Mead – historical significance, varieties, and a traditional Polish homemade recipe
David Janitzek
2026-03-21
3 min. read
44
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Mead, recognized as the oldest alcoholic beverage in Central and Northern Europe, traces its origins back to the reigns of Poland’s earliest dynasties, including the Piasts and Jagiellons. Initially reserved for the aristocracy, this noble drink now stands as one of the most treasured components of Polish culinary heritage, legally protected under the designation *Gwarantowana Tradycyjna Specjalność* (Guaranteed Traditional Specialty). This comprehensive guide explores the diverse varieties of mead, their distinctive sensory profiles, and provides a step-by-step methodology for crafting this exceptional beverage in a home setting.
Drinking honey properties
Like most honey and honey drinks, even though it is an alcoholic beverage, it exhibits health properties. It has a positive effect on the functioning of the blood system. It can be helpful in nervous tension and chronic stress. The main advantage of honey is that it is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral. It strengthens the immune system, helps fight infections such as seasonal colds or flu.
Honey drinks of all kinds
According to the honey-to-water ratio, honey can be divided into: half-halves one part of honey per half part of water; two-halfs a part of Honey per half of Water; three-hours 1 part honey per two parts of water, four-hour hairs One part honey for three parts of Water. It should be emphasized that the higher the honey content of this poison is definitely better. Another division that can be distinguished is the way of preparation. Accordingly, it can be listed: natural, herbal, root, herbaceous-root, chemous and fruit-based honey. In addition to this, honey is divided in seeds (seeds) and unsaturated honey.
Honey is a recipe
For example, you can buy ready-to-drink honey or you can make it yourself at home. Here's how to make a drink of honey, in this case a three-ounce glass of water. To make 30 liters of this dough, you need: 10 litres of honey and 20 litre of sugar water, 1 bottle of yeast, 120 grams of lemon juice, a glass container, preferably a bottle with a capacity of about 40 liters.