Hello, Good News! If you are looking for a way to make your own peach mead, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will show you how to make a delicious and easy peach mead recipe that you can enjoy at home.
Mead is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world, dating back to ancient times. It is made by fermenting honey with water and yeast, and sometimes adding fruits, spices, or herbs for flavor. Mead can range from dry to sweet, and from low to high alcohol content.
Peach mead is a type of fruit mead, or melomel, that uses fresh or canned peaches as the main flavoring ingredient. Peach mead has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of honey and floral notes. It is perfect for summer days, or any time you want a refreshing drink.
What You Need to Make Peach Mead
Ingredients
To make peach mead, you will need the following ingredients:
- Honey: You will need about 3 pounds of honey for a one-gallon batch of peach mead. You can use any type of honey you like, but we recommend using raw and unfiltered honey for the best flavor and quality.
- Water: You will need about 3 quarts of water to dilute the honey and fill the fermenter. You can use tap water, filtered water, or spring water, but make sure it is free of chlorine and other chemicals that can affect the fermentation.
- Peaches: You will need about 4 pounds of fresh or canned peaches for a one-gallon batch of peach mead. You can use any variety of peaches you like, but we recommend using ripe and juicy ones for the best flavor and aroma.
- Yeast: You will need about 5 grams of wine yeast for a one-gallon batch of peach mead. You can use any type of wine yeast you like, but we recommend using Lalvin 71B-1122, which is specially designed for fruit wines and meads. It enhances the fruity flavors and aromas, and reduces the acidity and bitterness.
- Nutrients: You will need some nutrients to help the yeast ferment the honey and peaches. You can use commercial yeast nutrient, which is a blend of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that yeast needs. Alternatively, you can use raisins, which are a natural source of nutrients for yeast.
Equipment
To make peach mead, you will also need the following equipment:
- Fermenter: You will need a one-gallon glass jug or carboy to ferment your peach mead. You can also use a plastic bucket, but make sure it is food-grade and sanitized.
- Airlock: You will need an airlock and a rubber stopper to seal your fermenter and prevent oxygen and contaminants from entering. The airlock allows the carbon dioxide produced by the yeast to escape without letting air in.
- Hydrometer: You will need a hydrometer to measure the specific gravity of your peach mead. The specific gravity is the ratio of the density of your peach mead to the density of water. It tells you how much sugar is in your peach mead, which affects the alcohol content and sweetness.
- Thermometer: You will need a thermometer to measure the temperature of your peach mead. The temperature affects the fermentation rate and quality. Ideally, you want to keep your peach mead between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C).
- Pot: You will need a large pot to heat up some water and dissolve the honey.
- Spoon: You will need a large spoon to stir the honey-water mixture and the peach mead.
- Knife: You will need a sharp knife to cut the peaches into small pieces.
- Bowl: You will need a large bowl to hold the peaches while you cut them.
- Strainer: You will need a strainer or a cheesecloth to filter out the peach solids from your peach mead after fermentation.
- Bottles: You will need some bottles to store your peach mead after fermentation. You can use wine bottles, beer bottles, or any other glass bottles that can be sealed with corks or caps. You will need about five 750-ml bottles for a one-gallon batch of peach mead.
- Corks or Caps: You will need some corks or caps to seal your bottles and prevent oxidation and spoilage. You can use natural or synthetic corks, or metal or plastic caps, depending on the type of bottles you use.
- Corker or Capper: You will need a corker or a capper to insert the corks or caps into your bottles. You can use a hand-held or a bench-top corker or capper, depending on your preference and budget.
- Sanitizer: You will need some sanitizer to clean and sanitize all your equipment and utensils before and after use. You can use commercial sanitizer, such as Star San, or make your own sanitizer by mixing one tablespoon of bleach with one gallon of water.
How to Make Peach Mead: Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Honey-Water Mixture
The first step to make peach mead is to prepare the honey-water mixture, also known as must. To do this, follow these steps:
- Pour about one quart of water into a large pot and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Turn off the heat and add the honey to the pot. Stir well with a large spoon until the honey is completely dissolved.
