Tonic Drinks & Waters
Black Wolfberry Rice Wine
traditionally used to support eye health, nourish the liver, and support cardiovascular wellness
Why people make this infusion
A friend brought Bro Niu a gift of premium black wolfberries sourced directly from their origin region in China — deeply purple, packed with anthocyanins, and noticeably more potent than the ordinary supermarket kind. Anthocyanins are pigments that give blueberries and other dark berries their colour and are associated with antioxidant activity; black wolfberries are considered among the richest natural sources. Bro Niu brewed some as tea (the colour turns a vivid purple-red) and steeped the rest in rice wine. After two months, he opened the bottle to find a fragrant, mellow wine with a beautiful colour. Beyond eye support, the infusion is traditionally valued for circulation, joint ease, and anti-ageing nourishment.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits those with eye fatigue, mild dizziness, or a constitution prone to dryness and ageing
- The wine is warming in nature — do not drink large amounts, and those with yin-deficiency heat should be cautious
- People with high liver enzymes, liver disease, gout, or who are pregnant should avoid the wine; use the tea version instead (see tips)
- Children should not consume alcohol; they can eat a small amount of black wolfberries directly or steeped in diluted vinegar with rock sugar
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Black wolfberries (hei gou qi zi): Exceptionally high in anthocyanins compared to regular red goji berries; traditionally associated with liver nourishment, eye clarity, improved circulation, and anti-ageing properties.
- Rice wine (mi jiu): A mild, low-alcohol grain wine used in Chinese cooking and medicine; extracts fat-soluble compounds from herbs and warms the body. Any preferred spirit (shaoxing, rose wine, sake) can be used instead.
Ingredients (1 bottle, ~30 small servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black wolfberries (hei gou qi zi) | 2 liang (~75 g) | Source high-quality ones with deep purple colour |
| Rice wine (mi jiu) | 300 ml | Or any preferred spirit |
| Rock sugar (optional) | Small amount | Crushed; add before sealing |
Method
- Place the black wolfberries in a steaming dish and steam over boiling water for 7 minutes. This sterilises them and helps the colour and compounds infuse better.
- Allow to cool completely.
- Transfer to a clean, dry glass jar.
- Pour in the rice wine. Add a small amount of crushed rock sugar if desired.
- Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place.
- The wine will be ready to drink after approximately one month.
- Serve in small amounts (about 1–2 tablespoons per serving).
Bro Niu’s tips
- This tonic wine is traditionally associated with supporting those with elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar (“three highs”), easy fatigue, hormonal imbalance, and dull skin.
- Because it is warming in nature, do not drink too much at a time. Those prone to internal heat should be especially moderate.
- For those who cannot drink alcohol (gout, liver issues, pregnancy): simply brew black wolfberries as a tea. Use about 1 tablespoon per cup of hot water; the colour turns a beautiful purple-red. For children, steep in mild rice vinegar with rock sugar as a treat.
- You can add crushed rock sugar to the wine for a more pleasant flavour.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Amy): Can I brew black wolfberries as a tea? I have a cold stomach — is it suitable? Bro Niu: Black wolfberries are slightly warming, so cold-constitution people can drink them. About one tablespoon per cup is a good amount for tea.
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Q (anonymous): Can someone with gout drink this wine? Bro Niu: People with gout should avoid alcohol as much as possible. It is better to brew black wolfberries as a tea instead.
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Q (anonymous): Can I add dried mulberries to the wine? My husband gets mouth ulcers frequently — is this wine suitable for him? Bro Niu: Yes, you can add dried mulberries — in fact that combination suits your husband. Frequent mouth ulcers can indicate both yin-deficiency heat and a weakened immune system; try taking a B-complex vitamin daily for a couple of weeks.
Published February 27, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
