Try-it Tuesday ~ Mead (Honey Wine) Recipe

Mead is an alcohol made from fermented honey and water. Its nickname is “honey wine” because it has many similarities to wine, such as similar alcohol content, however is distinct from wine itself. Mead is possibly the oldest type of alcohol known to man, even older than beer and wine, with evidence of its use dating back to 7000 B.C. The Vikings were great lovers of mead-drinking. It was also very popular during the medieval age. These days mead has become uncommon due to meaderies forced to produce their own honey, but you can make mead yourself very easily!

What you need:

• 1 quart honey
• 3 quarts water
• Packet of yeast
• Large pot
• Mason jars
• Plastic bags or wrapping

Instructions:

• Combine honey and water in large pot. Boil and stir for about five to ten minutes.
• Let mixture cool down to room temperature before adding a packet of yeast.
• Pour into mason jar(s) and cover with plastic bag or wrapping. Leave room for yeast to rise. Wait for seven days.
• Place mead into refrigerator to let yeast settle.
• After 2 or 3 days, strain and bottle.
• Mead is now ready to consume. Wait longer (up to a month or so) for better results.

Optional:

To add more flavor, you can add things such as cinnamon sticks, spices, herbs, etc. during the boiling/mixing process.

Some people say that boiling the honey can destroy essential compounds and diminish taste. If you prefer not to boil, be sure to sterilize your equipment beforehand to avoid bacteria. Otherwise, sterilization is not necessary because the boiling process will kill off anything harmful.

Another consideration is what type of water you are using. Most recommend using distilled and filtered water. If your tap water is fine, then this is okay too.

Final results:

After trying this myself, I was pleased to see how easy it was! And how delicious it is!

I can’t wait to make more. Next time, I will be sure to add more flavor.

No offense to anyone who makes their own beer or wine, but mead is truly the best alcohol anyone can make!