Sure! Let’s dive into crafting a delightful Scandinavian-inspired Mead, a traditional honey-based beverage that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. This recipe, brought to you by lovewithrecipes.com, embodies simplicity and wholesome goodness, perfect for those seeking a refreshing drink with a cultural twist.
Mead Recipe
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 5 lemons
- 350 grams of sugar
- 350 grams of brown sugar
- 2 liters of water
- Yeast
- Raisins (a handful)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (for bottling)
Instructions:
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Prep the Lemons:
- Begin by washing the lemons thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities.
- With a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, carefully peel the lemons, ensuring to remove only the outermost zest, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath.
- Slice the peeled lemons into thin rounds, discarding any seeds.
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Prepare the Base:
- In a large, clean vessel or pot, combine the lemon slices with both types of sugar (regular and brown).
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Infuse with Hot Water:
- Bring half of the water (1 liter) to a gentle boil in a separate saucepan.
- Once boiling, carefully pour the hot water over the lemon slices and sugar mixture in the vessel.
- Stir well to dissolve the sugars and ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Cover the vessel and let it sit for some time to allow the flavors to meld.
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Add Cold Water and Yeast:
- After the mixture has cooled to lukewarm temperature, add the remaining cold water (1 liter).
- Sprinkle yeast over the lukewarm liquid and gently stir to incorporate.
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Fermentation Process:
- Keep the vessel at room temperature, allowing the mixture to ferment naturally. This typically takes about a day, but monitor closely for signs of fermentation, such as bubbling or slight fizziness.
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Prepare Bottles:
- While waiting for fermentation, sterilize clean bottles and lids by washing them thoroughly with hot, soapy water and rinsing well.
- Place a couple of raisins and a teaspoon of sugar into each bottle to aid in secondary fermentation and enhance flavor.
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Strain and Bottle:
- Once fermentation is active, strain the fermented mead liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids or sediment.
- Carefully pour the strained mead into the prepared bottles, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion during fermentation.
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Seal and Store:
- Loosely cork or cap the bottles to allow for gas exchange during secondary fermentation.
- Store the bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to prevent spoilage and off-flavors.
- Allow the mead to ferment further in the bottles until the raisins rise to the surface, indicating readiness.
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Enjoy:
- Once fully fermented, chill the mead in the refrigerator before serving.
- Pour into glasses and savor the crisp, citrusy flavors of your homemade Scandinavian-inspired Mead.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 226.4
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 20.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 59.5g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugar: 57.2g
- Protein: 0.2g
This delightful Mead recipe offers a refreshing beverage option that’s not only easy to make but also carries the unique flavors of Scandinavian tradition. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite dishes, this homemade Mead is sure to impress friends and family alike with its simplicity and charm. Cheers to good times and great flavors! 🍋🍯🥂
