Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Grapes: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the grapes and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
- Strain: Press the mixture through a strainer. Keep the juice and discard the seeds and skins.
- Set up Slow Cooker: Pour the juice through a double layer of cheesecloth into a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Season: Add the sugar, cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and the remaining 6 cups of water.
- Cook: Heat on Low for 3 hours.
- Serve: Remove and discard the cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.
Yield: 10-12 servings (2-3/4 quarts).
For Nutritional And Health Benefits
This hot drink is a perfect combination of health and nutrition that provides energy and freshness to the body. Grapes are naturally rich in antioxidants, especially a special component found in them that is very helpful in improving heart health and reducing inflammation in the body. When grape juice is cooked on low heat, its nutrients are retained and it becomes an excellent source of strengthening the immune system. Along with this, spices like cinnamon and cloves not only help in balancing the amount of sugar in the blood but also keep the digestive system healthy. This drink provides internal heat to the body during the cold season and the natural vitamins present in it help in relieving fatigue. If you are leading a balanced lifestyle, this drink proves to be a healthy and lively alternative to traditional artificial drinks that is perfect for meeting your daily energy needs.
For Pro Tips And Substitute Ingredients
To make this traditional and aromatic drink perfect and flavorful, there are a few things to keep in mind. Don’t press the grapes too hard while crushing them so that the bitterness of the seeds doesn’t get into the juice, and use a cotton cloth to make the drink completely transparent and clean. The biggest mistake people make while cooking is that they boil it on high heat, which makes the original taste of the spices bitter, so cooking it on low heat for a long time is the real success. If you want to make this drink healthier, you can use pure honey or jaggery instead of white sugar, which will double its nutritional value. In addition, for a unique change in taste, you can add ground nutmeg as well as a small piece of malt peel, which will give its aroma and taste a new and very wonderful style.
For Serving And Storing
There is also a special way to serve and preserve this hot and refreshing drink that maintains its enjoyment. When you serve it to guests, serving it with lightly salted biscuits, dried fruits or cinnamon-flavored cake is an excellent choice. Let the leftover drink cool completely at room temperature, then pour it into a clean glass bottle or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for three to four days. When you want to use it again, instead of heating it in the microwave, heat it slightly on the stove over very low heat so that the aroma of the spices in it is refreshed again. Remember to never boil it again on high heat, otherwise its original crispness, freshness and subtle taste will not be retained and it will not give the pleasure of drinking that a freshly prepared drink gives.
