Ginger Wine Substitute

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Ginger wine is a fortified wine flavoured with ginger. Nigella uses the wine in the Ginger Passionfruit Trifle (from Nigella Express and on the Nigella website) to moisten and flavour the sponge cake. You may be able to find ginger wine on-line, look for the Stone's or Crabbie's brands.

You could use a ginger liqueur as an alternative. There are several niche producers but De Keyuper make a ginger liqueur and there is also one called The King's Ginger that has become more widely distributed in the last couple of years. Otherwise use a mixture of equal amounts of ginger syrup and either a sweet sherry or a sweet marsala wine. Monin sell a ginger flavoured syrup that is sold in many countries or you can make some by dissolving 50g sugar (3 tablespoons) in 50ml water (3 tablespoons). Add 1 tablespoon of peeled and finely chopped frtesh root ginger and bring this mixture to the boil. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the syrup has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Cool the syrup then strain it, to remove the pieces of ginger, before using. Store any leftover syrup in the fridge for up to 1 month.