Citrus Breeze Mead
Experience the refreshing allure of Citrus Breeze Mead, where the zesty combination of freshly squeezed mango and orange juices come together with honey to create a vibrant summer sipper. Perfectly balanced with floral notes and a touch of acidity, this mead promises to elevate your warm-weather gatherings and warm your heart with every sip.
ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups honey (preferably wildflower or orange blossom)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 4-5 oranges)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed mango juice (about 3 ripe mangos)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried champagne yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon yeast nutrient (optional)
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for complexity)
steps
- 1.
In a large pot, heat 2 cups of water over medium heat until just simmering.
- 2.
Stir in the honey until fully dissolved, creating a honey-water mixture.
- 3.
Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- 4.
Once cooled, pour the honey-water into a fermentation vessel (like a glass carboy).
- 5.
Add the freshly squeezed orange juice, mango juice, lemon juice, and orange zest to the honey-water.
- 6.
If using yeast nutrient, add it now for healthier fermentation.
- 7.
Sprinkle the champagne yeast over the mixture, ensuring not to stir it yet. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to hydrate.
- 8.
After hydrating, gently stir the mixture to incorporate the yeast.
- 9.
Seal the vessel with an airlock and place it in a cool, dark space for fermentation, which will take about 2-4 weeks.
- 10.
Once fermentation is complete, siphon the mead into clean bottles, leaving sediment behind.
- 11.
Age in a cool place for at least 1-2 months for optimal flavor before serving.
