Guavaberry Wine Virgin Islands St Martin
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this traditional Guavaberry Wine recipe from the Virgin Islands and St. Martin. Bursting with the tangy sweetness of guavaberries, this homemade wine blends warm spices like cinnamon and cloves with the rich sweetness of brown sugar and raisins to create a festive, aromatic drink perfect for any celebration. While traditionally fermented, this recipe offers a customizable option to keep it alcohol-free or add a splash of rum for an extra kick. With its deep cultural roots and irresistible flavor, Guavaberry Wine is a must-try for holiday gatherings or special occasions. Serve it chilled and savor a taste of the islands in every sip.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Guavaberries
- 2 cups Brown sugar
- 4 cups Water
- 6 whole Cloves
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Raisins
- 0.25 cup Rum (optional, for flavoring)
Instructions
1. Begin by thoroughly washing the guavaberries under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. In a large pot, combine the guavaberries, water, and brown sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar begins dissolving.
3. Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, and raisins to the pot. These spices will infuse the wine with their warm, festive flavors.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the berries start softening and releasing their juices.
5. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down completely to room temperature.
6. Once cooled, mash the guavaberries using a potato masher or the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible.
7. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a sterilized glass jar or fermentation bottle. Be sure to press out all the liquid from the berry pulp.
8. Add the vanilla extract and optional rum to the strained liquid. Mix well.
9. Seal the jar or bottle tightly and store it in a cool, dark place to ferment for at least 7-14 days. Check periodically to release any built-up gas if using a sealed jar. (If using a specialized wine fermenter, follow the equipment’s instructions.)
10. After fermentation is complete, pour the wine through a fine strainer again to remove any sediments.
11. Bottle the finished wine in smaller sterilized bottles and store it in the refrigerator. Allow the wine to age for a few more weeks for enhanced flavor, if desired.
12. Serve chilled and enjoy as a delightful holiday beverage (alcohol-free if omitting the rum).
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2201 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.0 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 195 mg | 8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 526.9 g | 192% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 41.4 g | 148% | |
| Total Sugars | 472.0 g | ||
| Protein | 10.9 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 600 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 8.5 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 3614 mg | 77% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
