Non-alcoholic mead is a popular drink made from fermenting honey and water. This drink has a long history and is often associated with medieval times. However, for those who choose not to drink alcohol, making a non-alcoholic version of mead is a great alternative. In this article, we will be discussing how to make non-alcoholic mead, including the ingredients and steps involved.
What is Non-Alcoholic Mead?
Mead is an alcoholic drink that has been around for thousands of years. It’s made by fermenting honey with water and sometimes with fruits, spices, or grains. Non-alcoholic mead, on the other hand, is a drink that tastes like mead but has no alcohol content. It’s a great alternative for people who want to enjoy the taste of mead without the buzz. In this article, we’ll show you how to make non-alcoholic mead at home.
How is Non-Alcoholic Mead Made?
Non-alcoholic mead is made using the same ingredients as regular mead, but the fermentation process is stopped before the alcohol content becomes significant. To make non-alcoholic mead, you’ll need honey, water, and some flavorings like fruits, spices, or herbs. You’ll also need a few pieces of equipment like a fermenting vessel, an airlock, and a siphon.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make non-alcoholic mead:
- 2 pounds of honey
- 1 gallon of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 orange
- 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon of grated nutmeg
- 1 packet of champagne yeast
You can adjust the amount of honey and water to your preference. If you like your mead sweeter, use more honey, and if you like it lighter, use less honey.
Key Takeaway: Non-alcoholic mead is made using the same ingredients as regular mead, but the fermentation process is stopped before the alcohol content becomes significant. To make non-alcoholic mead, you’ll need honey, water, and some flavorings like fruits, spices, or herbs, and a few pieces of equipment like a fermenting vessel, an airlock, and a siphon. Use quality honey, experiment with different flavors, control the temperature, use a hydrometer, and be patient to make the best non-alcoholic mead.
The Equipment You’ll Need
Here are the pieces of equipment you’ll need to make non-alcoholic mead:
- A fermenting vessel
- An airlock
- A siphon
- A hydrometer (optional)
You can use a glass carboy or a plastic bucket as a fermenting vessel. Make sure it’s large enough to hold the amount of liquid you’ll be using.
One key takeaway from this article is that non-alcoholic mead is made using the same ingredients as regular mead, but the fermentation process is stopped before the alcohol content becomes significant. It is important to sanitize equipment thoroughly before brewing and to use quality honey for a rich taste. Non-alcoholic mead can be experimented with different flavors, but it is crucial to control the temperature during fermentation and be patient with the maturation process.
Step 1: Sanitize Your Equipment
Before you start brewing, it’s crucial to sanitize your equipment thoroughly. Use a sanitizing solution like Star San or Iodophor to rinse all the equipment you’ll be using. This step is important to prevent any contamination that could spoil your mead.
Step 2: Mix the Honey and Water
In a large pot, heat the water until it’s warm but not boiling. Add the honey and stir until it’s completely dissolved. You can use a whisk to make sure the honey is well mixed with the water.
Step 3: Add the Flavorings
Once the honey and water mixture has cooled down to room temperature, add the cinnamon stick, orange, lemon, cloves, and nutmeg. You can use other fruits, spices, or herbs to give your mead a unique flavor.
Step 4: Pitch the Yeast
Sprinkle the packet of champagne yeast over the top of the mixture and stir gently. You don’t need to dissolve the yeast as it will dissolve on its own during the fermentation process.
Step 5: Ferment the Mead
Transfer the mixture to a fermenting vessel and add the airlock. The airlock will allow the carbon dioxide produced during fermentation to escape while preventing any air or bacteria from getting in.
Ferment the mead for 7-14 days, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be. You can use a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of your mead, which will give you an idea of how much alcohol content it has.
Step 6: Stop the Fermentation
Once the mead has fermented to your liking, it’s time to stop the fermentation process. To do this, you’ll need to sterilize a siphon and transfer the mead to another container, leaving behind any sediment at the bottom of the vessel.
Step 7: Bottle the Mead
Transfer the mead to bottles and store them in a cool, dark place. The mead will continue to mature in the bottle, so you can try it at different stages to see how the flavor changes over time.
Tips for Making Non-Alcoholic Mead
Here are some tips to help you make the best non-alcoholic mead possible:
Tip 1: Use Quality Honey
The quality of your honey will affect the taste of your mead. Use high-quality honey that has a strong flavor to give your mead a rich taste.
Tip 2: Experiment with Different Flavors
Non-alcoholic mead can be made with a variety of fruits, spices, and herbs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.
Tip 3: Control the Temperature
The temperature of your mead during fermentation is crucial. Make sure the temperature is between 60-70°F to ensure proper fermentation.
Tip 4: Use a Hydrometer
A hydrometer is a useful tool for measuring the specific gravity of your mead. This will give you an idea of how much alcohol content it has and when it’s time to stop the fermentation process.
Tip 5: Be Patient
Non-alcoholic mead takes time to mature. Don’t rush the process and give your mead enough time to develop its unique flavor.
FAQs for How to Make Non Alcoholic Mead
What is non alcoholic mead?
Non alcoholic mead, also known as mead mocktail, is a drink made with honey, water, spices, and fruits with no added alcoholic content. It is a great alternative for people who want to enjoy the taste of mead without consuming any alcohol.
How do you make non alcoholic mead?
To make non alcoholic mead, you will need honey, water, spices, and fruits. First, heat the water until it is hot but not boiling, then add the honey and stir until it is dissolved. Once the honey is dissolved, add your spices such as cinnamon and cloves, and let it simmer for around 5 minutes. Then, add your fruits such as chopped apples and oranges, and simmer for another 20 minutes. Finally, strain the mixture and let it cool before serving.
Can you use different types of honey?
Yes, you can use different types of honey to make non alcoholic mead. The type of honey you use will affect the flavor of your mead. For example, if you use clover honey, your mead will have a mild flavor, but if you use buckwheat honey, your mead will have a strong flavor. You can experiment with different types of honey to find the flavor that you like best.
What spices can you use in non alcoholic mead?
You can use a variety of spices in non alcoholic mead such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. These spices will give your mead a warm and comforting flavor that is perfect for cold nights. You can also experiment with different spice combinations to create your own unique flavor.
What fruits can you use in non alcoholic mead?
You can use a variety of fruits in non alcoholic mead such as apples, oranges, lemons, and berries. Fruits add a sweet and tangy flavor to the mead and can also add color to the drink. When choosing fruits, it is important to choose fruits that are not too acidic and do not overpower the honey flavor.
How long can non alcoholic mead be stored?
Non alcoholic mead can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It is best to store it in an airtight container to prevent any contamination from bacteria or other organisms. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that freezing may affect the taste and texture of the mead.