Oh, plum wine, where have you been all my life?! 🙌 This isn’t just any ol' wine recipe; it's my secret to turning a simple fruit into a smooth, sippable, DIY delight.
Ever have one of those moments where you stumble on a hidden gem, and suddenly it’s your new favorite thing? Yep, that was me when I first tried Japanese plum wine at a little hidden sushi spot. And, of course, I had to recreate it at home because store-bought could never!
Making your own homemade plum wine is an experience—like one of those all-day slow-cook dinners that fills your kitchen with incredible smells and vibes. And if you’ve never dabbled in homemade wine before, don’t sweat it! The process is super straightforward, surprisingly easy, and the reward? Oh, it’s so worth it. 🍇💃
And if you're in the mood to try another fun drink recipe after this one, check out my recipe for a Vegas Bomb – it’s an explosive mix you’re going to love!
Table of Contents
ToggleIngredients Used to Make Plum Wine
- Japanese Ume Plums – Fresh, juicy, and slightly sour. You can substitute with other plums, but Japanese ume adds that special touch.
- Rock Sugar – Adds sweetness without overpowering the fruitiness. Regular sugar works too, but rock sugar is chef’s kiss.
- Vodka – High-proof and clean-flavored, the magic that brings it all together!
Equipment Needed
- Large Glass Jar – For fermenting the wine; make sure it’s sterilized and has a tight seal.
- Wooden Spoon – For gently stirring or layering ingredients if needed.
- Measuring Cups – To get precise amounts of sugar and plums.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer (optional) – For straining the wine when it’s ready to be bottled.
- Funnel – Useful for transferring the wine into bottles without spills.
- Bottles with Tight Seals – For storing your plum wine once it’s ready to drink.
How to Make Plum Wine
- Prep the Plums: Rinse those plums like they’ve never been rinsed before! Give them a gentle scrub and remove any stems or leaves.
- Layer It Up: In a big, sterilized glass jar, layer plums and rock sugar. Alternate between the two until the jar is filled about 3/4 of the way.
- Add the Vodka: Pour in enough vodka to completely cover the plums and sugar. Seal the jar tightly and give it a little shake for good measure.
- The Waiting Game: Find a cool, dark place for your jar and let it sit for at least 3-6 months. It’s all about patience here, folks! Shake the jar gently every week or so, and watch the magic happen. 🕰️
Once it’s finally ready, you’ll be thanking your past self for that extra effort. Pour yourself a glass, sit back, and soak in all that fruity goodness you crafted from scratch. Cheers to you, friend! 🍷
Notes
- Substitutions: If you can’t find Japanese ume plums, other plums will work, though the taste may vary slightly.
- Sugar Options: Rock sugar provides a unique sweetness, but regular granulated sugar can be used as a substitute.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to Enjoy Your Plum Wine
Now that you’ve put in the patience and love to make your own plum wine, it’s time for the best part—savoring every sip!
- Serve Chilled: Plum wine is best enjoyed chilled! Pop your bottle in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving, or pour it over ice for an extra refreshing sip.
- Pair with Light Appetizers: It goes beautifully with mild cheeses, sushi, or light salads. The sweet, slightly tart notes of plum wine complement these flavors perfectly.
- Mix into Cocktails: Use your homemade plum wine as a base for cocktails. Try it with a splash of sparkling water, a squeeze of lime, and a fresh plum slice for garnish.
- Enjoy a Sweet Dessert Nightcap: After dinner, pour a small glass of plum wine to sip as you relax. Its fruity richness makes it the perfect ending to any meal!
One sip and you’re transported! 🌎 Explore more delicious recipes like this at So Damn Delish, where food fun never ends.
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The Sweetest Plum Wine You’ll Ever Make
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5 from 4 reviews
Craft your sweet and tangy plum wine with this recipe from So Damn Delish! Perfectly fruity and smooth, it's the homemade wine you’ll want to sip all year.
- Total Time: 3-6 months + 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 jar of plum wine 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb Japanese ume plums (or other fresh plums)
- 2 cups rock sugar
- 1 bottle (750 ml) vodka (at least 35% alcohol)
Instructions
- Prepare the Plums: Rinse plums thoroughly and pat dry. Remove stems and any blemishes.
- Assemble the Layers: In a sterilized glass jar, alternate layers of plums and rock sugar.
- Add Vodka: Pour vodka over the plum-sugar layers until fully submerged.
- Store and Wait: Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 3-6 months, shaking gently once a week.
Notes
- ubstitutions: If you can’t find Japanese ume plums, other plums will work, though the taste may vary slightly.
- Sugar Options: Rock sugar provides a unique sweetness, but regular granulated sugar can be used as a substitute.
- Author: SoDamnDelish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Inactive Time: 3-6 months (worth every second!)
- Category: Desert, Drinks, & Such
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
4 Comments
I’m planning a dinner party soon, and I think this would be the perfect drink to serve.
I’ve never tried making wine before, but your enthusiasm makes me want to jump in!
I love the idea of homemade plum wine! It reminds me of summer picnics with my grandma when we would enjoy fresh fruit together.
I can’t wait to try it out. Do you think other fruits would work well too? 🍏🍓