Mead

Honey mead, referred to as mead, is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water. It is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world and has been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years.

HOW TO MAKE MEAD

The brewing process involves mixing honey and water, heating the mixture, and then adding yeast to trigger fermentation. The yeast converts the sugar in the honey into alcohol, resulting in a sweet and slightly effervescent beverage.

Mead can be made in various styles, ranging from sweet to dry, still to sparkling, and even fruit-infused.

It is often consumed as a dessert wine but can also be enjoyed as a refreshing drink on a hot day.

HISTORY OF MEAD

Mead has a rich history and is often associated with medieval times when it was a popular drink among the upper classes.

However, it has been enjoyed by cultures worldwide, from ancient Egyptians to Norse Vikings to African tribes.

In some cultures, mead is even considered to have mystical or magical properties. Today, mead has experienced a resurgence in popularity and can be found in specialty stores and craft breweries worldwide.

It is a unique and flavorful alternative to wine or beer and is enjoyed by many as a tribute to a long and storied history.

MEAD EQUIPMENT: A LIST OF EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET STARTED

An essential first step to making your first batch of homemade Apple Cyser Mead or traditional Honey Mead is ensuring you have all the necessary equipment before you begin.

Check out our list of essential mead equipment and ingredients to start your mead-making adventure.

TYPES OF MEAD

There are several types of honey mead, each with its own unique flavor profile and characteristics. Here are some of the most common types:

Traditional mead: Traditional mead is made with honey, water, and yeast and has a sweet, honey-forward flavor.
Melomel: Melomel is made by adding fruit to the mead during fermentation, resulting in a fruity flavor. Common fruits used in melomel include berries, cherries, and apples.
Pyment: Pyment is made by adding grapes or grape juice to the mead during fermentation, producing a wine-like flavor.
Braggot: Braggot adds malted barley or other grains to the mead, producing a beer-like flavor.
Cyser: This is made by adding apple juice to the mead during fermentation, resulting in a cider-like flavor.
Metheglin: Metheglin is made by adding herbs or spices to the mead during fermentation, resulting in a spiced flavor. Common herbs and spices used in metheglin include cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
Bochet: Bochet is made by caramelizing honey before fermentation, producing a rich dark flavor.

These are just a few examples of the many types of honey mead that are available. Each type can vary in sweetness, carbonation, and alcohol content, so there is a honey mead out there for everyone to enjoy.

Jump into the exciting world of home-brewing mead! Traditional mead recipes are those where naturally fermented honey and water, over time, become a fantastic alcoholic beverage.

After learning to make 1 gallon of mead, you will search for more fun mead-making recipes! There are many creative ways to make mead with fruits like rhubarb and Apple Cyser Mead.

Or you could make a flower mead with roses, lilacs, or wildflowers. Read on to get your imagination flowing.