Cranberry Melomel

Immerse yourself in the enchanting flavors of this beautiful honey-cranberry mead. With the rich sweetness of local orange blossom and sage honey intertwined with tart cranberries, this beverage offers a perfect balance of complexity and refreshment. Ideal for celebrations or cozy nights by the fire, this blend is sure to charm your palate and elevate your spirits.
ingredients
- 2 lbs local orange blossom honey
- 1 lb local sage honey
- 24 oz cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ tsp pectic enzyme
- 1 gallon water
- Sweet mead yeast (1 packet)
steps
- 1.
In a large pot, bring 1 gallon of water to a gentle boil.
- 2.
Remove from heat and gradually stir in both types of honey until fully dissolved.
- 3.
Allow the honey-water mixture to cool to room temperature.
- 4.
Meanwhile, rinse the cranberries and lightly crush them to release some juices.
- 5.
In a sanitized fermentation vessel, combine the honey-water mixture with the crushed cranberries.
- 6.
Add the pectic enzyme and mix well to prevent the must from becoming too cloudy.
- 7.
Sprinkle the sweet mead yeast on top of the mixture, without stirring it in.
- 8.
Seal the fermentation vessel with an airlock and place it in a dark, temperature-controlled area (around 65-75°F).
- 9.
Allow the mead to ferment for 4-6 weeks, checking periodically for fermentation activity.
- 10.
After fermentation is complete, siphon the mead into sanitized bottles, leaving sediment behind.
- 11.
Allow the mead to age for at least 2-3 months for best flavors before enjoying.