- Let the honey-water mixture cool down to room temperature, or about 70°F (21°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
The next step to make peach mead is to prepare the peaches. To do this, follow these steps:
- Wash the peaches well under running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Cut the peaches into small pieces with a sharp knife. You can peel and pit them if you want, but it is not necessary.
- Place the peach pieces in a large bowl and mash them lightly with a spoon or a potato masher. You can also use a blender or a food processor to puree them, but be careful not to overdo it.
Step 3: Add the Yeast and Nutrients
The third step to make peach mead is to add the yeast and nutrients. To do this, follow these steps:
- Pour the honey-water mixture into your fermenter, leaving some space at the top for the peaches and the foam.
- Add the yeast to the fermenter. You can sprinkle it directly on top of the honey-water mixture, or rehydrate it in some warm water first, following the instructions on the package.
- Add the nutrients to the fermenter. You can use commercial yeast nutrient, following the instructions on the package, or add about 25 raisins per gallon of peach mead.
- Stir well with a large spoon to mix everything together.
Step 4: Add the Peaches
The fourth step to make peach mead is to add the peaches. To do this, follow these steps:
- Add the peach pieces or puree to the fermenter. Try to distribute them evenly throughout the honey-water mixture.
- Stir well with a large spoon to incorporate the peaches into the must.
- Attach the airlock and rubber stopper to the fermenter and fill the airlock with some water or sanitizer.
Step 5: Ferment the Peach Mead
The fifth step to make peach mead is to ferment it. To do this, follow these steps:
- Place your fermenter in a dark and cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The ideal temperature range for peach mead fermentation is between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C).
- Ferment your peach mead for about two weeks, or until you see no more bubbles in the airlock. During this time, you will see foam forming on top of your peach mead, and hear fizzing sounds coming from your airlock. This means that your yeast is working hard to convert the sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
- Stir your peach mead once every two days with a sanitized spoon. This will help release some of the carbon dioxide trapped in your peach meadand prevent the peaches from sinking to the bottom of your fermenter.
- Check the specific gravity of your peach mead with a hydrometer. The specific gravity is the ratio of the density of your peach mead to the density of water. It tells you how much sugar is in your peach mead, which affects the alcohol content and sweetness. To measure the specific gravity, follow these steps:
- Sanitize your hydrometer and a test tube or a graduated cylinder.
- Fill the test tube or the graduated cylinder with some peach mead from your fermenter, using a sanitized siphon or a turkey baster.
- Insert your hydrometer into the test tube or the graduated cylinder and let it float freely.
- Read the specific gravity from the scale on your hydrometer. The specific gravity will be a number between 1.000 and 1.200, depending on how much sugar is in your peach mead.
- Record the specific gravity in a notebook or a spreadsheet. This will help you calculate the alcohol content and sweetness of your peach mead later.
Step 6: Rack the Peach Mead
The sixth step to make peach mead is to rack it. Racking is the process of transferring your peach mead from one fermenter to another, leaving behind the sediment and the peach solids. This will help clarify and improve the quality of your peach mead. To rack your peach mead, follow these steps:
- Sanitize another one-gallon glass jug or carboy, an airlock, a rubber stopper, a siphon, and a hose.
- Place your first fermenter on a table or a counter, and place your second fermenter on the floor or a lower surface.
- Attach one end of the hose to the siphon, and insert it into your first fermenter, avoiding the sediment and the peach solids at the bottom.
- Attach the other end of the hose to your second fermenter, and insert it near the bottom.
- Pump the siphon to start transferring your peach mead from one fermenter to another. Be careful not to disturb or suck up any of the sediment or the peach solids.
- Stop siphoning when you reach the bottom of your first fermenter, leaving behind about an inch of liquid with the sediment and the peach solids.
- Detach the hose from both fermenters, and discard or compost the sediment and the peach solids.
- Attach the airlock and rubber stopper to your second fermenter and fill the airlock with some water or sanitizer.
Step 7: Age the Peach Mead
The seventh step to make peach mead is to age it. Aging is the process of letting your peach mead mature and develop its flavor and aroma over time. To age your peach mead, follow these steps:
- Place your second fermenter in a dark and cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The ideal temperature range for peach mead aging is between 50°F and 65°F (10°C and 18°C).
- Age your peach mead for at least three months, or longer if you want a more complex and smooth flavor. During this time, you will see some more sediment forming at the bottom of your fermenter. This is normal and harmless.
