These simple grape juice recipes are versatile and delicious. We’ve made sure there’s a recipe for everyone, and it’s easily adjustable to your taste.
Plus, summer’s here, so you may especially want some to get you through the heat.
Reading: what to make with grape juice
These grape juice recipes are a quenching accessory to add to your routine. You can make them during the week or for special occasions.
Though it’s simplistic, it can effortlessly elevate a dish. And you don’t need to add a host of ingredients to it.
It’s naturally sweet and full-flavored, so you may find it more suitable to drink sparingly. Yet you’ll still acquire adequate amounts of those antioxidant benefits and fulfilling flavors.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Grape Juice
1. Benefits for Skin
Concord grape juice contains resveratrol, a polyphenol with antioxidant properties. It has promising effects against high oxidative stress on skin cells and may protect against cancer cells and skin diseases.
Resveratrol’s ability to protect from free harmful radicals can also help repair photoaging signs when you apply it topically. It shows potential signs of treating hypopigmentation skin disorders.
2. For Weight Loss
Polyphenols in concord grape juice have been shown to reduce symptoms of obesity. They may suppress fat absorption and glucose uptake, which can help in weight loss.
However, more data is needed to support this theory.
How to Make Grape Juice
There are a few ways to make grape juice at home. Some don’t employ modern electric appliances.
One way is to cook the grapes with some water in a saucepan. As the skin becomes softer, use a potato masher to mash, then simmer them for at least ten minutes.
After that, pass the grape juice through a mesh sieve and cool it before serving with ice.
The more effortless method involves a blender. Add the grapes into a blender (after washing and stemming) and add water to help with consistency.
Then, blend the ingredients until liquified. Finally, pass the grape juice through a sieve and serve it chilled.
How to Make This Juice With a Juicer
Using an electric juicer is the quickest way to juice grapes, but make sure to wash them thoroughly before use. Grapes are considered one of the Dirty Dozen, a list of the most contaminated produce, so cleaning them is essential.
After that, all you have to do is pick them from the bunch as you juice.
To remove any pesticides and bacteria, soak grapes in a one part vinegar to three parts water mix. Rub them gently and leave them soaked for 5 to 10 minutes.
Then, drain the water and place the grapes onto a clean towel, discarding any broken grapes. After ten minutes, the grapes should be dry and ready to use.
You can start to juice right away. Switch on the juicer and add the grapes into the feed chute. Mix in any other ingredients and stir to mix.
Is Grape Juice Good for You?
Yes— in fact, drinking Concord grape juice every day has been seen to improve cognitive function. One study showed it to help memory, spatial awareness, and everyday tasks such as navigating while driving.
It can also help lower LDL (“bad cholesterol”) oxidation in patients with heart disease symptoms. After two weeks of consuming grape juice, their artery walls were less constricted, and there was more free blood flow.
Grape juice’s flavonoids may play a significant role in maintaining heart health. Just like grapes, it’s rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients to raise HDL (“good cholesterol”).
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Consequently, consuming grape juice relaxes blood vessels and may lower the risk of developing blood clots that lead to heart attacks.
Studies have shown that purple grape juice can lower systolic blood pressure for healthy individuals under intense physical activity. Regularly consuming it can act against harmful factors that cause oxidation in the body.
Additionally, red grape juice minimizes the effects of a high-fat diet by lowering systolic blood pressure. It reduces the risk of developing hypertension and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in animals.
Grape juice is also suitable for clear liquid diets to provide you with hydration, potassium, electrolytes, and energy. Though not appealing, a clear liquid diet’s purpose is to keep your intestines clear.
It minimizes the strain on your digestive system to prepare you for medical procedures like surgeries and tests.
Grape Juice Nutrition
1. Calories
Grape juice is a low-calorie beverage, containing 152 calories in a one-cup serving (253g). Thus it’s a great way to restrict calories in your diet.
Drinking grape juice in place of higher-calorie drinks could potentially help with managing weight and preventing obesity.
2. The pH
Grape juice pH ranges from 3.4-3.82, which is acidic but not enough to compare with lime/lemon juice.
You may ask if drinking juice would cause dental erosion. Possibly, yes.
Grape juice decalcifies teeth because of pH levels below 5.5. Frequent consumption may erode teeth even more than apple juice.
But you can combat acid attacks on your teeth by swishing your mouth out with water after drinking acidic beverages. Alternatively, use a straw for drinking your juice and avoiding sipping it for prolonged periods.
3. Sugar
A cup of this juice contains 35.9 grams of sugar. That’s more sugar compared to other fruit juices like orange and watermelon juice.
For this reason, it’s essential to limit the consumption of grape juice, especially for children.
Grape juice itself is not unhealthy. But too much sugar may have adverse effects such as increasing the risk of obesity and tooth decay.
On the other hand, glucose from grape juice sugar can provide your body with vital energy. Consuming it may give you an instant boost for activities like running.
