Refreshing Grapeade: Homemade Sweet Grape Syrup and Drink
Refreshing Grapeade: Homemade Sweet Grape Syrup and Drink
How to Make Refreshing Grapeade with Homemade Sweet Grape Syrup
Recently, we had a family gathering and bought a lot of fruit. Since we couldn’t finish it all, some green grapes were left over and starting to lose their freshness. With the weather warming up, I decided it was the perfect time to make a sweet grape syrup to enjoy as a refreshing ade. Here’s a simple recipe!
Ingredients- 750g fresh green grapes
- 750g sugar (1:1 ratio with the grapes for preservation)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Chilled sparkling water (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Seeing the green grapes losing their freshness, I knew I had to rescue them by transforming them into a delicious grape syrup. Let’s get them ready to become a refreshing ade!
Step 2
Wash the green grapes thoroughly under running water. Then, soak them in water with a splash of vinegar for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial to remove any residual pesticides or impurities from the skin, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable treat.
Step 3
Sterilize the glass jar you’ll use for the syrup. Place the jar in a pot, fill it with cold water so the jar is submerged, and then bring the water to a boil. Adding the jar to cold water prevents thermal shock, which can cause the glass to crack. Once boiling, continue to boil for about 5 minutes. The steam will sterilize the inside of the jar, ensuring a hygienic syrup.
Step 4
If you prefer some texture in your ade, chop about 1/3 of the grapes finely with a knife. This will add a pleasant chewiness to your drink.
Step 5
Here’s how the grapes look after being cut into small, bite-sized pieces. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might become mushy.
Step 6
For the remaining 2/3 of the grapes, use a hand blender to puree them until smooth. Green grapes without seeds blend beautifully, creating a delicious base that’s almost like a grape juice on its own!
Step 7
The key to preserving your syrup is a 1:1 ratio of fruit to sugar. This equal measure ensures that the syrup will last longer without spoiling. Sugar acts as a natural preservative.
Step 8
Combine the chopped grapes and the pureed grapes in a bowl. Pour the sugar over the mixture. (You can substitute with sweeteners like erythritol if preferred).
Step 9
Finally, add the fresh lemon juice and stir everything together until well combined. Your delicious grape syrup is now ready!
Step 10
Carefully transfer the finished grape syrup into your sterilized glass jar. You can start enjoying it as a refreshing ade from the very next day.
Step 11
Now that you have your homemade grape syrup, it’s time to make some delicious grapeade!
Step 12
Add a desired amount of grape syrup to a chilled glass. Then, top it off with chilled sparkling water. Adjust the amount of sparkling water to your preference.
Step 13
Look at that vibrant green color! This homemade grapeade looks incredibly refreshing. Enjoy the burst of sweet grape flavor and invigorating fizziness with every sip.
