Spiced Cranberry Mead
This enchanting cranberry honey mead combines the floral sweetness of orange blossom honey with the tartness of cranberries, enhanced by aromatic spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights, this beverage is both refreshing and sophisticated. Easy to make and delightful to sip, it captures the essence of the season in every glass!
ingredients
- 3 lbs orange blossom honey
- 1 gallon filtered water
- 1 lb fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 0.5 tsp ground cloves
- 1 star anise pod
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 packet of Lalvin D-47 yeast
- 1 tsp yeast nutrient
- 1 tsp yeast energizer
steps
- 1.
In a large pot, heat 1 gallon of filtered water over medium heat.
- 2.
Once hot, remove from heat and stir in 3 lbs of orange blossom honey until fully dissolved.
- 3.
Add the cranberries, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, star anise, orange zest, and orange juice to the honey-water mixture.
- 4.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a sanitized fermentation vessel.
- 5.
Sprinkle 1 packet of Lalvin D-47 yeast on top and add 1 tsp of yeast nutrient and 1 tsp of yeast energizer.
- 6.
Seal the fermentation vessel with an airlock and place it in a cool, dark area.
- 7.
Allow the mead to ferment for 4-6 weeks, checking periodically for activity.
- 8.
Once fermentation is complete, siphon the mead into clean bottles, leaving sediment behind.
- 9.
Cork and age the mead in a cool, dark place for an additional 2-3 months to develop flavor.
- 10.
Serve chilled or at room temperature, savoring the aromatic blend of spices and fruits!