10 Best Grape Juice Recipes
1. Best Recipe: Grape Juice (4 Servings)
This drink is a combination of grape and lemon juice. Its natural tartness is balanced by sugar’s sweetness, while fresh spearmint will leave you with a cooling sensation.
With this interesting contrast of sweet and sour flavors, this drink will excite the palate and leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
- 60 oz fresh grapes
- ½ tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cups ice
- 8 leaves spearmint, fresh
Instructions
- Rinse grapes and drain well. Put them in a blender and blend until completely smooth.
- Put a strainer over a large bowl. Cover the strainer with a cheesecloth. Pour the blended grape juice over the cheesecloth. Gather the edges of the cloth, twist, and squeeze to extract the grape juice. Set aside and discard the skin.
- In a pitcher, combine grape, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- To serve, pour the drink into four glasses with ice and top with spearmint leaves.
2. Concord Grape Juice (4 Servings)
This concord grape juice recipe is a sweet, wholesome combination of honey, lime juice, and grape juice. The fragrant rosemary adds herby notes that make this beverage stimulating and excellent as a breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- 40 oz concord grapes
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 tsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 tsp rosemary, fresh
- 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add grapes, water, honey, lime juice, and rosemary. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and leave to cool.
- Add the mixture into a blender. Blend until well mixed.
- Place a strainer over a bowl and cover with a cheesecloth. Pour the blended juice onto the cheesecloth and gather the four corners to form a pouch. Twist and squeeze the juice out and into the bowl. Discard the residue.
- Pour the juice into a pitcher. Add honey and lime juice and stir to mix. Serve over ice.
3. Vodka and Grape Juice (4 Servings)
Vodka and grape juice is a pleasant cocktail that uses the sweet and mild taste of grape juice to dilute vodka’s bitter taste. Lime and mint flavors add an appreciated kick to the drink to make it fresh and reviving.
Despite the low amount of alcohol, it’s best to drink this beverage in moderation. Vodka dehydrates your system and could leave you feeling even thirstier.
Additionally, drink plenty of water to counteract the effects of vodka and stay hydrated at all times.
Ingredients
- 30 oz fresh grapes
- 8 fl oz club soda
- 4 fl oz vodka
- 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/8 tsp lime zest
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 8 leaves spearmint, fresh
Instructions
- Rinse grapes and drain well. Put them in a blender and blend until completely smooth.
- Put a strainer over a bowl. Cover the strainer with a cheesecloth. Pour the blended juice over the cheesecloth. Gather the edges of the cloth, twist, and squeeze to extract clear grape juice. Set aside and discard the skin.
- In a pitcher, combine grape, lime juice, club soda, vodka, sugar, and lime zest. Stir well.
- To serve, pour the drink into glasses with ice and top with mint leaves.
4. Green Grape Juice (4 Servings)
Green grape juice is naturally sweet with a dash of bitterness. This recipe balances it with some sugar and lime juice for an added tang.
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Top it off with some fresh mint for a herbaceous flavor and a cooling effect.
Ingredients
- 55 oz green grapes
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 8 leaves mint, fresh
- 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions
- Add grapes, sugar, lemon juice, and mint into a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Place a strainer over a bowl and cover with a cheesecloth. Pour the blended juice into the cheesecloth and gather the four corners to form a pouch. Twist and squeeze the clear juice out and into the bowl. Discard the residue.
- Pour the juice into a pitcher. Serve over ice.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar and Grape Juice (4 Servings)
Apple cider vinegar is tart and thought to have many health benefits, including diabetes-regulating properties. Honey and grape juice’s sweetness work in contrast to the sour vinegar, making it less potent and more palatable.
Apple cider vinegar and grape juice is a delicious beverage that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
Ingredients
- 40 oz grapes
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 8 leaves mint, fresh
- 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add grapes, water, honey, apple cider vinegar, and mint leaves. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and leave to cool.
- Add the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the blended juice onto the cheesecloth and gather the four corners to form a pouch. Twist and squeeze the juice out and into the bowl. Discard the residue.
- Pour the juice into a pitcher and serve over ice.
6. Added Sugar-Free Grape Juice (7 Quarts)
This is a canning recipe that makes a lot! You can choose to reduce the recipe or leave the amounts as is.
With no added sugar, this concord grape juice is a heart-health promoting beverage. You can also use it to make grape jelly since it’s naturally sweet.
Canned grape juice can last for up to 12 months. You can drink it straight or even use it to flavor other drinks.
Ingredients
- 416 oz Concord grapes, washed, stemmed
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine grapes and water and heat until simmering.
- Once the skin is soft and juice has been released, mash the grapes with a potato masher. Continue simmering and stirring for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and use a double cheesecloth to strain the juice. Discard solids (or use them in a muffin/fruit broth recipe). Refrigerate juice for 1-2 days until the sediment settles at the bottom.
