How to Make Mead
Mead is an impressive alcoholic beverage that dates back to ancient times. It is made by fermenting honey and water, and can be flavored with fruits, spices, and other ingredients to create a unique and delicious flavor. This historic beverage is well worth the effort to make it at home, and the ingredients and equipment you’ll need are easy to find and inexpensive.
Ingredients Needed
- 1-2 gallon Water (Distilled or spring water is best)
- 4-5 lbs. Honey
- Yeast (wine or champagne yeast)
- Fruit or spices (optional)
Equipment Needed
- 2 Gallon Fermentation Containers
- Category 1 Airlock
- Capper & Corks
- Flexible Hose/Tube
- Brewing Vessel & Boil Pot
- Thermometer
Instructions
Step 1: Sterilize
The first step is to sterilize all of your equipment and containers. This will prevent any bacteria or other contamination that can ruin your hard work. Heat the water in the boil pot to 160°F and then pour it into the fermentation containers and allow it to cool.
Step 2: Add Honey
Once your water is cool, you can add the honey. The exact proportions depend on the type of mead you’re making. You may want to start with a 1:1 ratio of honey to water, and adjust the sweetness as desired. Mix the two together until the honey is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Add Yeast
The next step is to add your yeast. Sprinkle the yeast on top of the mead solution and let it sit for 15 minutes. This will allow the yeast to activate and begin breaking down the sugars in the honey to produce alcohol.
Step 4: Ferment & Bottle
Once the yeast is activated, you can begin the fermentation process. Transfer the mead to the fermentation containers and fit an airlock on top. Allow the mead to ferment, which could take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months depending on the type of mead you are making. Once it is finished, you can bottle your mead and enjoy it!
Conclusion
Making mead at home is a rewarding process that you can enjoy for years to come. With a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment, it’s not difficult to make a delicious batch of mead in your own home. What are you waiting for? Get brewing!
