The Story of Homemade Lemon Wine
Skeeter Pee isn’t just a recipe — it’s a part of homebrewing culture. Invented by Lon DePoppe (known online as Minnesotamaker), this crisp, refreshing lemon wine has become one of the most beloved DIY beverages in the home winemaking community.
Shared originally on the Winemaking Talk forum, Skeeter Pee quickly spread through word of mouth, blogs, and YouTube channels. Today, it’s considered a “gateway” wine — inexpensive, easy to make, and surprisingly drinkable, even for beginners.
What Skeeter Pee Is (and Isn’t)
A lot of people assume Skeeter Pee is just another name for “hard lemonade,” but that’s not the case. Hard lemonades like Mike’s are made with malt liquor as the base, giving them a very different flavor and finish. Skeeter Pee, on the other hand, is true wine — lemon juice fermented with sugar and yeast.
It also comes in lighter than most traditional wines, usually around 9–10% ABV depending on your batch. That lower alcohol makes it more comparable to craft beers or fruit seltzers like Truly or White Claw — perfect for a hot afternoon when you want something refreshing without being knocked over by a heavy wine.
Why Every Batch Is Different
One of the most fascinating things about Skeeter Pee is that no two batches are ever exactly alike. That’s because the original recipe calls for pitching yeast slurry from a previous wine batch rather than using fresh, commercial yeast.
- If you use slurry from a blueberry wine, your Skeeter Pee may pick up a hint of pink color.
- A red wine slurry might add a subtle flavor note you didn’t expect.
- Even when using the same yeast strain, the way it ferments each time can alter the body and character of the finished wine.
Unlike traditional winemaking — where consistency and replication are the goal — Skeeter Pee embraces variation. Every batch tells its own little story.
Why It Became a Cult Classic
- Affordable: Bottled lemon juice and sugar are inexpensive and easy to find.
- Fast: It’s ready to drink in just a few weeks, compared to months or years for many wines.
- Approachable: Crisp, tart, and easy-drinking, even people who “don’t like wine” often enjoy it.
- Customizable: Sparkling versions, fruit infusions, or back-sweetening — you can tweak it endlessly.
- Community-driven: Skeeter Pee spread because homebrewers shared it, not because it was ever sold.
Watch Skeeter Pee in Action
Skeeter Pee has inspired countless homebrewers to share their process online. Here are a few great videos that show the recipe step by step along, each with their own take:
Try It Yourself
Want to see why Skeeter Pee has become a homebrewing legend? Start with the original recipe here >