It may look like a sad little package shoved in the back of your freezer, but frozen spinach actually has a lot of culinary uses (and some may surprise you).
Mennonite Wine
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In the spirit of community and good times, here's a fun (and non-alcoholic) fusion of flavors that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Mix it up and let the laughs flow.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
1 review
ingredients
1 can (12 ounce size) frozen orange juice concentrate, mostly thawed
1 can (12 ounce size) frozen grape juice, mostly thawed
1 bottle (2 liter size) lemon-lime soda, chilled
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup sugar
3 1/4 cups cold water
directions
Combine the orange juice concentrate, grape juice concentrate, lemon-lime soda, lemon juice, sugar, and water in a gallon-sized container (pitcher, punch bowl, etc).
Mix well to combine and serve immediately.
recipe tips
For a more carbonated version, use club soda instead of water.
Adjust the proportions of juices and sugar to taste.
For a festive touch, serve Mennonite wine in decorative glasses or with fruit skewers.
Try adding herbs like mint or basil for a different twist.
Use a large punch bowl for gatherings and serve with a ladle for easy pouring.
Prepare the mixture, minus the lemon-lime soda, and chill for a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld together before serving. Add the soda just before serving.
Experiment with different types of fruit juices for a unique flavor each time you make it.
common recipe questions
Is Mennonite wine actually wine?
No, Mennonite wine is a sweet, non-alcoholic beverage made by blending frozen fruit juices with soda and sugar. It is popular in some Mennonite communities as a refreshing drink for gatherings and special occasions.
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of frozen concentrate?
You can use fresh orange juice, but with some modifications. The frozen concentrate has significantly more flavor and fresh orange juice is less concentrated. You could substitute fresh orange juice for the concentrate AND the water in the recipe for a close match to the original.
What can I substitute for grape juice?
You can substitute grape juice with other frozen fruit juice concentrates like cranberry, pomegranate, or mixed berry juices. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor of the drink.
Why add lemon juice to the recipe?
Lemon juice adds a tartness that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Can I reduce or eliminate the sugar?
You can reduce or eliminate the sugar, but taste the mixture as you adjust the sugar to make sure it is still balanced.
What type of lemon-lime soda should I use?
You can use any brand of lemon-lime soda, such as Sprite or 7UP. For a healthier option, you can use a diet or lower-sugar version.
How long can I store Mennonite wine?
Mennonite wine can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1-2 days in a tightly sealed container. It is best consumed fresh as the carbonation from the soda will diminish quickly.
Can I add other fruits or flavors?
You can add fresh fruits like sliced oranges, lemons, or berries for additional flavor and garnish. You could also try experimenting with flavored sparkling waters or soda varieties in place of the water or lemon-lime soda.
What is the best way to serve the beverage?
Serve it chilled over ice in a glass. You can garnish with fresh fruit slices or mint leaves.
nutrition data
Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.
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reviews & comments
May 7, 2011
Growing up Mennonite,I was intrigued by this recipe. I used white grape juice concentrate in this recipe because I could imagine the color being muddy if I used red grape juice. I also used 2/3 cup of sugar. The outcome was ho-hum. I tried diluting it a bit more and that helped. If I try this again, I will cut the lemon juice in half or omit it altogether. If you make this, try the red grape juice.