Erdbeer Bowle (Strawberry Wine Punch)
alcohol, beverages
1/2 pint strawberries, stemless,
1 rinsed, cut in half
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 bottle german riesling, well
1 chilled
1 tablespoon brandy (preferably alsbach
1 uralt)
1/2 bottle german sekt well
1 chilled
Bowle is a classic German party wine punch. During the month of May throughout Germany, bowle is served flavored with fresh woodruff (Waldmeister), a sweet scented herb with white flowers, which grows especially well in wooded and shady areas away from hot climates and sunshine. Later, during strawberry season, bowle is made with strawberries which grow abundantly everywhere. As German summer season progresses, bowle is prepared with other fruits like sweet imported peaches, chunks of juicy watermelon, pieces of bright orange cantaloupe, or plump raspberries.
Place the strawberries in a large covered glass jar (a sun tea jar will be fine), sprinkle them with sugar and drizzle them with the brandy. Set them aside to marinate for two hours to allow the sugar to draw out the juice from the berries. Add white wine, stir, and set aside for two additional hours. When ready to serve, pour in serving punch bowl. Add Sekt and serve chilled in wide champagne type glasses, making sure to distribute strawberries with the wine.
serves 4
Yield: 1 servings