May wine
White wine infused with sweet woodruff, served in spring
May wine is a German wine cocktail made by steeping sweet woodruff in white wine, sometimes with added fruit or spirits. Traditionally enjoyed on May Day, it is popular in Germany and parts of Belgium, and often served as a punch with strawberries or sparkling wine.
- Made by steeping sweet woodruff in white wine
- Traditionally served on May Day in Germany
- Often includes strawberries or orange slices
- Specialty of Arlon in Belgium
- Sometimes made into a sparkling punch
What is May wine?
May wine is a springtime drink made by infusing white wine with sweet woodruff, a fragrant herb found in northern European forests. The result is an aromatized wine with a distinct herbal scent and flavor, sometimes enhanced with slices of orange or floating strawberries. The drink is often served as a punch, which can include sparkling wine, brandy, and sugar for extra flavor and effervescence. Its clear, pale color is sometimes brightened by the addition of fruit.
Where does May wine come from?
May wine has its roots in Germany, where it is closely tied to the celebration of May Day. The tradition of flavoring wine with sweet woodruff dates back centuries, taking advantage of the herb’s seasonal growth in spring. The drink is also a specialty in Arlon, a town in southern Belgium. In the United States, it is produced in areas with German heritage, such as Frankenmuth, Michigan. Commercial versions in Germany have used artificial flavors and colors since the 1980s.
How is May wine made?
To prepare May wine, sprigs of sweet woodruff are steeped in white wine until the herb’s aroma and taste infuse the liquid. For a punch, sparkling wine or carbonated water, brandy, and sugar may be mixed in. Fresh strawberries, in season during spring, are often added for color and a hint of fruitiness. Some versions use orange slices or strawberry flavoring, and certain production methods can make the drink lightly sparkling.
How and when is May wine eaten?
May wine is served chilled, usually in the spring and especially on May Day. It is often enjoyed at gatherings or festivals, poured into glasses or a punch bowl and shared among friends. The addition of strawberries and orange slices makes it visually appealing and festive. It is not tied to a specific meal but is meant for celebratory occasions.
Kinds of May wine
Regional and modern variations include adding different fruits or using sparkling wine for a fizzy effect. In Belgium, the drink is known as Maitrank and is a local specialty in Arlon. Some commercial versions use artificial flavoring and coloring. In the United States, German-American communities produce their own versions, sometimes adapting the recipe to local tastes.
What May wine means
May wine is a symbol of spring and renewal, traditionally linked to May Day festivities in Germany. Its preparation and sharing mark the arrival of warmer weather and the start of the herb’s season. In Arlon, Belgium, it is a point of local pride. The drink’s connection to spring festivals makes it a seasonal favorite, and its unique flavor is celebrated in German-speaking regions and beyond.
Questions people ask about May wine
What is May wine made of?
May wine is made by infusing white wine with sweet woodruff, a fragrant herb. It often includes strawberries, orange slices, and sometimes brandy, sparkling wine, or sugar when served as a punch.
Where does May wine come from?
May wine originates from Germany, where it is closely associated with May Day celebrations. It is also a specialty in Arlon, Belgium, and is produced in German-American communities in the United States.
When is May wine traditionally served?
May wine is traditionally served in the spring, especially on May Day. It is enjoyed at festivals and gatherings that celebrate the arrival of warmer weather.
What does May wine taste like?
May wine has a distinct herbal flavor from sweet woodruff, with a fragrant aroma. When served as a punch, it can also have fruity and sparkling notes from added strawberries, orange, and sparkling wine.
Are there different versions of May wine?
Yes, variations include using different fruits, adding sparkling wine or brandy, and making it lightly sparkling. In Belgium, Maitrank is a local version, and commercial products may use artificial flavors.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "May wine", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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