How to Make Sparkling Skeeter Pee
Skeeter Pee is already known for being a light, refreshing wine, but adding carbonation can take it to another level. A sparkling version turns this lemon wine into something that feels closer to a hard seltzer or sparkling cider.
Over the years I’ve seen a lot of home winemakers experiment with carbonating Skeeter Pee, and the results can be surprisingly good. The process is actually fairly simple and can be done using one of two common methods.
What Is Sparkling Skeeter Pee?
Sparkling Skeeter Pee is simply the standard recipe with carbonation added before serving.
Instead of bottling the wine completely still, a small amount of sugar is introduced so that yeast produces carbon dioxide inside the bottle. The trapped carbon dioxide dissolves into the wine, creating natural carbonation. This process is called bottle conditioning and is the same method used to carbonate many beers and ciders.
Method 1: Bottle Conditioning
Bottle conditioning is the most common way home winemakers carbonate Skeeter Pee. I’ve used this method for all types of wines and meads. It’s simple and doesn’t require a lot of extra equipment.
Once fermentation is fully complete and the wine has cleared, a measured amount of priming sugar is added before bottling. The remaining yeast consumes this small amount of sugar and produces carbon dioxide. Because the bottles are sealed, the gas dissolves into the wine and creates carbonation.
After bottling, the wine typically needs two to three weeks at room temperature to fully carbonate.
Method 2: Kegging and Force Carbonation
If you have a kegging system, you can also carbonate Skeeter Pee using forced carbonation. I’ve never invested in kegging equipment because of the expense, but those who also make beer and cider may already have it on hand.
In this method the finished wine is placed in a keg and carbon dioxide is injected under pressure. This allows carbonation levels to be controlled more precisely and eliminates the need for priming sugar. Many homebrewers prefer this method because it produces consistent results and carbonation develops much faster.
How Much Priming Sugar to Use
When bottle conditioning Skeeter Pee, only a small amount of sugar is needed. A typical range is about ¾ to 1 cup of priming sugar per five-gallon batch, though exact amounts can vary depending on how much carbonation you want. You can also buy “carbonation drops,” pre-measured drops that can be added directly to each bottle.
It’s important not to add too much sugar, as excessive pressure can cause bottles to overcarbonate and potentially explode. If you’re using carbonation drops, make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging based on the size of your bottles.
Choosing the Right Bottles
Because carbonation creates pressure inside the bottle, it’s important to use containers designed to handle it. Good options include:
- Standard beer bottles with crown caps
- Swing-top bottles
- Champagne bottles
These bottles are designed to handle the pressure created during carbonation. Do NOT use regular wine bottles, as they cannot handle the pressure. Bottle bombs are a thing, and they’re dangerous. You don’t want to end up with a mess of broken glass and sticky Skeeter Pee all over your floor!
My Experience with Sparkling Skeeter Pee
I’ve only made sparkling Skeeter Pee once, and I found that carbonation really changed how the wine feels when drinking it. The bubbles lighten the texture and make the lemon flavor seem even more refreshing. On a warm day, a chilled sparkling version almost drinks more like a hard seltzer than a traditional wine.
It’s a fun variation that adds another dimension to the basic recipe. However, I find carbonation to be a little hit-or-miss in terms of results. When it works, it’s great. But other times, you wait a few weeks and find no bubbles. Therefore, I typically just make my Skeeter Pee flat.
Final Thoughts
Sparkling Skeeter Pee is a simple variation that can make this already refreshing wine even more enjoyable. Whether you choose bottle conditioning or kegging, adding carbonation can turn Skeeter Pee into a bright, bubbly summer drink.
If you haven’t made a batch yet, you can follow the full process in the Original Skeeter Pee Recipe here.