Honey Mead Recipes

HOW TO MAKE MEAD: A HOMEMADE HONEY MEAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Simmer ½ gallon of water until warm.
• Add honey: 2 pounds for a dry mead or 3 pounds for a sweet mead. Stir until dissolved.
• Simmer (don't boil) for about 30 minutes, skimming off any scum that forms. Remove from heat and let cool to about 100°F and pour into 1 gallon carboy.
• Add any extra ingredients you may want. See below for ideas.
• When the temperature is below 90°F, add the yeast. One package will make 5 gallons of mead, so use between ⅕ of a package and ½ a package. I typically make two gallons at a time and divide the package between the two.
• Cap the bottle and shake well. Add more water to fill the bottle, making sure to leave 3-4 inches of headroom at the top. Take the top off and add an airlock. These are available at your local homebrew store or online here.
• Once the airlock is in place, set the bottle in a cool spot for about 6 weeks.

HONEY MEAD

Steps:

• Sanitize all the equipment you will use: pot, jug, funnel, airlocks, spoon, etc. Follow the directions on the sanitizer package.
• Heat 1/2 gallon of non-chlorinated water in the large pot on medium heat, do not boil. Add the honey and stir until it fully dissolves. Remove from heat.
• Add the optional berries, fruit, raisins, and herbs to the one-gallon jug.
• Using a funnel, pour the honey-water mixture into the jug.
• Leave at least 2 inches of headspace at the top. Add additional cold water if needed.
• Secure the lid and shake well.
• When the temperature drops below 90°F, add 1/2 package of the yeast.
• Again, cap the bottle and shake well.
• You should see bubbles within the first 48 hours.
• Store the jug in a dark and cool place, or cover it with a towel. It will take about 4-6 weeks to ferment.
• It is ready when the bubbling has stopped or slowed to once every minute instead of every few seconds as it did initially.
• The liquid will be clear, and the yeast will settle to the jug's bottom.
• Do a taste test. Use a clean straw for tasting but be careful not to backwash into the mead.
• If you like the flavor, it is ready to bottle the mead.
• If it is too dry and you prefer a little sweeter, you can back sweeten the mead.

CELTIC DRUID'S HONEY MEAD - MEADE - METHEGLIN

Steps:

• EQUIPEMENT:.
• Very large Pan - to hold 12 pints; Thermometer; 8 pint Fermentation Jar; Airlock; Bottles.
• Bruise the ginger by folding it in to a clean cloth and hitting it with a hammer to release its flavour.
• Tie the bruised ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick and the lemon peel in a muslin cloth and put it into a 12-pint pan.
• Add the water and lemon juice and bring it to the boil.
• Allow to cool to 50C/122°F.
• Meanwhile, stand the honey in a warm place and allow to come to the same temperature.
• Add the honey to the lemon and ginger water and mix.
• Allow to cool to 21C/70F and then remove the muslin bag with the ginger and lemon peel in it.
• Crumble the yeast into the honey water and mix lightly.
• Pour the liquid into an 8-pint fermentation jar, it should reach about three quarters full, and fit the airlock.
• Leave until all fermentation has finished, racking if necessary.
• Leave for another 1-2 weeks before bottling and storing.
• The mead can be drunk after 4-6 months, but is best if kept for several years!

HONEY MEAD

Steps:

• Add honey to water and boil 45 minutes.
• Add hops and boil 30 additional minutes (or if using yeast, cool to lukewarn and crumble yeast into it).
• Let stand overnight.
• Add brandy or sack and pour into a large crock or cask.
• Cover with an oversized lid and let stand until fermentation is complete.
• Cover tightly and seal.
• Let stand a year; bottle.