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Dandelion wine in a glass bottle with fresh yellow dandelion flowers and citrus slices on a wooden table

Dandelion Wine Recipe

This classic dandelion wine recipe transforms fresh spring dandelion blossoms into a light, floral, homemade wine with subtle citrus notes. Easy to make and perfect for beginners, this traditional recipe has been enjoyed for generations.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
14 days
Total Time 14 days 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Beverage, Homemade Wine
Cuisine: American, Traditional
Calories: 160
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 quart fresh dandelion blossoms (yellow petals only)
  • 1 gallon water
  • 8 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 orange sliced
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 1 packet wine yeast (champagne or white wine yeast recommended)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Strainer or cheesecloth
  • Fermentation jug or glass jar
  • Airlock
  • Sterilized bottles

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Blossoms
  2. Boil the Water
  3. Steep the Petals
  4. Cool the Liquid
  5. Add Ingredients
  6. Ferment
  7. Strain and Bottle
  8. Age the Wine

Notes

Dandelion wine fermenting in a glass jar with citrus slices and an airlock
Simple ingredients used to make traditional dandelion wine at home.
  • Use only yellow petals: Remove all green parts of the dandelion flowers, as they can make the wine bitter.
  • Harvest safely: Pick dandelions from pesticide-free areas, away from roadsides and treated lawns.
  • Best harvest time: Choose fully open flowers on a sunny, dry day for the best flavor and aroma.
  • Sugar is essential: Sugar feeds the yeast and helps produce alcohol. Reducing sugar may result in weak or incomplete fermentation.
  • Choose the right yeast: Wine yeast or champagne yeast gives cleaner flavor and more reliable fermentation than bread yeast.
  • Fermentation temperature: Keep the fermenting wine in a cool, dark place (60–72°F / 16–22°C) for best results.
  • Cloudiness is normal: Dandelion wine may appear cloudy at first. It will gradually clear as sediment settles during aging.
  • Strain carefully: When bottling, avoid disturbing the sediment at the bottom to keep the wine clear.
  • Aging improves taste: Although drinkable after one week, aging for 2–6 months creates a smoother, more balanced wine.
  • Storage: Store bottles in a cool, dark place and refrigerate after opening.
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