The traditional newbie starter brew. There’s been many modifications over the years to attempt to improve it. I’ve included the original recipe, and a newer attempt.
Original (1 Gallon Recipe)
- 3 1/2 lbs Clover or your choice honey
- 1 Large orange (cut in eighths, include rind/peel)
- 1 small handful of raisins
- 1 stick of cinnamon
- 1 whole clove ( or 2 if you like – they are quite strong)
- optional (a pinch of nutmeg and allspice )
- 1 teaspoon of Fleishmann’s bread yeast
- Balance water to one gallon
The raisins add nutrients to the mix, as honey alone is pretty nutrient deficient. The instructions are basically dissolve the honey in the water and throw everything else in. Shake/Stir vigorously to aerate, and let it sit for two months and a few days until it clears up. If you wait long enough, even the oranges will sink to the bottom.
Modified (1 Gallon)
- 2 1/2 lbs Alfalfa/Clover or your choice honey
- 1 Large orange
- 1 stick of cinnamon
- 1 whole clove
- Wyeast Mead Yeast
- Yeast Nutrient
- Balance water to one gallon
Zest and squeeze out the juice of the orange. You will not need the rest. Steep the spices in some hot water for about 20 minutes before adding this water to the the container. Mix everything up, aerate and leave it to ferment. Should finish fermenting between two to three weeks. Age as appropriate.