Several different types of grapes make excellent juice. Concord grapes are particularly juicy, as are Bluebell and Valiant. Some juice grapes can also be used to make wine, but not always! Good grapes for wine-making include DeChaunac and Siebel.

• Wash the grapes thoroughly, removing any stems or blemished fruit. Mash them with a spoon or potato masher until you start to see the juice running out.

• Place in a saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil; then simmer for 10–15 minutes. When cooked, strain the grapes and mash again.

• Prepare another saucepan by draping 2 layers of cheesecloth over it. Secure the cloth to the pot with tape.

• Pour the strained grapes over the cheesecloth; then allow to sit for about 12 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator.

• In the morning, discard the leftover fruit and cheesecloth. Run the juice through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any chunks. Refrigerate immediately, and use within 1–2 days.

Some Like It Pulpy!

If you're making homemade juice to serve to a young baby, it's better to filter out all the pulp and chunky bits. For older children or grownups, though, feel free to add some of the fruit back in.