Mead or Mead - Honey Wine π― The Drink of Emperors
Preparation time2 hours
Waiting time150 days
Ready in150 days 2 h
Elixir of love and vitality made from honey, water and pollen - the oldest fermented drink
Mead, also called mead or 'honey wine', is the world's oldest fermented beverage, with a history of over 6000 years. Made from bees' honey, pure water and raw pollen, sometimes flavored with hops and spices, it was considered an elixir of love and vitality, consumed by Dacians, Vikings and emperors. With its sweet-spicy taste and multiple health benefits, mead is a drink that has spanned the millennia and still fascinates through tradition and symbolism.
Servings
You get ~ 5 liters of mead, equivalent to 33 portions of 150ml/portion
Ingredients
Estimated cost: 15.0 €
Materials
- - 6-7 liter fermentation vessel with stopper and fermentation coil (hydrolock)
- - Wooden or stainless steel spoon for stirring
- - Fine sieve or gauze for filtration
- - Thick glass bottles for bottling and storage
Preparation
- Sanitizing
Thoroughly wash and rinse the fermenting vessel, spoon, funnel and hydrolock stopper. Proper hygiene prevents contamination of the mead. - Dissolving honey
Heat about 1 liter of water to max. 40Β°C. Add the honey and stir until completely dissolved. Pour in the rest of the water and stir. - Adding pollen and spices
Put in the raw pollen and mix well. If desired, add cinnamon and lemon zest for flavor. Allow the mixture to come to room temperature. - Activating and adding yeast
Place the yeast in a little warm water (25-30Β°C) for 10 minutes to activate. Then pour the yeast into the mixture of water, honey, pollen and spices. - Fermentation
Pour the liquid into the fermentation vessel and fit the hydrolock stopper. Keep the vessel in a cool dark place (18-22Β°C) for 2-4 weeks. In the first few days you will notice foam and bubbles - a sign that fermentation is working. - Adding the hops
2-3 days before the end of fermentation, put the hops in a cheesecloth bag and leave in the liquid. Then remove to avoid excessive bitterness. - Straining and clarifying
Once fermentation has stopped (no more bubbles in the cork), strain the liquid into a clean container, leaving the sediment at the bottom. You can chill 2-3 days in the refrigerator (cold crash) for faster clarification. - Maturation
Place the liquid in a clean jar or directly into the bottles and leave to mature for at least 2-3 months, ideally 3-6 months, in a cool, dark place. During this time the taste becomes rounder and more balanced. - Bottling
Pour the mead into thick glass bottles and seal tightly. If you want a still (bubble-free) mead, add nothing. If you want a slightly bubbly one, you can add a small amount of sugar (4-6 g/liter) before bottling - but watch the pressure. - Serving
The mead is served chilled (8-12Β°C) like white wine or at room temperature in moderate portions of 100-150 ml.
Storage π§
Ideal conditions
- The mead should be stored in tightly sealed, thick glass bottles.
- The optimum temperature is 10-16Β°C in a cool, dark place.
- Avoid exposure to the sun or large variations in temperature, which can alter the taste.
- It can be consumed after a minimum of 2-3 months of maturing, but gets better with time.
- In the right storage conditions, it even lasts 3-5 years without problems.
- The taste gets richer and rounder with age, similar to wine.
- For still mead (without bubbles), it is recommended to keep it in classic wine bottles.
- For lightly sparkling mead, use only pressure-resistant beer/sparkling bottles to avoid accidents.
- Store an opened bottle in the refrigerator and consume within 5-7 days.
- To preserve the flavor, use a special wine cork or an airtight bottle.
- Vinegary odor or strong sour taste β possible contamination with acetic bacteria.
- Excessive foaming in the bottle β restarted fermentation (not bottled correctly).
- Abundant sediment or unpleasant odor β improper storage.
Administration
Recommended daily dose
- 100-150 ml per day for tonic, digestive and relaxing effects.
- Drink preferably after a meal.
- Cold, like white wine (8-12Β°C), ideal in summer.
- At room temperature for a calming effect and more intense flavor.
- In cocktails, combined with fruit, ginger or herbs.
- In desserts, as a special flavoring in cakes, sauces or creams.
- Vitality cure: 100 ml/day for 14 days for energy and to support immunity.
- Digestive cure: 50-100 ml before meals for 7-10 days to stimulate digestion.
- Anti-stress cure: 100 ml in the evening for 1-2 weeks for relaxation and restful sleep.
