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Strawberry Mead Recipe
March 7, 2024 Mat Heenan

Strawberry Mead Recipe

This recipe can be scaled to suit your desired final volume. This recipe makes 5 litres.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg frozen strawberries, hulled and chopped fine.
  • 1 kg honey (choose a high-quality, flavorful variety)
  • 3 liters water (non-chlorinated)
  • 1 packet of Lalvin EC-1118 yeast
  • 5 grams yeast nutrient
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 1 vanilla bean (optional)

Equipment Needed:

  • Fermentation Vessel (5 liters or larger): For primary fermentation.
  • Airlock and Bung: To allow gases to escape during fermentation while preventing air from getting in.
  • Large Pot: To heat water, dissolve honey, and prepare the must.
  • Long Spoon or Paddle: For stirring the honey-water mixture.
  • Measuring Scale: To measure honey and other ingredients accurately.
  • Sanitization Solution: To sanitize all equipment and ensure a clean brewing environment.
  • Hydrometer: Optional but useful for checking the specific gravity of your mead.
  • Siphon Tube and Racking Cane: For transferring mead between vessels.
  • Secondary Fermentation Vessel (Optional): For enhancing flavors during secondary fermentation.
  • Bottles with Airlocks or Caps: For bottling the finished mead.
  • Corker or Capper: Depending on your choice of bottling.
  • Bottling Wand: For easy and mess-free bottling.
  • Stick on Thermometer: To monitor temperature during the fermentation process.

Instructions:

  1. Sanitize: Ensure all your equipment is thoroughly sanitized to prevent unwanted microorganisms from affecting your mead.

  2. Prepare Strawberries: Thaw the strawberries inside the bag.

  3. Mix Honey and Water: In a large pot, heat the water to a warm temperature. Add the honey and stir until fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

  4. Pitch the Yeast: Sprinkle the Lalvin EC-1118 yeast over the cooled honey-water mixture ensure the mixture is less than 30 degrees celsius before adding. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to rehydrate, then stir gently.

  5. Add Strawberry Goodness: Add the strawberries to your fermentation vessel. If you want to enhance the flavor, mash a portion of the strawberries or use a blender to create a puree. Add the strawberry goodness to the vessel.

  6. Spice It Up (Optional): Toss in a cinnamon stick or split a vanilla bean (or both) for an extra layer of flavor. Adjust the quantity based on your preferences.

  7. Add Nutrients: Sprinkle the yeast nutrient over the mixture. This helps ensure a healthy fermentation process.

  8. Fermentation: Seal your fermentation vessel with an airlock. Place it in a cool, dark place and let the magic happen. Fermentation may take 1-2 weeks.

  9. Secondary Fermentation (Optional): After the initial fermentation slows down, transfer the mead to a secondary vessel. Add the reserved strawberries if you haven't already. This step enhances the strawberry aroma.

  10. Patience is a Virtue: Allow your mead to ferment until it clears, which may take a few weeks to a few months, depending on your preferences.

  11. Bottle: Once the mead is clear and fermentation is complete, siphon it into bottles, leaving any sediment behind. Cork or cap the bottles.

  12. Age and Enjoy: Let the mead age for a few months to allow the flavors to meld. Patience pays off! Chill, pour, and savor your homemade strawberry mead.

Remember, cleanliness is crucial throughout the process. Cheers to your delicious strawberry mead! 🍓🍯🥂