Imagine this: a summer evening, around a campfire on the beach. You're with your best friends, a gentle breeze caresses your face, you're holding a cup with a golden liquid inside. Mead. But, what is mead, anyway? Ah, let me take you on a smooth and sparkling journey through the ages and communities.
The Wonderful Origins of Mead
Now, imagine our ancestors from the Stone Age accidentally discovering that honey, once fermented by wild natural yeasts, transforms into a lightly alcoholic beverage. They were undoubtedly amazed by this surprising transformation of honey. This discovery marked the beginning of experimentation with the first fermented drinks, paving the way for new social traditions and rituals.
Gods, Vikings and Mead
Flash forward a few thousand years and we are with the Greeks and Romans. They adored mead and considered it the drink of the gods. In Greek mythology, the gods of Olympus were often depicted as sipping ambrosia and mead, symbols of immortality and divine power. This golden, sweet, and intoxicating drink was a gift from the skies, reserved for those who were blessed by the deities.
Then there were the Vikings. Ah, those hairy savages! For them, mead was the drink of champions. Imagine a grand Viking feast: roasted meat, epic songs, and liters of mead. No wonder they sailed across angry seas! Their banquets were legendary, filled with camaraderie and bravery. Mead, with its sweet and intoxicating taste, reinforced their spirit and courage for the battles to come.
Today: A Total New Resurgence
But mead was not to be left out. Oh no! Today, this millennia-old drink is experiencing a true renaissance. New artisans are rediscovering ancient recipes and innovating with unique flavors. You can now buy dry, sweet, spicy, or even sparkling mead! It's like a little sweet party in your mouth. Mead festivals and tasting competitions are multiplying, attracting enthusiasts and curious people from everywhere. Mead, with its rich history and new variations, is once again imposing itself as a drink of choice.
How to make and how to drink mead?
Heat the water in a large saucepan, without boiling it. Add the honey and stir until it is completely dissolved. Let the mixture cool down to around 25°C.
While the mixture cools, rehydrate the yeast according to the packet instructions. Then add the rehydrated yeast to the honey and water mixture. If you're using a yeast nutrient, add it at this point.
Transfer the mix to a fermentation bucket. Close the bucket with the lid and insert an airlock to allow gases to escape while preventing air from entering. Place the bucket in a dark location at a constant temperature (around 20°C) for 4 to 6 weeks.
Once the primary fermentation is complete, transfer the mead into another clean container to remove the sediment. Replace the airlock and let it ferment for an additional 2 to 3 months.
When the mead is clear and fermentation is complete (no more bubbles in the airlock), bottle it. Use clean and sterilized glass bottles, and seal them hermetically.
Let the bottles mature for at least 3 to 6 months to develop the flavors. The longer the mead matures, the better it will be.
How to drink this elixir of the gods? First, serve it chilled. Yes, our Viking friends probably drank it at room temperature, but perfectly chilled mead is the ultimate. Take a sip and let the delicious floral and fruity aromas flood your palate. You can drink it as is or use it to create inventive cocktails. Try mixing it with fruit juice or spices for a modern twist.
And there you have it, my friends, a brief foray into the fascinating world of mead. Next time you're thirsty for something else, opt for a mead! This drink is far more than just a refreshing beverage; it's a journey through history and a sensory experience that celebrates conviviality and creativity. Whether you choose to brew it yourself or savor it with friends, mead invites you to the party and to discovery. Who knows, you might even discover a new hobby: fermenting happiness in the comfort of your own kitchen. Cheers!