Homemade white grapes in grappa, grandma’s perfect recipe for the holidays: here’s how to make it and preserve it at its best. A simple and fragrant preparation, to enjoy at the end of a meal or to give as a Christmas gift. Grapes in grappa are a traditional delight, ideal to make in autumn and preserve for special occasions.
After experimenting with grapes in many versions, from the classic schiacciata with grapes, to the elegant chocolate-covered grapes, passing through a soft and fragrant plumcake with fresh grapes, this time I decided to prepare them in grappa. I made two versions: one with large, seedless grapes, and the other with smaller grapes with seeds, both enriched with cinnamon and cloves. Just choose a good grappa, use sterilized jars and store them in the dark.
In a few months, they will be ready… and I’ll tell you which version I prefer!
See you in the next recipe!!!
TRY ALSO:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: Two 500 ml jars.
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
- Energy 136.04 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 19.78 (g) of which sugars 17.74 (g)
- Proteins 0.40 (g)
- Fat 0.15 (g) of which saturated 0.04 (g)of which unsaturated 0.04 (g)
- Fibers 0.93 (g)
- Sodium 1.87 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 52 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 2.2 lbs white grapes
- 2.1 cups grappa
- 1.25 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 8 cloves
Tools: grapes in grappa
You can use 2 jars of 500 ml or just 1 of 1000 ml.
- 2 Jars glass with airtight seal
- Scissors kitchen
Recipe: grapes in grappa
Gently wash the grape clusters under running water. Then, using kitchen scissors, detach the grapes one by one, cutting them to leave a small piece of stem: this way they will remain more intact and won’t open during storage. Choose only healthy grapes, without bruises or imperfections, and discard damaged ones. Let them dry very well.
Fill the sterilized jars (here is how to sterilize jars and lids) with the grapes. I used two 500 ml jars, filling them up to about 0.8 inches from the edge.
Add a cinnamon stick and 4 cloves to each jar.
Distribute half of the total sugar in each jar, then pour the grappa until the grapes are completely covered. The grapes must be fully immersed in the liquid.
Seal the jars tightly with airtight lids.
To better dissolve the sugar (otherwise it tends to remain at the bottom), in the first few days turn the jars upside down, then return them to the normal position. Afterward, store them in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Let them rest for at least 1–2 months before consuming, to allow the flavors to blend.
Storage and Tips
Storage: after sealing the jars, let the grapes in grappa rest for at least 1-2 months in a cool and dark place: during this period, the flavors blend and the fruit absorbs the aromas.
Keep the jars in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a pantry or cellar.
Avoid temperature fluctuations and exposure to light, which can alter color and flavor.
They keep for up to 12 months.
Tips: grapes in grappa are perfect as a dessert, perhaps served cold in small glasses along with their liquid. They can also be used to garnish desserts or accompany a scoop of cream or vanilla ice cream.
Perfect as a homemade gift idea: a jar of grapes in grappa, perhaps with a handmade label, is a simple yet precious thought.
FAQ
Can I use small or wine grapes?
Yes, small grapes are fine too, as long as they are ripe, healthy, and well washed. Keep in mind, though, that some wine grape varieties have thicker skin and more seeds, which can affect the texture when tasting. They are not suitable for garnishing desserts.
In the photo below you can see the jars I made with small grapes: the result is still delicious and very aromatic!
Can I use black grapes?
Yes, and the result will be very scenic! Black grapes tend to release an intense purplish color into the liquid, making it more colorful and aromatic.
Can I use flavored grappa?
It’s better not to. Pre-flavored grappas could overpower the natural flavor of the grapes and spices. I recommend using a good quality neutral grappa and personalizing the aroma yourself with cinnamon, cloves, or lemon or orange zest.
