Delicious Recipes to Pair with Haskap Berry Wine: A Cheesecake and Cocktail Pairing

Haskap berries, native to the northern regions of Asia and Europe, are celebrated for their deep, complex flavour and impressive health benefits. The flavour of Haskap berries is often described as a cross between a raspberry and a blueberry, both sweet and tart. Their distinctive flavour makes them a versatile ingredient, perfect for both savoury and sweet applications. Haskap berries can be enjoyed fresh off the bush, in baked goods, in jams, and much more. When incorporated into Monte Creek wine, the berries create a beautifully tangy profile, with aromas of strawberries, rhubarb, vanilla, and pastry. The wine’s palate is vibrant, featuring lively acidity and balanced sweetness.

In addition to enjoying the wine on its own, there are many creative ways to incorporate it into your meals and drinks. To inspire you, we’ve put together two delightful creations: a creamy cheesecake and a refreshing cocktail. Whether you’re enjoying a hot summer day on the patio or having a Sunday night family dinner, these two recipes complement the bright flavours of this unique wine and are sure to be crowd-pleasers wherever they go.

 

MCW Haskap Berry Cheesecake

This rich, velvety cheesecake pairs wonderfully with our Haskap wine. The sweet fruitiness of the wine enhances the creamy filling, while its bold wine acidity cuts through the richness, creating a perfect balance.

Ingredients:

  • Crust:
    • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
    • 1/4 cup sugar
    • 1/2 cup melted butter
    • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • Cheesecake Filling:
    • 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1/4 cup sour cream
    • 1/4 cup Haskap berry wine
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Topping:
    • 1/2 cup Haskap berry wine (for sauce)
    • 1/4 cup sugar
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
    • Fresh Haskap berries (or a mix of berries) for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon (if using). Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until slightly golden, then let it cool while you prepare the filling.
  3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl or electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and vanilla extract and beat until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the sour cream, Haskap berry wine, and lemon juice. Pour the mixture into the cooled crust.
  4. Bake: Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes or until the center is set. The cake should still jiggle slightly if gently shaken but not look wet. You can use a toothpick to check the centre, it should come out with a few crumbs but not a clump of wet batter.
  5. Cool: Let the cheesecake cool for about an hour before transferring it to the refrigerator. For best results, put the cheesecake in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
  6. Prepare the Topping: In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of Haskap berry wine with the sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and roughly a teaspoon of water, making sure there are no dry parts and the mixture is slightly runny. Add the cornstarch mix to the saucepan, whisking consistently until it is all combined. Continue to mix until the sauce thickens. Let it cool slightly before drizzling over the cheesecake.
  7. Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh Haskap berries or any mixed berries you prefer. Enjoy!

 

Haskap Berry Wine Cocktail: MCW Berry Bliss

For a refreshing, fruity cocktail that highlights the unique flavour of the Haskap berry wine, try this MCW Berry Bliss! The addition of sparkling water provides a light, effervescent element that enhances the wine’s natural fruitiness. Best served on a hot summer day!

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz Haskap berry wine
  • 1 oz vodka (optional, for a stronger kick)
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 3-4 fresh mint leaves
  • Sparkling water (or club soda)
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh berries (Haskap, blueberries, or raspberries) for garnish
  • Lemon slices for garnish

*If you don’t have simple syrup on hand, you can make it by combining 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar (1:1 ratio) in a saucepan – stir over low to medium heat until all the sugar is dissolved. Cool and store in a jar in the fridge for up to one month!*

Instructions:

  1. Muddle the Mint: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the fresh mint leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup to release the oils and flavour of the mint. The goal is to bruise the leaves with the sugar, not to crush the mixture up into little pieces. (Note: If you don’t have a muddler, you can use the handle end of a wooden spoon)
  2. Mix the Cocktail: Add Haskap berry wine, vodka (if using), and ice cubes to the shaker. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds.
  3. Serve: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with sparkling water or club soda and give it a light stir to combine.
  4. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh berries and a lemon slice for an extra burst of colour and flavour. Sip and enjoy the refreshing balance of sweet and tart!

 

The Haskap berry wine from Monte Creek Winery offers a unique and exciting way to elevate your culinary creations. These recipes are just the beginning – whether you’re experimenting with new pairings or crafting your own recipes, the possibilities are endless. Cheers to discovering new flavours!