Chrysanthemum wine (菊花酒, jú huā jiǔ) is a traditional beverage deeply connected to the Chung Yeung Festival (Double Ninth Festival, 重陽節), celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. This fragrant, golden wine has been enjoyed for over 2,000 years as both a festive drink and a symbol of longevity and health.
Historical Significance
The tradition of drinking chrysanthemum wine during Chung Yeung dates back to the Han Dynasty. According to legend, a Daoist master advised a man named Huan Jing to take his family to a high place and drink chrysanthemum wine to avoid disaster on the ninth day of the ninth month. When they returned home, they found all their livestock had perished, confirming that the wine had protected them.
The chrysanthemum blooms in autumn when most other flowers have faded, symbolizing resilience, longevity, and the ability to withstand adversity—making it particularly auspicious for this festival that celebrates elders and longevity.
Health Benefits (Traditional Beliefs)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chrysanthemum wine is believed to:
- Clear heat and detoxify the body
- Improve eyesight
- Calm the liver
- Promote longevity
- Ward off evil spirits and misfortune
- Boost the immune system during the transition to colder weather
Types of Chrysanthemum Wine
1. Quick-Infused Wine (Ready in days)
Best for immediate festival use when you haven’t prepared months in advance.
2. Traditional Aged Wine (Ready in 3-12 months)
The classic preparation that develops complex flavors and was traditionally made a year in advance.
3. Modern Simplified Version (Ready in hours)
A contemporary approach for tasting the tradition without lengthy preparation.
Traditional Chrysanthemum Wine Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500g fresh chrysanthemum flowers (or 100g dried), preferably yellow or white varieties
- 1.5-2 liters of rice wine (黃酒, huáng jiǔ) or sake, 15-20% alcohol content
- 200-300g rock sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 10-20g goji berries (枸杞)
- Optional: 2-3 jujubes (red dates)
- Optional: Small piece of dried tangerine peel
Equipment:
- Large glass jar with tight-fitting lid (sterilized)
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer
- Dark storage area
- Clean bottles for final storage
Preparation Steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Chrysanthemums
- If using fresh flowers, harvest on a sunny morning after dew has dried
- Select flowers in full bloom with no brown spots or damage
- Rinse gently and shake off excess water
- Lay on clean cloth to air dry completely (1-2 hours)
- Remove any green parts, keeping only the petals
- If using dried flowers, ensure they’re food-grade and from a reputable source
Step 2: Sterilize Equipment
- Wash jar thoroughly with hot water
- Rinse with a small amount of the wine you’ll be using
- Allow to air dry completely
Step 3: Layer Ingredients
- Place a layer of chrysanthemum petals at the bottom
- Add a portion of rock sugar
- Repeat layers until all flowers and sugar are used
- Add optional ingredients (goji berries, jujubes, tangerine peel)
Step 4: Add Wine
- Pour rice wine over the ingredients until completely covered
- Leave 2-3 cm space at the top
- Seal tightly
Step 5: Initial Aging
- Store in cool, dark place (15-20°C/59-68°F)
- Shake gently every 3-4 days for the first month
- Let rest undisturbed for remaining time
Step 6: Aging Period
- Minimum: 1 month
- Recommended: 3-6 months
- Traditional: 1 year (made for next year’s festival)
Step 7: Straining and Bottling
- Strain through multiple layers of cheesecloth
- For clarity, let sediment settle for a few days, then carefully decant
- Bottle in sterilized dark glass bottles
- Can age further after bottling
Quick-Infused Version (1-2 Weeks)
For a faster preparation:
Ingredients:
- 50g dried chrysanthemum flowers
- 750ml rice wine
- 100g rock sugar
- Gentle heat option
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in sterilized jar
- Place jar in warm location (25-30°C) or use very gentle heat
- Shake daily
- Taste after one week
- Strain when desired flavor is achieved (1-2 weeks)
Modern Quick-Steep Method (Same Day)
Ingredients:
- 20g dried chrysanthemum flowers
- 500ml warmed rice wine (not boiling)
- 50g honey or rock sugar
Method:
