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Frankenberry Wine Recipe

boysenberrie fruit - Frankenberry

Winemaking at home can be a delightful experience, especially when it involves unique and quirky ingredients. One such adventure is making wine using Frankenberry cereal! Yes, the iconic, pink-hued, strawberry-flavored cereal that was part of many childhood breakfasts can now be transformed into an exciting, fruity wine. It’s not your traditional grape-based drink, but it’s guaranteed to spark curiosity and bring smiles to those who try it.

Frankenberry Wine is made mainly with boysenberries. It tastes so good, and the color is amazing: bright red.

Boysenberries were discovered by Charles Rudolph Boysen as a cross between a blackberry and a raspberry in California. Boysenberries contain a good amount of dietary fiber, vitamin K and a slew of minerals including manganese, iron, calcium, and potassium.

Content

    What You’ll Need for Your Frankenberry Wine

    Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to gather all the essential ingredients and equipment. The key ingredient is, of course, Frankenberry cereal, but you’ll also need a few additional items to balance out the flavors and ensure fermentation goes smoothly.

    Ingredients

    • 4 lbs boysenberries (you can use fresh or frozen fruit)
    • Water
    • 2 ¼ lb granulated sugar
    • 1 packet wine yeast
    • ½ tsp pectic enzyme
    • 1 tsp yeast nutrient
    • ½ tsp acid blend
    • 1-gallon carboy
    • 1 Campden tablet
    • Standard winemaking equipment

    Step by step procedure

    1. Wash the boysenberries thoroughly with abundant water. You can do this using a colander or a plastic mesh.
    2. Use your hands to crush berries in a bowl. Place them in a nylon bag or
      cheesecloth and press gently      .
    3. Transfer the berry bag to your fermentation bucket. Add a Campden
      tablet      .
    4. Pour a gallon of boiling water over the fruit bag. Allow sitting for 48 hours.
    5. Gently squeeze the bag and remove it. Add sugar and acidic blend. Stir
      well to make sure it is completely dissolved      . Add pectic enzyme, cover
      well, and allow it to sit for 24 hours.
    6. Add the yeast and nutrient.
    7. Cover, and set aside five to six days, stirring daily.
    8. Rack into a carboy and attach airlock.
    9. Allow the wine to sit for three months in a cool, dark place.
    10. Rack the wine and allow it to sit for another two months.
    11. Rack it again and bottle.
    12. Give it one year to mature (if you like a well-defined taste).

    What to Expect from Frankenberry Wine

    Frankenberry wine offers a whimsical take on traditional homemade wines. The base cereal gives it a light, strawberry-forward flavor with a hint of sweetness that’s balanced by the lemon juice. If you’re feeling experimental, adding fresh strawberries during fermentation can amplify the fruitiness and enhance the wine's natural aroma.

    Due to the high sugar content from both the cereal and the added sugar, Frankenberry wine can be quite potent. The longer you let it ferment, the stronger the alcohol content will be, so it’s important to monitor fermentation if you’re looking for a lighter, more refreshing drink.

    Serving Suggestions

    Once your Frankenberry wine is ready, serving it chilled is a must. The light, fruity flavors come to life when cold, making it a fun option for summer gatherings or as a conversation starter at a themed party. For an extra creative touch, consider serving the wine in fun, Halloween-inspired glasses or using it as the base for a spooky punch!

    Pair it with desserts like strawberry shortcake or fruity tarts to complement the berry notes. Alternatively, serve it with light cheeses for an unexpected contrast of flavors.

    A Final Word on Frankenberry Wine

    Making wine from cereal might sound unconventional, but that’s part of the fun! Frankenberry wine is not just about the end product—it’s about the experience of turning a childhood favorite into something entirely new and surprising. Whether you’re a seasoned home winemaker looking for your next experiment or a beginner eager to try something offbeat, this recipe is a great way to enjoy the winemaking process with a twist.

    So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make a fruity, fun, and completely unique batch of Frankenberry wine!

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