Ice Wine Infused Peaches: A Symphony of Sweetness and Summer

There’s a particular magic that happens when the last rays of summer sun are captured and bottled, and for me, that magic arrives in the form of ice wine. I recall the first time I encountered this recipe, glimpsed fleetingly on “Man-Made Food,” and it sparked an immediate yearning. My own Ontario peach trees had just yielded their bounty, plump and blushing, begging for a special treatment. The anticipation of transforming those ripe, juicy fruits into something even more ethereal, something kissed by the concentrated sweetness of frozen grape nectar, was palpable. And when the moment finally arrived, spooning the chilled, infused peaches into small bowls, each topped with a delicate chocolate mint leaf from my garden and a whisper-thin sugar cookie, it was a pure, unadulterated joy. A dessert that tasted like liquid sunshine and frost-kissed grapes – utter perfection.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 6 fresh peaches, skinned, pitted, and halved
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup ice wine
• 1 cup water

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Glass bowl
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the ice wine syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, ice wine, and water.
2. Place the saucepan over low heat. Gently stir or whisk the ingredients together until the sugar has completely dissolved. It’s important to ensure all the sugar crystals are gone before proceeding.
3. Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat slightly and simmer the syrup for an additional 3 minutes. This brief simmering helps to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the syrup.
4. After the 3 minutes of simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Set the ice wine syrup aside and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the peaches.
5. In a glass bowl, carefully arrange the peach halves. Ensure they are nestled comfortably, leaving a little room for the syrup.
6. Once the ice wine syrup has cooled enough not to be scalding (it can still be warm), pour it over the peach halves in the glass bowl. Make sure each peach half is generously coated with the syrup.
7. Cover the glass bowl securely.
8. Refrigerate the peaches in the syrup for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial for allowing the peaches to absorb the delicate flavors of the ice wine and for the dessert to reach its ideal serving temperature. For an even more pronounced flavor infusion, you can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours.
9. To serve, carefully place the chilled peach halves into small individual serving bowls.
10. Drizzle each serving with some of the reserved ice wine syrup from the bowl.
11. For an optional touch of elegance, you can garnish each dessert dish with a sprinkle of icing sugar, or as I prefer, a few fresh mint leaves for a fragrant contrast.

Expert Tips & Tricks

The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine. However, a few nuances can elevate it further.

• Peach Selection is Key: Use ripe, but still firm, peaches. Overripe peaches can become mushy when soaked. Varieties with a good balance of sweetness and tartness, like Elberta or Hale, work wonderfully.
• Peeling Peaches: To easily skin your peaches, score a small “X” at the bottom of each peach with a paring knife. Then, blanch them in boiling water for about 30-60 seconds, followed by an immediate plunge into an ice bath. The skins should slip off with ease.
• Ice Wine Choice: While any ice wine will impart deliciousness, consider the flavor profile. A Vidal ice wine often has notes of tropical fruit and honey, while a Riesling can offer more crisp apple and citrus undertones. Choose one that complements your personal taste.
• Syrup Consistency: Don’t over-boil the syrup. The 3-minute simmer is just enough to dissolve the sugar and slightly concentrate the flavors without turning it into a thick candy. It should remain pourable.
• Infusion Time: While 2 hours is the minimum, overnight infusion truly allows the peaches to become saturated with the exquisite ice wine flavor. If you have the time, this step makes a significant difference.
• Presentation Matters: Serving these in elegant glass bowls allows the beautiful color of the peaches and syrup to be appreciated. A tiny, crisp sugar cookie or a sliver of almond biscotti alongside adds a delightful textural contrast.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These ice wine infused peaches are best served chilled, allowing their delicate flavors to be fully appreciated. Spoon the peaches and a generous amount of their jewel-toned syrup into individual small bowls or ramekins. For an extra touch of visual appeal and freshness, a small sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar can be added just before serving.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The peaches will continue to absorb the syrup, deepening their flavor over time. They are best enjoyed within this timeframe to maintain their optimal texture. Avoid freezing, as this can alter the texture of the fruit.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	250.4	13%
Total Fat	0.4 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	6.6 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	47.3 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	2.2 g	8%
Sugars	42 g	167%
Protein	1.5 g	2%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ice wine and peaches used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is designed to celebrate the unique pairing of peaches and ice wine, there are delightful ways to adapt it.

• Seasonal Fruits: In late summer or early autumn, you could try this infusion method with ripe pears or plums. Adjust the simmering time of the syrup slightly if needed, depending on the firmness of the fruit.
• Other Dessert Wines: If ice wine is unavailable or if you prefer a different flavor profile, a sweet late harvest Riesling, a Sauternes, or even a fragrant Muscat could be substituted. The flavor will be different but equally delightful.
• Herbal Infusions: For an added layer of complexity, consider steeping a vanilla bean or a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary in the syrup while it simmers. Remove them before pouring over the peaches.
• Spiced Syrup: A pinch of ground cinnamon or a star anise pod added to the syrup during simmering can introduce warm, autumnal notes, making this a lovely dessert for cooler evenings.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned peaches for this recipe?
A: While you can, fresh peaches are highly recommended for the best texture and flavor. Canned peaches may be too soft and already contain added sugar, which would alter the final result.

Q: How long can I keep the peaches in the ice wine syrup?
A: They are best consumed within 2 days of infusing in the refrigerator. They will continue to soften and absorb flavor over time.

Q: What if I don’t have ice wine? What’s the best substitute?
A: A very sweet dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling, Sauternes, or a sweet Muscat would be the closest substitutes, offering concentrated sweetness and complex aromas.

Q: Can I make the syrup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the ice wine syrup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week before using it to infuse the peaches.

Q: Is this dessert suitable for children?
A: As ice wine contains alcohol, this dessert is generally intended for adult consumption. If preparing for children, you would need to omit the ice wine and substitute it with a non-alcoholic grape juice or a simple syrup infused with peach or vanilla flavors.

Final Thoughts

This simple yet elegant dish is a testament to the power of quality ingredients treated with care. The ice wine infused peaches are more than just a dessert; they are a captured moment of summer’s sweetness, enhanced by the sophisticated charm of dessert wine. They offer a light, refreshing, and deeply satisfying conclusion to any meal, and I encourage you to experience their delicate magic. Serve them after a light supper, perhaps alongside a chilled glass of the same ice wine used in the infusion, and savor the exquisite dance of fruit and wine. I’d love to hear about your own creations and any special garnishes you discover!