Warm Mead
Honey wine warmed gently with orange, cinnamon and clove — a mellow, golden winter warmer with ancient roots and an easy, comforting character.
Ingredients
- 250 ml mead — a medium or traditional honey wine
- 1 orange slice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 apple wedge — optional
Method
- Pour the mead into a small pan and add the orange slice, cinnamon stick and cloves.
- Add the apple wedge if using, for a little extra fruit.
- Warm gently over a low heat to around 60°C, never letting it boil.
- Let the spices infuse for a few minutes, then taste.
- Strain into a heatproof glass and serve while warm.
How to serve
- Glassware
- Heatproof glass
- Serve temperature
- Warm, around 60°C
- Garnish
- Orange slice and cinnamon stick
Mead, made simply from fermented honey and water, is among the oldest drinks known to humankind. Warmed gently and spiced with orange, cinnamon and clove, it becomes a mellow golden warmer that feels both ancient and entirely at home on a modern winter evening. Its natural honeyed sweetness needs little embellishment.
A drink with deep roots
Long before wine and beer dominated the table, mead was the celebratory drink of feasts and gatherings across northern Europe. Warming it is a natural step in the cold months, softening its character and releasing the floral notes of the honey. A medium or traditional style works best here, with enough body to carry the spice.
Warming with a light touch
Because mead is delicate, gentle heat is essential. Bring it to no more than 60°C so the honey aromas bloom without the alcohol turning harsh, and infuse the spices only until fragrant. An apple wedge is a pleasant optional addition, echoing the orchard notes. Those drawn to the honeyed warmth of mead may also enjoy Hot Apple Gin, which shares a similar gentle, spiced comfort.
Strain into a warmed glass and garnish with orange and cinnamon for a drink that is as soothing as it is historic.
Frequently asked questions
What is mead?
Mead is one of the oldest known fermented drinks, made from honey and water. It ranges from dry to sweet and carries a distinctive floral, honeyed character.
Will warming mead make it too sweet?
Warming concentrates the aroma rather than the sweetness, and the orange and spice help balance any honeyed richness. A drier mead gives a more restrained result.
Should I add the apple?
The apple is optional. It lends a gentle orchard note that pairs well with the honey, but the drink is lovely without it.
Related recipes
Warm Port and Lemon
A soothing winter warmer of ruby port and hot water with lemon, clove and cinnamon — a gentle, old-fashioned alternative to the hot toddy.
Hot Toddy
The classic warm whisky cocktail with honey, lemon and spice — soothing, simple and built for cold nights.
Glühbier
A German mulled beer made with dark beer or bock, warmed with honey, cinnamon, clove and orange for a malty winter warmer.
More like this