- Warm wine to about 60°C (140°F)
- Add chrysanthemums and sweetener
- Cover and steep for 2-4 hours
- Strain and chill
- Serve same day (best consumed within a week)
Choosing Your Chrysanthemums
Best Varieties:
- Hangzhou White Chrysanthemum (杭白菊): Sweet, mild flavor
- Huangshan Gongju (黃山貢菊): Delicate, slightly sweet
- Boju (亳菊): Traditional medicinal variety
- Garden chrysanthemums: Ensure they’re pesticide-free food-grade varieties
Avoid:
- Ornamental varieties treated with chemicals
- Florist chrysanthemums
- Flowers with unknown origin
Wine Base Options
Traditional Choice: Chinese Rice Wine
- Shaoxing wine (紹興酒): Most traditional
- Mijiu (米酒): Lighter, sweeter option
- Both should be 15-20% alcohol
Alternative Options:
- Japanese sake (similar rice-based wine)
- White grape wine (less traditional but workable)
- Vodka or neutral grain spirits diluted to 20-25% (preserves flowers well but less traditional flavor)
Serving Suggestions
Traditional Service:
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed
- Use small ceramic cups
- Toast to health and longevity
- Share with elders as a sign of respect
Temperature:
- Room temperature: 18-22°C (64-72°F)
- Gently warmed: 35-40°C (95-104°F) – enhances aroma
- Lightly chilled: 10-12°C (50-54°F) – refreshing for warmer weather
Garnish:
- Float a fresh chrysanthemum petal in the cup
- Serve with traditional festival foods
Food Pairings
Chrysanthemum wine pairs beautifully with:
- Chung Yeung cakes (重陽糕): Traditional steamed layered cakes
- Crab: Autumn harvest delicacy
- Chestnuts: Roasted or steamed
- Osmanthus cake: Complementary floral notes
- Light appetizers: Nuts, preserved fruits
- Mooncakes: If festival is near Mid-Autumn
Storage
Before Opening:
- Dark, cool location (15-18°C/59-64°F)
- Away from temperature fluctuations
- Can age for years if properly sealed
After Opening:
- Refrigerate and consume within 1-2 months
- Keeps longer due to alcohol content
- May develop deeper flavors over time
Tips for Success
- Quality matters: Use high-quality, food-grade chrysanthemums
- Don’t rush: Patient aging develops complexity
- Cleanliness is crucial: Sterilize all equipment
- Sugar balance: Start conservative; you can add more later
- Alcohol content: Higher alcohol (20-25%) preserves better but may overpower delicate floral notes
- Tasting notes: Keep a journal of when you made it and tasting impressions
- Plan ahead: Make this year’s batch for next year’s festival
Troubleshooting
Wine is too bitter:
- Used too many flowers or over-steeped
- Add more sweetener or dilute with plain rice wine
Wine is cloudy:
- Natural pectin from flowers; will settle with time
- Strain through coffee filter for clarity
Off smell or taste:
- Contamination occurred
- Discard and start fresh with sterilized equipment
Too sweet:
- Dilute with unsweetened rice wine
- Balance with a few drops of lemon juice
Weak flavor:
- Add more dried chrysanthemums and steep longer
- Increase initial flower-to-wine ratio next time
Festival Customs
During Chung Yeung Festival:
- Climb mountains or hills before enjoying the wine
- Wear dogwood branches (茱萸) for protection
- Share wine with elders to show respect and wish longevity
- Enjoy chrysanthemum viewing while sipping
- Recite classical poetry about autumn and chrysanthemums
Safety Notes
- Use only food-grade, pesticide-free flowers
- Consume alcohol responsibly
- Not recommended for pregnant women or children
- Those with allergies to Asteraceae family plants should avoid
- Consult healthcare provider if taking medications
Modern Variations
Sparkling Chrysanthemum Wine:
- Mix chrysanthemum wine with sparkling wine (1:2 ratio)
Chrysanthemum Cocktails:
- Base for creative mixed drinks
- Combine with citrus, honey, or tea
Non-Alcoholic Version:
- Make chrysanthemum honey syrup with the same ingredients but using water instead of wine
- Add to sparkling water or tea
Making chrysanthemum wine is a beautiful way to connect with centuries of tradition while celebrating the Chung Yeung Festival. Whether you prepare the quick version or invest in the traditional aging process, this golden elixir captures the essence of autumn, honors longevity, and brings the elegant chrysanthemum to your festival table. Start your batch today, and toast to health, happiness, and the wisdom of elders!