Coffee and wine are two beloved beverages that you may have never thought to combine. But with the right recipe, you can impart the rich, invigorating flavor of coffee into a smooth red wine, producing a unique coffee-infused wine.
Coffee wine is an intriguing concept for any home cook looking to experiment with new flavor combinations. The resulting beverage is a conversation starter, ideal for dinner parties or as an after-dinner treat. Follow the steps below to make your own DIY coffee wine recipe that is sure to impress any crowd.
Selecting the Right Wine
The base red wine is important, as you want a variety that will complement the coffee notes without overpowering them. For best results, select a medium to full-bodied red wine such as a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Zinfandel. Lighter reds like Pinot Noir can work but may result in a more tart, less balanced coffee wine. The wine should be smooth and mellow in flavor. Stay away from oaked wine varietals.
How to Brew a Pot of Robust Coffee?
Coffee is the star of this show, so you’ll want to use a high-quality coffee beans and a proper brewing method. Opt for a dark roast like a French or Italian roast. The bolder, richer flavor will come through better in the wine. Use a French press or automatic drip coffee maker to brew a strong pot of coffee. Let it cool completely before using.
Adding a Touch of Sweetness
A little sugar helps balance the acidity of the coffee and makes for a pleasantly sweet undertone. White sugar works best. You’ll only need 1/4 cup for a 750ml bottle of wine. The small amount of simple syrup also helps the coffee flavors incorporate evenly into the wine.
The Process of Infusing Wine with Coffee
- Pour your red wine into a separate jar or pitcher through a coffee filter or fine mesh strainer. This helps remove any sediment.
- In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and 1/4 cup of the coffee over low until dissolved. Let cool.
- Funnel the sweetened coffee mixture into the wine bottle.
- Slowly add the remaining 1/4 cup fresh coffee to the bottle.
- Cap the wine bottle tightly and give it a gentle shake to incorporate.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 days to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- After infusing, strain the coffee wine through a coffee filter again to remove any grounds.
- Decant back into the wine bottle and store refrigerated until ready to serve.
- When ready to serve, give the bottle a light shake and pour into wine glasses.
Making Coffee Wine Safely
When infusing wine with coffee at home, keep in mind:
- Use freshly brewed coffee and bring to room temp before adding
- Choose a quality wine and coffee to start with the best flavors
- Mix in coffee, sugar, and other add-ins slowly to incorporate evenly
- Make sure hands and equipment are clean before starting
- Store the finished coffee wine in a tightly sealed bottle in the refrigerator
- Consume within 2-3 weeks for the best flavor
- Don’t serve underage drinkers
- Drink in moderation and responsibly
Coffee Wine Recipe
6-8
servings90
minutes150-200
kcal2-3
monthsA Homemade Coffee Wine Recipe =)
Ingredients
4 cups of strong and dark roast brewed coffee
2 cups of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
1/2 cup of lukewarm water
1 lemon (for zest)
1 vanilla bean (optional)
Directions
Brew 4 cups of strong coffee using your preferred method.
While the coffee is still hot, stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Let the coffee mixture cool down to room temperature.
Stir for about 10 minutes until the active dry yeast is forthy and dissolved in lukewarm water.
Once the coffee mixture has cooled, pour it into a sterilized fermentation vessel.
Add the yeast mixture to the vessel and stir gently to combine.
Add the zest of one lemon and the seeds of a vanilla bean to the fermentation vessel. (optional)
Seal the fermentation vessel with an airlock to allow gas to escape while preventing oxygen from entering.
Place the vessel in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Allow the mixture to ferment for about 4-6 weeks, or until the fermentation activity ceases and the wine clears. During this time, the yeast will convert sugar into alcohol.
Once the fermentation is complete, carefully siphon the coffee wine into sterilized bottles, leaving behind any sediment at the bottom of the fermentation vessel.
Cork or seal the bottles tightly and let the coffee wine age for at least 2-3 months to develop its flavors. The longer you age it, the smoother and more refined the wine will become.
Serve and enjoy!
How to Make Coffee Wine?
Experimenting with Flavor Variations
The basic recipe makes a smooth, drinkable coffee wine. But you can also try unique flavor variations:
- Use flavored coffee beans like vanilla, chocolate, or hazelnut to complement the wine.
- Infuse spices like cinnamon sticks or cardamom pods along with the coffee.
- Swap out refined white sugar for flavors like maple syrup, honey, or agave.
- Fold in a splash of brandy, Kahlua, or coffee liqueur for an added kick.
- Top off each glass with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions for Coffee Wine
- Pour over ice for chilled coffee, wine cocktails
- Enjoy at room temp as an after-dinner drink
- Gently warm in a saucepan with added brandy and spices
- Use in sangria by adding fruit and club soda
- Mix with orange juice or milk for a wine-based latte
- Drizzle over vanilla ice cream or chocolate cake
- Pair with cheeses, dark chocolate, or coffee-flavored desserts
- Serve alongside roasted meats, garlic-heavy dishes, or tiramisu
- Use in glazes, reductions, and pan sauces for steak or pork