- In ancient times, mead was called the 'elixir of love' and was offered to newlyweds on their honeymoon.
- It was consumed 1-3 small glasses before lovemaking and was considered a natural remedy for frigidity and impotence.
- The explanation: honey and pollen give energy and vitality, while moderate alcohol relaxes and stimulates circulation.
- Honey is an alcoholic drink, so drink responsibly.
- Excessive consumption reduces sexual performance and can have negative health effects.
Observations
Honey wine - Mead or Mead or Mead - Drink of the Emperors - the more alcoholic version
π A hydrolock (or "water fermentation stopper") is a simple plastic or glass device that mounts on the neck of the damnel/fermentation vessel. It has a small chamber into which water is put and thus allows the fermentation gas (COβ) to bubble out (it doesn't let air and bacteria back in, protecting the beverage from contamination). Basically, a hydrolock, it's a "water valve" that keeps the environment anaerobic (no oxygen), but allows the gas to escape.
π§ If you don't have a hydrolock, the classic improvisation is a cork or perforated rubber + hose inserted into a jar of water β the effect is the same.
π The quantities of honey can be between 0,2-0,4kg/liter .
π It can also be prepared with parsley.
π Polyflower honey is preferred, but you can also use acacia, lime or chestnut...
π Honeydew has a pleasant taste and unique aroma, and has been prized for centuries for its toning and relaxing properties. It contains B-complex vitamins, minerals and amino acids from honey and pollen, but should be consumed in moderation, like any alcoholic drink.
π In folk tradition, mead was considered an 'elixir of love' and was believed to help reduce stress and anxiety, including intimately. These effects are symbolic and cultural rather than medical.
π Important: meed is not a substitute for medical treatments and excessive consumption is not recommended. Benefits only occur in the context of occasional and responsible consumption.
π In many cultures, mead was the drink of ceremonies and celebrations, considered a symbol of vitality and longevity
β οΈ These benefits are mentioned in folk tradition and in some empirical observations, but do not replace medical advice.
π A hydrolock (or "water fermentation stopper") is a simple plastic or glass device that mounts on the neck of the damnel/fermentation vessel. It has a small chamber into which water is put and thus allows the fermentation gas (COβ) to bubble out (it doesn't let air and bacteria back in, protecting the beverage from contamination). Basically, a hydrolock, it's a "water valve" that keeps the environment anaerobic (no oxygen), but allows the gas to escape.
π§ If you don't have a hydrolock, the classic improvisation is a cork or perforated rubber + hose inserted into a jar of water β the effect is the same.
π The quantities of honey can be between 0,2-0,4kg/liter .
π It can also be prepared with parsley.
π Polyflower honey is preferred, but you can also use acacia, lime or chestnut...
π Honeydew has a pleasant taste and unique aroma, and has been prized for centuries for its toning and relaxing properties. It contains B-complex vitamins, minerals and amino acids from honey and pollen, but should be consumed in moderation, like any alcoholic drink.
π In folk tradition, mead was considered an 'elixir of love' and was believed to help reduce stress and anxiety, including intimately. These effects are symbolic and cultural rather than medical.
π Important: meed is not a substitute for medical treatments and excessive consumption is not recommended. Benefits only occur in the context of occasional and responsible consumption.
π In many cultures, mead was the drink of ceremonies and celebrations, considered a symbol of vitality and longevity
β οΈ These benefits are mentioned in folk tradition and in some empirical observations, but do not replace medical advice.
