Vikings Blood Mead Recipe | Traditional Cherry Honey Drink
Craving a drink that brings out the spirit of the Vikings? Dive into the world of Vikings Blood Mead, a bold and flavorful honey wine infused with hibiscus and dark berries. This traditional-inspired recipe combines the sweetness of honey, the tartness of hibiscus, and the richness of strawberries and blackberries to create a deep red mead that truly resembles the mythical “Viking’s blood.” Perfect for feasts, celebrations, or simply channeling your inner Norse warrior, this drink offers both history and flavor in every sip.
Mead Preparation
Crafting Viking’s Blood Mead is both an art and a science. The process may take time, but the result is a rich, ruby-red drink that feels like it came straight from a Viking feast hall. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.
Step 1: Brewing the Hibiscus Tea
Start by combining ½ cup dried hibiscus with 1 gallon of water in a large pot.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow the hibiscus to steep for 30 minutes.
- This will create a deep, tart, crimson tea base that adds both flavor and color to your mead.
- Once steeped, strain the hibiscus to remove the petals and solids.
Step 2: Mixing the Honey Must
In your sanitized fermentation vessel:
- Add 4 cups of honey and 1 gallon of water.
- Stir vigorously until the honey fully dissolves into the water. This mixture is called the “must” and serves as the sweet foundation for your mead.
Step 3: Adding Fruit and Tea
- Pour in the strained hibiscus tea.
- Add 4 cups of strawberries and 4 cups of blackberries (frozen or fresh).
- Stir well to incorporate. The berries will infuse natural sugars, flavors, and tannins into the must, giving the mead a bold, fruity character.
Step 4: Pitching the Yeast
- Once your mixture cools to room temperature, sprinkle in 2 ¼ teaspoons of wine yeast.
- Stir gently to distribute the yeast evenly.
- Seal the vessel with an airlock and stopper.
Step 5: Fermentation Timeline
- Allow the mead to ferment for 2–4 weeks, or until bubbling slows and eventually stops.
- Check occasionally to ensure the airlock is active and that no contaminants enter.
- If you’re using a hydrometer, fermentation is complete when the specific gravity remains stable for 3 consecutive days.
By the end of this stage, your Vikings Blood Mead will have developed its deep red color, fruity aroma, and honey-sweet complexity, ready for aging or early tasting.
Bottling the Vikings ‘ Blood Mead
Once fermentation has completed, it’s time to prepare your mead for bottling. This step is crucial for preserving flavor and ensuring proper aging.
Step 1: Siphoning the Mead
- Using a sanitized siphon or tubing, carefully transfer the mead from the fermentation vessel into clean, sanitized bottles.
- Avoid disturbing the sediment (called “lees”) at the bottom, as it can create off-flavors.
Step 2: Sealing the Bottles
- Use corks, swing-top bottles, or caps depending on your preference.
- Ensure a tight seal to prevent oxidation and maintain freshness.
Step 3: Aging for Best Results
- While you can technically enjoy the mead immediately, aging for at least 3 months is recommended.
- Over time, the bold flavors of hibiscus, honey, and berries will mellow and blend beautifully, producing a smoother and more complex drink.
Serving Suggestions
The joy of Vikings Blood Mead lies not just in brewing it, but in how you serve and enjoy it. Here are some ideas:
- Serve it Cold: Chilled mead is refreshing, especially with the tart hibiscus and berry notes.
- Cheese Pairing: A platter with sharp cheddar, Gouda, or blue cheese balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Dessert Match: Pair with fruit tarts, dark chocolate, or cheesecake for a decadent Viking-inspired feast.
- Cocktail Twist: Mix a splash of Vikings Blood Mead with sparkling water or champagne for a festive spritzer.
Flavor Enhancement Tips
Want to make your mead stand out even more? Here are some optional variations you can try:
- Spice It Up: Add a cinnamon stick or cloves during fermentation for a warm, spiced mead.
- Boost the Fruit: Increase strawberries or blackberries for a more intense berry-forward flavor.
- Sweetness Control: Back-sweeten with honey after fermentation if you prefer a sweeter finish.
By experimenting with flavors and pairings, you can genuinely make your Vikings Blood Mead your own, just like the Norse brewers of old.
Storage Instructions
Short-Term Storage
After bottling, you can store your Vikings Blood Mead at room temperature in a cool, dark place. The bottles should be kept upright to avoid unnecessary contact with the cork or cap. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 5–7 days for the best flavor.
Long-Term Storage & Aging
If sealed properly, mead can be stored for months or even years. In fact, aging improves the complexity and smoothness of Vikings Blood Mead. Many brewers recommend at least 6 months of aging, with some allowing it to rest for up to 2 years for a truly refined taste.
Vikings Blood Mead Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Brewing Tools
When preparing Vikings Blood Mead, having the right equipment is essential for both safety and success. Here’s what you’ll need:- Large Pot – To brew and steep the hibiscus tea.
- Fermentation Vessel (Carboy or Food-Grade Bucket) – This is where the magic of fermentation happens.
- Airlock and Stopper – To allow gases to escape while preventing contaminants.
- Strainer or Cheesecloth – For filtering hibiscus and fruit pulp.
- Hydrometer (Optional but Recommended) – To measure sugar content and track fermentation.
- Sanitizer – Absolutely necessary for keeping your equipment clean and infection-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Vikings Blood Mead?
Vikings Blood Mead is a traditional-style honey wine infused with hibiscus and dark berries. Its deep red color resembles blood, which is why it earned the legendary Viking-inspired name. It’s sweet, tart, and rich, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors.
How strong is Vikings Blood Mead?
The alcohol content usually ranges from 8% to 12% ABV, depending on how much honey you use and how long it ferments. If you prefer more potent mead, you can let it ferment longer or use additional honey.
How long should I age Vikings Blood Mead?
You can drink it after 2–4 weeks of fermentation, but for the best flavor, it’s recommended to age it for at least 3–6 months. The longer it ages, the smoother and more complex it becomes.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of frozen?
Yes, both fresh and frozen fruit work well. Frozen fruit tends to break down more easily during fermentation, releasing more juice and flavor, while fresh fruit gives a slightly lighter profile.
What yeast is best for mead-making?
Wine yeast is the best choice for Vikings Blood Mead, as it can handle higher alcohol levels and preserve the fruity flavors. Standard options include Lalvin D-47, EC-1118, or 71B-1122.
How do I make my mead sweeter or drier?
- For sweeter mead, add more honey after fermentation (known as back-sweetening).
- For a drier mead, allow the yeast to ferment the sugars until the airlock activity stops entirely.
How should I serve Vikings Blood Mead?
Traditionally, mead was served in horns or tankards at Viking feasts. Today, you can serve it chilled in wine glasses or even experiment with cocktails and spritzers.
Conclusion
Mastering the Vikings’ Blood Mead Recipe is more than just brewing a drink; it’s about crafting an experience steeped in Norse tradition. From the hibiscus tea base to the bold infusion of honey and berries, every step brings you closer to tasting history in a glass.
This deep crimson mead is perfect for celebrations, feasts, or quiet evenings when you want something truly special. Whether you enjoy it chilled with cheese, paired with desserts, or aged to perfection, each sip of Vikings Blood Mead connects you to the legendary spirit of the Vikings.
So, gather your ingredients, ready your brewing tools, and embrace the adventure of mead-making. Skål!
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
