Black grape compote

Alcoholic black grape compote: An autumn drink with intense flavors

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 45 small bottles

Black grapes, with their delicate skin and juicy pulp, are a true treasure of nature, and alcoholic black grape compote is a fantastic way to preserve their aroma and flavor for the cold winter days. This recipe is not just a dessert, but an experience that brings joy and warmth, especially when enjoyed with loved ones. With a simple yet meaningful story, black grape compote has been a traditional preservation method used since ancient times, thus becoming a symbol of the autumn season.

Necessary ingredients:

- 4 kg black grapes (choose sweet, well-ripened grapes)
- 8-9 kg water (pure water is essential for a clean taste)
- 1.5 kg sugar (adjustable according to personal preferences)
- 2 lemons (their juice will provide a note of freshness)
- 3 tablespoons of țuică or palincă (for a more complex taste and preservation)

Preparing the grapes:

1. Start by washing the grapes well under cold water to remove impurities. Make sure there are no spoiled or damaged berries, as they can affect the quality of the compote.
2. Take each grape berry and detach it from the bunch, being careful not to crush them. Now you have a quantity of delicious berries ready to be transformed into an unforgettable drink.

Preparing the bottles:

1. Wash and sanitize the bottles you will use for the compote. It is important that they are clean to avoid contaminating the drink.
2. Place about 10-12 grape berries in each bottle so that their taste and aroma infuse well into the liquid you will add.

Preparing and preserving the liquid:

1. In a large pot, add water and sugar. Put the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Allow the liquid to reach boiling point.
2. Once the water boils, add the juice squeezed from the two lemons. This will not only provide a fresh taste, but the acidity of the lemons also helps preserve the compote.
3. Finally, add the 3 tablespoons of palincă or țuică. This will add an extra flavor and act as a natural preservative.

Filling the bottles:

1. Using a ladle, pour the hot liquid into the bottles, ensuring that the grape berries are well covered. The liquid should be hot to help seal the bottles.
2. Put the caps on the bottles and secure them tightly to prevent leaks.

Boiling and preserving:

1. Prepare a large pot and place a clean kitchen towel at the bottom. This will help protect the bottles during boiling.
2. Place the bottles in the pot and fill with water so that they are covered about halfway.
3. Boil the bottles for 45-50 minutes. This process will help sterilize and preserve the compote.
4. After boiling, remove the bottles and wrap them in a thick blanket to cool gradually. This step is crucial to prevent the bottles from breaking.

Storage and serving:

1. Once the bottles are completely cool, store them in a dark, cool place. Alcoholic black grape compote keeps very well and can be consumed throughout the winter.
2. Serve it as a warm appetizer alongside aged cheese or as a refined dessert with a few slices of fresh apple. It is also perfect in combination with a slice of nut cake or chocolate cake.

Practical tips:

- Choose grapes from a trusted source to ensure their quality.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can also add some spices, such as cinnamon or cloves, to the boiling liquid.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the palincă and use more sugar or honey to sweeten.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can this compote be made with other types of grapes? Yes, you can also use white or pink grapes, but the taste will be different. Black grapes provide a more intense flavor.
2. Is it necessary to use palincă? No, but adding alcohol helps preserve the compote and gives it a more complex flavor.
3. How long does the black grape compote last? If stored correctly, the compote can last for several months, even up to a year.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

This alcoholic black grape compote is not only delicious but also full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Grapes are an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as potassium and manganese. Each serving has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used.

This alcoholic black grape compote is not just a simple recipe but an experience that brings joy and warmth to cold days. With each bottle opened, you will bring a touch of summer into your winter. Enjoy it with friends and family and cherish the unforgettable moments!