Mead is one of those drinks that we associate with Vikings, medieval knights, and damsels. But, thanks to the UK raising craft cocktail culture, mead is becoming popular beyond medieval and Renaissance fairs and reenactment societies. The 1st of August, in the UK, and the 7th of August, in the US, is Mead Day, which provides the ideal occasion for celebrating all things mead. But, first of all, what is mead, and how can you enjoy it in a cocktail?
Let us help you
plan an amazing
event!
Get a quote through the contact form or give us a call to learn more about our customisable cocktail packages.
Get my FREE quote<div class="kadence-blocks-form-message kadence-blocks-form-warning">Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form</div><style>.kadence-form-_7345be-d5 .kadence-blocks-form-field.kb-submit-field { display: none; }</style>
What is Mead?
Mead is credited with being one of the oldest alcoholic beverages known to man. It is produced through the mixing and fermentation of honey and water, and it can be enjoyed still or sparkling. Spices, fruits, and herbs can be added to the mix to make it more flavoursome. Already in ancient times, mead was drunk in Europe and Asia.
The Ancient Greeks associated it with the notion of ambrosia, the food and drink deemed worthy to be consumed by the immortal gods of Olympus. Mead or ‘honey wine’ had its heyday in Medieval Europe, when it was the drink of choice for everyone, from the Celts to the Vikings and Germans.
Apparently, the origin of the word ‘honeymoon’ goes back to these remote times when newlyweds drunk mead during their first ‘moon’, that is the month, of marriage. Mead was thought to increase the fertility of the bride and the virility of the bridegroom. Over the last years, mead consumption has increased and it seems that this very old liquor is making a comeback.
Popularized by bawdy medieval-type TV characters, like those in the Game of Thrones, mead has become in the last years one of the most enjoyed craft drinks. Nowadays, mead, one of the oldest drinks in the world, is experienced in new forms, such as mead cocktails.
On your next night out, think about trying a mead cocktail, and don’t be afraid to prepare one at home. It’s the ideal beverage to usher in fall and bid farewell to summer. Share this classic beverage with your guests and have a skilled bartender from a cocktail mobile bar hire company make it at your upcoming event.
What Temperature is Ideal for Drinking Mead?
Mead can be consumed hot or cold, thus the serving temperature will vary depending on how you intend to consume it.
Cold
The ideal serving temperature for cold mead is between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius because this is when the beverage’s greatest flavors come through. Store your mead in the refrigerator to reach this temperature, and then let it sit at room temperature in the glass for a few minutes before serving. In that time, it won’t warm up to room temperature, but it also won’t become too chilly.
Hot
When the weather starts to grow cooler, mead may also be savored warmly and is a comforting treat, especially when we have variations like Christmas mead available for you to enjoy. Hot mead should be served between 50 and 55 degrees Celsius, but you should be careful not to overheat it. Mead will begin to foam around 60°C or higher and quickly lose flavor, leaving you with an unappealing aftertaste.
Mead should only be heated to the temperature necessary for immediate consumption. Mead can quickly lose its flavor and quality if heated in big quantities and not served right enough.
Let us help you
plan an amazing
event!
Get a quote through the contact form or give us a call to learn more about our customisable cocktail packages.
Get my FREE quote<div class="kadence-blocks-form-message kadence-blocks-form-warning">Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form</div><style>.kadence-form-_7345be-d5 .kadence-blocks-form-field.kb-submit-field { display: none; }</style>
Mead Cocktails
Mead can be drunk neat or mixed with other beverages in delicious concoctions. As summer transitions into autumn, we propose two mead cocktails to go with the changing seasons.
For those last sunny days of summer, when you still can have your dinner al fresco in the garden or enjoy a drink on the terrace, we propose the Mead Negroni. To make it, you need 25ml gin, 25ml mead, 25ml Aperol, ice, and orange peel to garnish. Pour the gin, mead, and Aperol into a jug. Stir gently, add ice, pour into glasses, and garnish with orange peel.
For those days when autumn claims its rights, to warm up the body and lift up the spirits, we propose a mug of Mulled Mead. You will need 750ml mead, a dash of brandy, lemon and orange peel, and 1 cinnamon stick. Warm the ingredients in a saucepan until simmering. Pour into glass mugs and add a cinnamon stick for stirring (optional).
Consider trying a mead cocktail on your next night out and don’t hesitate to make it yourself at home. It’s the perfect drink to welcome autumn and say goodbye to summer. Share this old drink with friends and have it prepared at your next event by a professional bartender from a cocktail mobile bar hire company.
Comments