- Wash jars and lids in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Place the jar rack into the water bath canner and set jars in the canner. Add water and boil jars for 10 minutes to sterilize.
- In a small pot over low heat, warm the jar lids. Keep jars and lids warm until ready to use.
- Steadily remove juice from the refrigerator without disrupting the sediment. Pour the liquid and discard the residue.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, add grape juice and bring to a boil for 10 minutes while stirring. Spread a kitchen towel on the counter. Remove jars from the canner with a lifter. Drain and set on the towel.
- Use a ladle and funnel to add grape juice to the jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims and use a lid lifter to lift lids out of the warm water. Place the top onto the jar and screw the band until it’s tight.
- Place jars into canner and adjust the water level to at least one inch above the jar tops.
- Cover the canner and boil over high heat for 5 minutes at altitudes of less than 1,000 ft.
- Turn off heat when processing time is complete. Leave to settle for 10 minutes. Spread a towel on the counter and remove cover (tilting it away from you). Lift jars from canner and place atop a kitchen towel. Leave to seal and cool for 12-24 hours.
- Remove bands and wash jars. Store in a cool, dark place and use within 12 months.
7. Cranberry Grape Juice (9 Servings)
This cranberry grape juice is a light refreshment and a crowd-pleaser. Simple to make, you can serve it up at parties, or add some vodka to create a cocktail.
Embellish it with maraschino cherries to take it up a notch while keeping it simple and classic.
Ingredients
- 48 fl oz cranberry-grape juice
- 24 fl oz lemon-lime soda
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 4 1/2 cups ice cubes
- Lime slices and maraschino cherries, optional
Instructions
- In a pitcher, combine cranberry juice, lemon-lime soda, and lime juice. Serve over ice and garnish with lime slices and cherries.
8. Tequila and Grape Juice (1 Serving)
This mix of concord grape juice and tequila is a delightful drink with an earth-musky essence. You can sip it as a quick cocktail with a fancy smoked salt rim.
Just remember to drink plenty of water, as alcohol may leave you dehydrated.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 fl oz tequila
- 1 fl oz Concord grape juice
- 3/4 fl oz lemon juice
- 1 tsp Concord grape jelly
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Smoked salt, for rim
Instructions
- Rim a glass with smoked salt.
- Add tequila, grape, lemon juice, and grape jelly and 1/2 cup of ice into a shaker/mason jar and shake for 15 seconds. Strain and serve over remaining ice cubes.
9. Apple Grape Juice (1 Serving)
This 3-ingredient recipe is full of polyphenols that may support heart health. Apple and grape juice are full of sweetness, while lemon juice tartly balances the flavors and adds extra vitamin C.
Ingredients
- 6 oz red grapes, stemmed
- 7 oz apple, cored, chopped into chunks
- 2 oz lemon, peeled, deseeded
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Wash the grapes and drain the water. Run the grapes, apples, and lemon through the juicer and collect juice in a pitcher. Stir to mix and serve over ice.
10. Gin and Grape Juice (2 Servings)
This gin and grape juice is full of intense flavors. It has sharp hints of citrus as well as floral notes, both balanced by the sweet grape juice flavor and sour lemon taste.
The result is a potent beverage suitable for a laid-back evening.
And as mentioned before, drink lots of water whenever drinking alcoholic beverages. Your system will thank you, not only for keeping yourself hydrated but for helping ward off adverse effects such as headaches that arise from dehydration.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 fl oz gin
- 1 1/2 fl oz St Germain
- 1 1/2 fl oz lemon juice, fresh
- 1 1/2 oz grapes, stemmed
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Add grapes into a mason jar/shaker. Use a wooden spoon to muddle them.
- Add gin, St. Germain, lemon juice, and ice into the mason jar and shake for 15 seconds.
- Strain into coupe glasses and serve chilled. Garnish with grapes.
FAQ
1. Is Grape Juice Acidic?
Yes, this juice is acidic.
It’s composed of 70 to 80% water, sugars, organic acids, and other dissolved solids. Acids in grape juice include tartaric, malic, and a tiny amount of citric acid.
Tartaric acid is also present in bananas and apples and is responsible for grape juice’s tart taste.
2. Does This Juice Make You Poop?
Grape juice with pulp contains fiber. Consuming it may encourage bowel movements by increasing the weight and size of your stool, allowing it to pass out more easily.
3. How Much Grape per Day?
Because this juice contains relatively high amounts of sugar, it’s good to limit it to 8 ounces a day. Excessive fruit juice consumption may lead to diarrhea, flatulence, and tooth decay.
4. What Happens If You Drink It Too Much?
Excess consumption of red grape juice may lead to iron deficiency anemia. The high polyphenol content inhibits the positive effects of ascorbic acid.
For individuals seeking to increase iron intake, this may be detrimental to their health.
Note that this is true for red grape, while white grape juice actually increases iron bioavailability.
For individuals who want to limit iron uptake, drinking excess purple grape juice may help lower iron levels.
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