Spiced Orange Honey Mead
This delightful spiced honey mead infuses your taste buds with warmth and brightness. Made with fragrant cinnamon, aromatic cloves, and fresh ginger, alongside zesty orange, it’s a perfect blend for a cozy evening or a festive gathering. Let it age to discover a rich flavor profile that highlights the natural sweetness of honey.
ingredients
- 5 gallons water
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 12 cloves
- 10 slices fresh ginger
- Zest of 4 large oranges
- 12 lbs honey
- 1 oz yeast nutrient
- 1 packet Red Star Premier Classique (Montrachet) yeast
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
steps
- 1.
In a large pot or food-grade bucket, combine the water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, and orange zest.
- 2.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
- 3.
Remove from heat and gently stir in the honey and yeast nutrient until fully dissolved.
- 4.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature (around 70°F/21°C).
- 5.
Once cooled, add the packet of yeast and stir well to incorporate.
- 6.
Cover the pot or bucket with a clean cloth or lid and place it in a warm, dark location for fermentation (1-2 weeks).
- 7.
When fermentation has completed, siphon the mead into a clean container, leaving sediment behind.
- 8.
If desired, add 1 cup of raisins for added complexity.
- 9.
Seal the container and allow the mead to age for at least 6 months for enhanced flavor development.
- 10.
Optionally, taste periodically and bottle when the desired flavor is reached.
