes to boosting immunity, keeping our skin healthy, and aiding digestion.
This wine may not transport you all the way to Germany, bringing you to smell the sweet woodruff damp from the morning dew as Europeans do. But this recipe can certainly enable you to relish the joy and celebration that May Day symbolizes, from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re serving it chilled alongside a picnic, a barbecue, or simply as a toast to the summer months, the German May Wine with Sweet Woodruff is a drink to be savored, sipped, and shared. Just like my love for Tex-Mex flavors, it’s a simple pleasure to introduce this timeless European tradition with a modern twist into your home.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of fresh sweet woodruff leaves
- 2 bottles of German Riesling wine
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 whole lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 bottle of sparkling water or Champagne (optional)
Method
Step One
First, gather your fresh sweet woodruff leaves and place them in a bowl. If the leaves are not dry, leave them out in a warm place for a few hours until they are.
Step Two
Next, uncork the bottles of German Riesling wine and pour them into a large punch bowl or serving container. Add the dried sweet woodruff leaves, stir well and seal the bowl or container. This mixture should be left to infuse for at least 24 hours.
Step Three
After 24 hours, add half a cup of sugar to the wine and woodruff mixture. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved. At this point, you should also add the strawberries and lemon slices. Stir well once again.
Step Four
If you’re looking to add a bit of fizz to your German May Wine, now is the time to do it. Add the bottle of sparkling water or champagne to the bowl and stir well.
Step Five
The final step is to allow the May Wine to cool in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This will allow all the flavors to meld together perfectly. After it’s cool, pour into glasses or cups and enjoy your homemade German May Wine with Sweet Woodruff!
