Easy Dandelion Wine Recipe

Homemade Dandelion Wine

Dandelion wine, a delightful fermented beverage made from the ubiquitous yellow flowers that dot lawns and fields, has a rich history dating back centuries. Originating in Eurasia around 30 million years ago, dandelions were brought to North America by European colonists in the 1600s, who valued them not just as weeds but as a source for medicinal and culinary uses, including wine production. This traditional drink appears in ancient manuscripts and was once a staple in Irish households as a ladies’ cordial. Though its popularity waned due to factors like Prohibition and legal classifications that distinguished flower-based wines from fruit ones, it remains a symbol of resourceful home brewing.

If you’re intrigued by this floral elixir and want to try making it yourself, this page offers a straightforward, beginner-friendly recipe titled “Easy Dandelion Wine Recipe.” This page provides a simple guide to transforming common dandelions into a homemade wine, emphasizing accessibility with everyday ingredients and minimal equipment.

This process yields three bottles of wine, perfect for sharing or savoring over time. The addition of citrus and raisins likely imparts a fruity depth, balancing the floral notes of the dandelions.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity—no fancy fermentation gear required, just patience and basic kitchen tools. It’s a great way to repurpose those pesky lawn weeds into something enjoyable, connecting modern home cooks with age-old traditions. If you’re foraging for dandelions, ensure they’re from untreated areas to avoid pesticides. Give this recipe a try next spring when the flowers are in full bloom!

Dandelion Wine Recipe

Instructions for Dandelion Wine

   Place dandelion blossoms and 4 quarts water in Kettle or Dutch oven; boil 30 minutes. strain to remove blossoms, then strain through cheesecloth into a large stone or glass jar. Let stand until cool; then dissolve yeast in the 1/2 cup warm water. Add the yeast mixture, raisins, sugar, lemon and orange (cut in small pieces) to dandelion liquid. Let'\ stand for two weeks, stirring each day. Strain through cheesecloth several times, until clear. After straining let it stand 1 day. The next day add the rum and mix. Pour into three wine bottles. Seal with cork or screw cap. Makes 3 bottles.