[Post first published on Patreon]
No one drinks faerie wine without consequence. Its taste is alluring—like summer gardens and hidden laughter—but beneath the sweetness, there’s a sharpness that leaves your thoughts hazy and your heart a little too open.
This version, infused with fresh mint, cucumber peel, and blueberries, mimics the flavor described in the revels of Elfhame, in Holly Black’s Folk of the Air series: light, herbal, and deceptively refreshing. A whisper of thyme draws out the green, grounding the wine with something wild and woodsy. Over time, the blend settles into something reminiscent of white sangria, but with an edge.
To mimic the appearance of the true fae wines—described in the books as glowing, with flecks of gold—this version includes a drop of green food coloring and edible gold luster dust. Swirled into chilled white wine, it shimmers with unsettling beauty.
In retrospect, I would like to try adding a little pinch of ground mastic, which I obtained for some obscure recipe testing for GoT. It would lend the drink an excellent strangeness, and a bit of a piney taste. So, whoops, I guess I’ll need to whip up another batch! ;)
What say you? Would you brave a sip of faerie wine?
Recipe for Pale Green Faerie Wine
Makes: 1 bottle (750 ml)
Pairs well with: stone fruits, soft cheeses, and dangerous company
Ingredients:
- 750 ml crisp white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio recommended)
- 2 Tbs. honey
- 3 sprigs fresh mint
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- peel of 1/2 cucumber
- 1/4 cup blueberries, halved
- green food coloring
- Gold edible luster dust (similar to these)
In a small pot, gently heat honey with ¼ cup of the wine until dissolved. Remove from heat, and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Add the rest of the wine along with the herbs, blueberries, and cucumber peel. Allow to steep for 4-6 hours, then strain and return to the bottle or a decorative serving carafe. Add food coloring and edible glitter. Periodically give the mixture a gentle swirl to remix the golden flecks. Serve chilled, and consider garnishing with edible flowers.
Ideal for:
- Serve ice cold, in crystal or clear glass goblets
- A party drink for fae-themed events, book clubs, or revels of questionable morality
- Stunning addition to a picnic basket