Happy Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day

Strawberry Rhubarb wine is a relatively recent addition to the world of fruit wines. While wine has been made for thousands of years, the combination of strawberries and rhubarb specifically in winemaking is a more modern development.

Both strawberries and rhubarb have a long history of cultivation and culinary use. Strawberries have been enjoyed for their sweet and tart flavors for centuries, and rhubarb has been used in cooking and baking since ancient times. However, it wasn’t until the past few decades that winemakers began to experiment with these two ingredients together.

The exact origins of Strawberry Rhubarb wine are unclear, but it likely emerged as part of the broader trend of fruit wines gaining popularity in the late 20th century. As people sought new and unique flavors in their wines, winemakers started exploring different fruits beyond the traditional grapes.

The combination of strawberries and rhubarb proved to be a delightful pairing. Strawberries contribute their natural sweetness and fruity aroma, while rhubarb adds a tangy and slightly tart note. When fermented and crafted into wine, the result is a refreshing and flavorful beverage.

Today, Strawberry Rhubarb wine can be found in various regions known for their fruit wines, particularly where strawberries and rhubarb are abundant. Wineries and home winemakers alike have embraced the combination, creating unique expressions of this fruity and vibrant wine.

Strawberry Rhubarb wine has gained popularity not only as a standalone wine but also as an ingredient in cocktails, culinary recipes, and even desserts. Its distinct flavors make it a versatile choice for those seeking a wine with a twist.

While it may not have a long historical background like some other wines, Strawberry Rhubarb wine has carved out its own niche in the wine world, offering a delightful alternative to traditional grape-based wines and showcasing the creative possibilities of fruit winemaking.

Now for some baking fun. It can add a unique flavor profile to various baked goods, especially desserts. Here are a few ideas on how you can incorporate Strawberry Rhubarb wine into your baking:

1. Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Cake: Replace some or all of the liquid (such as water or milk) in a basic cake recipe with Strawberry Rhubarb wine. It will infuse the cake with its fruity and tangy flavors.
2. Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Sauce: Reduce Strawberry Rhubarb wine on the stovetop to create a thick and flavorful sauce. Drizzle it over cakes, cupcakes, or even ice cream for a delicious dessert topping.
3. Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Cobbler: Use Strawberry Rhubarb wine in the fruit filling of a cobbler. Combine sliced strawberries and rhubarb with a bit of sugar, cornstarch, and a generous splash of the wine. Top it with a biscuit or crumble topping and bake until golden and bubbling.
4. Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Muffins: Add a splash of Strawberry Rhubarb wine to your muffin batter to impart a subtle fruity taste. It works well with flavors like strawberry, rhubarb, or even citrus.
5. Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Glaze: Combine powdered sugar with Strawberry Rhubarb wine to make a glaze for cookies, scones, or pastries. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or wine until you achieve the desired thickness.

Remember to adjust the amount of Strawberry Rhubarb wine you use based on your taste preferences and the specific recipe you’re following. It’s always a good idea to experiment and taste as you go to ensure the flavors complement each other well.

What you thought I’d forget to put a recipe in….here we go

Sure! Here’s a recipe for strawberry rhubarb wine cupcakes:

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strawberry rhubarb wine (you can use any sweet rosé wine)
• 1/4 cup milk

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup strawberry rhubarb wine
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For garnish (optional):

• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Fresh rhubarb, sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients (butter-sugar mixture), alternating with the strawberry rhubarb wine and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each liner about two-thirds full. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
8. While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, wine, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
9. Once the cupcakes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost them with the strawberry rhubarb wine frosting. You can use a piping bag or simply spread the frosting with a knife.
11. If desired, garnish each cupcake with a slice of fresh strawberry and a slice of fresh rhubarb.

Enjoy your delicious strawberry rhubarb wine cupcakes!