Hawthorn Floral Mead

Immerse yourself in the natural sweetness of hawthorn flowers with this fragrant and easy-to-make honey mead. The delicate aroma and flavor of the flowers blend beautifully with the rich honey and a hint of citric acidity. Perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon or as a unique accompaniment to seasonal gatherings, this mead embodies the essence of spring and is sure to enchant your palate.
ingredients
- 4 lb. honey
- 1/4 oz. citric acid
- 1/4 pint freshly made strong tea
- 1 pint hawthorn flowers
- Yeast (wine or mead variety)
- Nutrient (for yeast)
steps
- 1.
In a large pot, dissolve the honey in 1 gallon of water over low heat, making sure not to boil it.
- 2.
Once fully dissolved, remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- 3.
In a separate bowl, steep the hawthorn flowers in the strong tea for about 10 minutes, then strain to remove the flowers.
- 4.
Add the strained hawthorn tea to the cooled honey mixture.
- 5.
Stir in the citric acid until fully combined.
- 6.
Sprinkle the yeast and yeast nutrient onto the surface of the liquid but do not stir. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes to activate the yeast.
- 7.
After 15 minutes, gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- 8.
Transfer the mixture into a sanitized fermentation vessel, leaving some headspace for bubbling.
- 9.
Seal the vessel with an airlock and ferment in a dark, cool place for about 2-4 weeks.
- 10.
Cap or cork the bottles and age for at least 3 months for optimal flavor. Enjoy responsibly!