Deutsch: Met / Español: Hidromiel / Português: Hidromel / Français: Hydromel / Italiano: Idromele

Mead is an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water, often with the addition of various fruits, spices, grains, or hops. It is one of the oldest known alcoholic beverages, with a history that can be traced back thousands of years across multiple cultures and continents. Mead is sometimes referred to as "honey wine," though the production process and flavor profiles can vary greatly from traditional grape wine.

Description

Mead can range in taste from sweet to dry, and it can be still, carbonated, or naturally sparkling. The flavor and characteristics of mead can also vary depending on the source of the honey, additions of flavorings, and fermentation process. The alcohol content in mead can vary but typically falls between 5% and 20% ABV (alcohol by volume).

Application Areas

Mead is enjoyed in a variety of settings and contexts:

• As a Sipping Beverage: Often consumed on its own, served chilled or at room temperature depending on personal preference.
• In Cocktails: Used as a base or sweetening component in mixed drinks.
• At Festivals: Particularly popular at Renaissance fairs, historical reenactments, and craft beverage events.
• In Culinary Recipes: Can be used in cooking to add sweetness and depth to sauces and desserts.

Well-Known Examples

• Traditional Mead: Made purely from honey, water, and yeast.
• Melomel: Mead made with the addition of fruits like berries, apples, or peaches.
• Metheglin: Mead that includes spices and/or herbs such as cinnamon, cloves, or lavender.
• Cyser: A type of mead made by fermenting honey with apple juice.

Treatment and Risks

Mead is generally safe to consume with a few considerations:

• Alcohol Content: Like any alcoholic beverage, responsible consumption is important due to its varying alcohol content.
• Allergens: While mead is gluten-free, it may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to pollens or specific fruits used in various mead recipes.

Recipes

Here are simple ways to enjoy mead:

• Basic Mead Making Recipe:
  • Ingredients: 1 gallon of water, 2-3 pounds of honey (for a dry to sweet mead), yeast (wine or mead yeast is preferable).
  • Method: Dissolve honey in warm water. Cool the mixture to about room temperature and add yeast. Transfer to a fermentation container, seal with an airlock, and let it ferment in a dark, cool place for about 4-6 weeks or until fermentation stops. Age for several months to improve flavor.
• Mead Cocktail Example (Mead Mule):
  • Ingredients: 2 oz mead, 1 oz vodka, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, 3 oz ginger beer.
  • Method: Combine mead, vodka, and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a mule mug filled with ice and top with ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge or mint.

Similar Terms

• Honey wine
• Craft beverage
• Ancient drink
• Fermented honey
• Alcoholic honey drink

Summary

Mead is a versatile and historic alcoholic beverage made from honey, known for its wide range of flavors from sweet to dry. It can be enjoyed alone, used in cocktails, or incorporated into culinary dishes, offering a unique tasting experience that differs from more common wines and beers.

--