This blend, free from alcohol but rich in vibrant grape and spice flavors, offers a refreshing twist. With the festive season approaching, the quest for a great vine is on everyone’s mind. As a non-drinker, I embarked on a quest to craft a homemade, non-alcoholic alternative. After much experimentation and research, I’ve curated a quick, homemade vine that matures in just 4 days. Opting for a healthier version, I’ve replaced sugar with jaggery. I invite you to try this recipe and savor it with your loved ones during this festive time.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Vine vs Wine
2. Ingredients
3. Recipe
4. Method of preparation with pictures
5. Watch Video Recipe
6. Storage
7. Addition and substitution
8. FAQs

Vine Vs Wine

The primary difference between “vine” and “wine” lies in their composition and production:

• Vine: “Vine” typically refers to a beverage made from the fermentation of fruit juices (like grapes), spices, or herbs, often without the inclusion of alcohol. It can be non-alcoholic or have very low alcohol content. Vine can encompass various homemade or commercially produced drinks that might resemble the taste or qualities of wine but lack the alcohol content.
• Wine: “Wine,” on the other hand, specifically denotes an alcoholic beverage produced through the fermentation of crushed grapes or other fruits. It contains alcohol, typically ranging from around 9% to 16% ABV (alcohol by volume), although this can vary based on the type of wine and the fermentation process.

While both vine and wine might share some similarities in taste or characteristics, the fundamental distinction lies in the presence of alcohol. Wine is primarily known for its alcoholic content, while vine can encompass a broader category of beverages that are often non-alcoholic or have minimal alcohol content.

Ingredients

• 1 kilo of fresh grape (red or white)
• 1/2 cup jaggery (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 4 tablespoon lukewarm water
• Water 1-2 cups (just to cover the grapes)
• 4 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 8-10 cloves
• A large glass jar with a tight lid
• Cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel
• Rubber band or string

Recipe

• Mix 1 teaspoon of active yeast with 4 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 15 minutes.
• Take a clean glass jar and add half of the clean dried grapes, crushing them with a steel or wooden spoon.
• Add the remaining dried grapes and crush them well in the jar.
• Pour in 1/4 cup of jaggery, the activated yeast mixture, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Pour water just to cover the grapes. Stir the contents thoroughly.
• Cover the jar’s opening with a double layer of cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel, securing it tightly with a rubber band or string to allow air to escape during fermentation while keeping out bugs and debris.
• Place the jar in a warm, dark area away from direct sunlight for 48 hours to let the yeast ferment the sugars in the grape juice, creating natural carbonation and flavors.
• After 48 hours, open the jar and thoroughly mix the vine.
• Strain the vine well to separate the liquid, ensuring all contents are strained.
• Press and squeeze the grapes to extract as much juice as possible.
• Chill the strained vine and enjoy its refreshing taste.

Method of preparation with pictures

1.Mix 1 teaspoon of active yeast with 4 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 15 minutes.

2.Take a clean glass jar and add half of the clean dried grapes.

3.Crush them with a steel or wooden spoon.

4.Add the remaining dried grapes and crush them well in the jar.

5.Pour in 1/4 cup of jaggery, the activated yeast mixture, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.

6. Pour water just to cover the grapes

7. Stir the contents thoroughly.

8.Cover the jar’s opening with a double layer of cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel. Place the jar in a warm, dark area away from direct sunlight for 48 hours.

9.After 48 hours, open the jar and thoroughly mix the vine.

10.Strain the vine well to separate the liquid, ensuring all contents are strained.

11.Press and squeeze the grapes to extract as much juice as possible.

12.Chill the strained vine and enjoy its refreshing taste.

Watch Recipe Video

Storage

Keep the vine refrigerated in a sealed container, consume within a month for freshness, monitor for spoilage, and ensure a tight seal.

Addition and substitution

1. Fruits: Instead of grapes you can experiment with different fruits like berries, apples, or citrus for varied flavors.
2. Spices: Use spices such as ginger, cardamom, or nutmeg to add complexity and if you want a more spicier flavor you can increase the amount of spices.
3. Sweeteners: Instead of jaggery, can add sugar, honey, maple syrup, or agave for different sweetness.
4. Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint, basil, or thyme can infuse unique aromas.
5. Acid: Incorporate lemon or lime juice for a tangy twist.
6. Tea or Infusions: Use herbal teas or infusions like chamomile or hibiscus to impart distinct profiles.
7. Carbonation: Add carbonated water or soda for effervescence if preferred.

Experimenting with these ingredients can help create a personalized and flavorful non-alcoholic vine. Adjust quantities to taste and enjoy the creative process!

FAQs

1. Can I adjust the sweetness of the vine?
   • Yes, the sweetness can be adjusted by varying the amount of jaggery used. Taste the vine during preparation and add more jaggery if desired.
2. Is the yeast necessary for this vine?
   • Yes, the yeast plays a crucial role in fermentation, aiding in the transformation of sugars into flavors and carbonation. However, the amount used can be adjusted based on preference.
3. How many servings does this recipe yield?
   • Depending on serving size, this recipe can yield around 4-6 servings. Adjust quantities accordingly for larger batches.
4. Can I consume this vine immediately after preparation?
   • It’s advisable to let the vine ferment for the recommended time for optimal flavors. After fermentation, strain and chill before serving.

Embracing Flavor and Health: A Homemade Vine

In conclusion, crafting vine at home using fresh grapes, jaggery, spices, and yeast offers a delightful non-alcoholic beverage. With the flexibility to adjust ingredients and flavors, this homemade concoction provides a refreshing and healthier alternative to traditional vine. Experimentation with various spices and fruits allows for personalized creations, making it a versatile and enjoyable beverage for diverse tastes. Proper storage and consumption within a reasonable timeframe ensure the best taste and quality. Cheers to enjoying this homemade vine with friends and family during festive occasions or any time for a flavorful and satisfying drink.

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