What is Mead and How to Make It?

Mead, also known as the "nectar of the gods," is an ancient alcoholic beverage made primarily from honey, water, and yeast. Its origins date back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Vikings, and it’s still enjoyed by many today. If you’re curious about this historical drink and how to make it at home, you’ve come to the right place!

What is Mead?

Mead is one of the world’s oldest alcoholic beverages, and contrary to what many think, it’s not just "fermented honey." The basic recipe for making mead involves diluting honey in water, fermenting it with yeast, and sometimes adding fruits, spices, or herbs to enhance the flavor.

Due to its versatility and wide range of flavors, mead can be dry, sweet, fruity, or even spicy, depending on the ingredients used. The drink has a unique flavor that blends the sweetness of honey with the character of fermentation.

How to Make Mead at Home?

Making mead at home is a simple and enjoyable process, perfect for those looking to get started with craft brewing or explore new ways to make homemade drinks. To get started, you will need some basic fermentation equipment and specific ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients Needed:

• Honey – Choose high-quality honey, preferably organic or from a single flower variety (like orange blossom or wildflower). The flavor of the honey will directly impact the taste of your mead.
• Water – Use filtered or mineral water to avoid chlorine from tap water affecting the flavor of the mead.
• Yeast – Use brewing yeast designed for mead or beer, which will ensure proper fermentation. Wine or champagne yeasts can also be used for a drier taste.
• Additives (optional) – Fruits, spices, herbs, or citrus peels to add extra flavor. Examples include cinnamon, ginger, or fruits like apple or berries.

Necessary Equipment:

• Fermenter (a large container, either glass or plastic, with a capacity of at least 5 liters)
• Airlock (a device to release gas during fermentation)
• Siphon for transferring the mead
• Bottles to store the mead
• Thermometer to monitor fermentation temperature

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mead:

1. Prepare the Honey: Start by diluting the honey in water. A recommended ratio is 1 kg of honey for 4-5 liters of water. Heat the mixture gently in a pan until the honey dissolves completely. You don’t need to boil it—just heat it to around 60°C.
2. Cool the Mixture: After dissolving the honey, cool the mixture to around 25°C, so the fermentation yeast can be added without killing it with too much heat.
3. Add Yeast: Once the mixture has cooled, add the yeast. Stir well to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Fermentation: Transfer the mixture to the fermenter, close with the airlock, and let it ferment in a cool, dark place at a temperature of 18-24°C. The primary fermentation can last between 7-14 days.
5. Transfer and Aging: Once the primary fermentation is complete, transfer the mead to another container for secondary fermentation, ensuring the liquid doesn’t come into contact with sediment. Let it age for 2-4 weeks.
6. Bottling: After the secondary fermentation, the mead can be bottled. Be sure to use clean glass bottles with proper sealing. If you like, you can add more honey or fruits to adjust the sweetness or flavor complexity.
7. Enjoy! Mead can be consumed after 2-4 weeks of aging, but the longer it ages, the better the flavor. Let it mature for 3 months for the ideal smoothness.

Tips for Improving Your Mead:

• If you want sweeter mead, add more honey during the secondary fermentation.
• Experiment with different types of honey for unique flavors. Chestnut honey, for example, can add a deeper, more bitter touch.
• Use fruits and spices to personalize the flavor—apple and cinnamon are popular additions, but feel free to get creative!

Why Make Mead?

Making mead is not only a fun way to dive into homebrewing, but also a way to revive an ancient tradition. Homemade mead production gives you the freedom to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, while enjoying a unique and natural drink. It’s also a great way to pass the time and even create personalized gifts for friends and family.

If you’re ready to start making your own mead, Abadia Rural has all the brewing supplies you need. From beginner kits to special ingredients, we offer everything you need for your mead-making journey.