Let’s delve into the fascinating world of honey-infused alcoholic drinks, from ancient mead to modern honey cocktails.
Mead: The Nectar of the Gods
Mead, also known as “honey wine,” is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water. It’s one of the oldest alcoholic drinks, with a history dating back thousands of years. Mead was enjoyed across various ancient cultures, including those in Asia, Europe, and Africa.
- Ingredients: Basic mead requires only honey, water, and a yeast or bacterial culture. However, additional ingredients like fruits, herbs, spices, grains, roots, and flowers can enhance its flavour.
- Alcohol Content: Mead’s alcohol content varies but typically ranges from 5% to 20% ABV.
- Flavour Profile: Mead can be very sweet or very dry, and it’s available in both sparkling and still versions.
Health Claims and Probiotics
In ancient times, mead was associated with good health and vitality. Greek mythology even referred to it as “the drink of the gods.” However, modern health claims lack substantial evidence. Here’s what we know:
- Honey Benefits: Honey, the primary ingredient in mead, has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It’s used for wound healing and soothing sore throats.
- Probiotics: Some believe mead contains probiotics due to fermentation. Probiotics support gut health and immunity, although there’s no conclusive evidence that fermented honey provides the same benefits as unfermented honey.
Honey Cocktails: The Bee’s Knees and Beyond
Beyond mead, honey plays a starring role in modern cocktails. Here are some delightful honey-infused drinks:
- Bee’s Knees: Dating back to the Prohibition era, this classic cocktail combines gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. It’s the bee’s knees indeed! 🐝
- Tequila Honey Bee: Reposado tequila meets honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic bitters. A mezcal wash adds a hint of smoke.
- Fallen Leaf: A cozy Hot Toddy with bourbon, brandy, ginger liqueur, allspice dram, and honey.
- Eau de Lavender: A honeyed tequila and citrus drink with a touch of lavender and a frothy egg white cap.
- Make It Count: A red-hued cocktail with Campari, honey syrup, sweet blood orange, and a sparkle of soda water.
Try using our own award winning Honey Liqueur in your cocktails!