Effects and benefits
- Strengthens the immune system and protects against infections π―
- Provides energy and vitality and is a natural tonic for the body β‘
- Stimulates blood circulation and has a vasodilatory effect (including in the pelvic area) β€οΈ
- Contributes to hormonal balance and supports fertility πΈ
- Relieves female frigidity - 1-3 glasses before lovemaking π
- Helps male impotence, increasing sexual potency and confidence πΊ
- Reduces symptoms of premature menopause - 60-day course of 3 glasses a day π
- Supports body recovery after fatigue, illness or strenuous exercise πͺ
- Helps appetite and fights anemia - one glass before a meal π½οΈ
- Has a natural digestive effect - aids digestion and absorption of nutrients π₯
- Helps restore intestinal flora and balance the digestive tract π¦
- Is rich in essential vitamins: C, A, D, K, B complex ππ₯π₯
- It is rich in minerals and trace elements: Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Selenium, Iodine, Chromium π§
- Helps to relax and reduce stress, inducing a positive and playful state π
- Has a mild euphoric effect thanks to the combination of honey, pollen and alcohol π·
- Helps cell regeneration and slows aging processes (antioxidants) πΏ
- Supports body detoxification and elimination of toxins π§
- Has a nervous tonic effect, helping to overcome mental and emotional barriers π§
- Improves sleep quality if consumed in moderation in the evening π΄
- Promotes longevity and overall vitality π
Side effects
- Can cause dizziness and drowsiness π΅βπ«
- It irritates the stomach and gastric lining if drunk without eating π€’
- Can give headaches and hangovers with excessive consumption π€―
- Causes dehydration if water is not consumed π±
- May cause bloating or abdominal discomfort if sensitive πΊ
- Risk of drug interactions (e.g. sedatives, antibiotics, liver treatments) π
- May cause alcohol dependence in vulnerable people π«
Contraindications
- Children and teenagers - no minors allowed πΆ
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women π€°π€±π€±
- People with severe liver disease (cirrhosis, advanced hepatitis) π©Έ
- People with active ulcers or severe gastritis π₯΄
- Those with intolerance/allergy to honey or pollen
- People with uncontrolled diabetes (due to honey and alcohol) π¬
- People with alcohol addiction or treatment for alcoholism π±
Another information
- Origin of the name: "Hidro" = water and "mel" = honey. The Romanian word "mied" has its root in the Sanskrit "madhu", which means "honey", "sweet" but also "alcohol".
- Thousands of years old: It is the oldest known fermented beverage with a history of over 6,000 years, older than wine or beer.
- Simple first recipe: originally made from just water and honey. Later, ferments (grape must or yeast) and natural flavors (cranberry, elderberry, blackberry, lavender) were added.
- Historical spread: known and consumed by the Dacians, Egyptians, Mayans, Greeks and Romans. The Vikings considered it the "elixir of immortality" and drank it before battles.
- Babylon: Mead is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia around 4000 years ago, linked to religious rituals and royal banquets.
- Dacian tradition: our ancestors prepared and consumed mead, considered a symbol of strength and vitality.
- Medieval attestations: in 1413 there is the first documentary mention of mead in what is now Romania.
- Honeymoon: the name comes from the custom of giving mead to the bride and groom in the first month after the wedding to increase their love and fertility π.
- Culture and mythology: in Norse myths, mead was the drink of the gods, bringing wisdom and poetic inspiration.
- Modern mead: nowadays it is produced in many countries (Poland, Germany, France, USA, France), either artisanal or industrial, and has been rediscovered as a traditional healthy drink.
FAQ π‘β
Why is mead said to be "the drink of kings"?
β‘οΈ Because it was consumed by kings, nobles and warriors in ancient times and was considered an elixir of power, fertility and vitality.
What is the difference between mead and grape wine?
β‘οΈ M mead is made from fermented honey, with a sweet-sour taste and floral notes, while wine is made from grape must. Both have antioxidant benefits but different profiles.
Is it true that honeydew was drunk on honeymoons?
β‘οΈ Yes. In popular tradition, the bride and groom were given mead for 30 days after the wedding, for fertility and harmony in the couple. Hence the expression "honeymoon".
How much alcohol does mead made according to this recipe contain?
β‘οΈ On average, between 10-13%, depending on the fermentation and the type of yeast used, comparable to white wine.
What role does the raw pollen added to the recipe play?
β‘οΈ Pollen provides enzymes, vitamins and nutrients that speed up fermentation and enrich the nutritional value of the drink.
Why is hops added at the end of fermentation?
β‘οΈ The hops balance the sweetness of the honey and add slightly bitter notes, similar to craft beer, but without overpowering the base flavor.
Can mead keep for years?
β‘οΈ Yes, if properly bottled and kept cool and dark, it can last 3-5 years, becoming even more flavorful with time.
Is mead healthier than beer or wine?
β‘οΈ M mead has a unique profile: it contains enzymes, polyphenols and minerals from honey and pollen, which give it additional benefits over beer and a different taste to wine.
Can mead be considered an aphrodisiac?
β‘οΈ In popular tradition, yes - 1-3 glasses before lovemaking was said to help with frigidity and impotence. Scientifically, the effect is mainly relaxing and psychological.
What happens if I drink too much meed?
β‘οΈ Excessive consumption can cause dizziness, headaches and hangovers. Also, being an alcoholic drink, it should be consumed responsibly.
What dishes does it go best with?
β‘οΈ Mead goes perfectly with fine cheeses, white meat dishes, honey desserts, nuts or dried fruit.
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