Mixed Berry ’n Basil Novelty Mead
Experience a symphony of flavors with Mixed Berry ’n Basil Novelty Mead. Juicy mixed berries harmonize beautifully with the fragrant essence of fresh basil, creating a refreshing mead that's perfect for warm days. Ideal for sharing with friends at summer gatherings or enjoying quiet moments under the stars, this mead promises a delightful burst of fruity excitement in every sip.
ingredients
- 3 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 cup honey
- 1 gallon water
- 1 packet mead yeast (Champagne yeast recommended)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Whole berries and basil sprigs for garnish
steps
- 1.
In a blender, puree the mixed berries until smooth.
- 2.
In a large pot, combine the pureed berries with 1 gallon of water; bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- 3.
Stir in the honey until fully dissolved, then remove from heat.
- 4.
Add the fresh basil leaves to the mixture, allowing them to steep for 30 minutes for flavor infusion.
- 5.
After steeping, strain the berry-basil mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a sanitized fermentation vessel, pressing to extract all liquid.
- 6.
Add lemon juice and vanilla extract, then sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Do not stir.
- 7.
Seal the fermentation vessel with an airlock and let it ferment in a cool, dark place for 2 to 4 weeks.
- 8.
Once fermentation is complete, siphon the mead into clean bottles, leaving sediment behind.
- 9.
Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
- 10.
Garnish with whole berries and basil sprigs for a beautiful presentation.
