Maibowle Recipe
Maibowle or May Bowl is a Traditional German Sweet Woodruff infused wine Punch, traditionally served on May Day. It's the perfect thing for a bunch or warm afternoon party!
Ingredients
- 1 Bottle 750 ml Riesling Wine
- 1 bunch 5-10 sprigs Sweet Woodruff (Waldmeister)
- 4 tsp. Superfine Sugar if you like it sweeter
- 1 Bottle 750 ml dry Champagne
- optional-
- - 4 Tbl. Brandy - preferably Asbach Uralt
- Garnish- Fresh Strawberries lemon slices, Sweet Woodruff sprigs
Instructions
Begin a few hours before serving:
- Let the Sweet Woodruff lay on a plate for a few hours to wilt a bit. If you are in a hurry, put it in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Steep the Sweet Woodruff in the Wine. Take care to keep the stem ends out of the wine. It's best to tie the stems together, then tie them to a wooden spoon laying across the bowl. 30 minutes should be enough, or the flavor may get too intense.... and you could get a headache!
Before serving:
- Take the Sweet Woodruff/ Waldmeister leaves out of the wine.
- Pour the Steeped wine into a Punch Bowl or Large Jug
- Add Sugar (if desired), Champagne, and Brandy (if desired)
- Stir gently
- Add some fresh strawberries- whole or slices- to the bowl.
- Serve over ice.
- You can also add sliced lemons
Notes
There is a milky substance in the stems of Sweet Woodruff/ Waldmeister that is quite bitter. You don't want this in your wine! Either bundle the herb with the stems up out of the wine, or strip the leaves from the stems, and throw the stems away.