- Rack your peach mead again every month or so, following the same steps as before. This will help remove any excess sediment and oxygenate your peach mead.
- Check the specific gravity of your peach mead again with a hydrometer, following the same steps as before. Record the specific gravity in a notebook or a spreadsheet. This will help you calculatethe alcohol content and sweetness of your peach mead later.
Peach Mead Recipe Breakdown
To help you understand the peach mead recipe better, here is a table that breaks down the ingredients, equipment, and steps involved in making peach mead.
| Ingredients | Equipment | Steps |
| — | — | — |
| Honey | Pot | Boil water and dissolve honey |
| Water | Spoon | Stir honey-water mixture |
| Peaches | Knife | Cut peaches into pieces |
| Yeast | Bowl | Mash peaches lightly |
| Nutrients | Fermenter | Add honey-water mixture to fermenter |
| | Airlock | Add yeast and nutrients to fermenter |
| | Rubber stopper | Add peaches to fermenter |
| | Hydrometer | Seal fermenter with airlock and stopper |
| | Thermometer | Ferment for two weeks |
| | Siphon | Stir every two days |
| | Hose | Check specific gravity |
| | Strainer | Rack to another fermenter |
| | Bottles | Age for three months or more |
| | Corks or caps | Rack again every month or so |
| | Corker or capper | Check specific gravity again |
| | Sanitizer | Bottle and seal |
FAQs About Peach Mead
What is the difference between mead and wine?
Mead and wine are both alcoholic beverages made by fermenting sugar with yeast, but they use different sources of sugar. Mead uses honey as the main source of sugar, while wine uses grapes or other fruits. Mead tends to have a higher alcohol content and a sweeter taste than wine, depending on the amount and type of honey used.
How long does peach mead last?
Peach mead can last for several years if stored properly. The best way to store peach mead is in a dark and cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. You should also seal your bottles well with corks or caps to prevent oxidation and spoilage. Peach mead can improve with age, as it develops more complex and smooth flavors over time.
How do you serve peach mead?
Peach mead can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference and the occasion. You can serve it in wine glasses or mugs, or even in a horn if you want to feel like a Viking. You can enjoy peach mead on its own, or pair it with cheese, bread, fruit, or desserts. Peach mead is also great for making cocktails, such as peach mead sangria or peach mead mimosa.
How do you flavor peach mead?
Peach mead already has a delicious and fruity flavor from the peaches and the honey, but you can also add other ingredients to enhance or complement it. Some common flavorings for peach mead are spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, or ginger; herbs, such as mint, basil, rosemary, or lavender; or other fruits, such as apricots, plums, cherries, or raspberries. You can add these flavorings during the fermentation stage or the aging stage, depending on how strong you want them to be.
How do you make peach mead sparkling?
Peach mead is naturally carbonated during the fermentation stage, but most of the carbon dioxide escapes through the airlock. If you want to make your peach mead sparkling, you need to trap some of the carbon dioxide in the bottles. To do this, you need to add some extra sugar to your peach mead before bottling it. This will restart the fermentation in the bottles and produce more carbon dioxide. However, you need to be careful not to add too much sugar or bottle your peach mead too early, as this can cause excessive pressure and explosion.
How do you make peach mead dry?
Peach mead is naturally sweet from the honey and the peaches, but you can also make it dry by reducing the amount of sugar in it. To do this, you need to use less honey and more water in your recipe, or use a yeast strain that can tolerate higher alcohol levels and consume more sugar. You can also add some acid blend or tannin to your peach mead to balance the sweetness and add some complexity.
How do you make peach mead stronger?
Peach mead is already strong from the honey and the yeast, but you can also make it stronger by increasing the amount of sugar and alcohol in it. To do this,you need to use more honey and less water in your recipe, or use a yeast strain that can produce higher alcohol levels and consume less sugar. You can also add some extra honey or sugar to your peach mead during the aging stage, or fortify it with some distilled alcohol, such as vodka or brandy. However, you need to be careful not to make your peach mead too strong or too sweet, as this can affect the flavor and quality.
How do you make peach mead vegan?
Peach mead is not vegan by default, as it uses honey, which is an animal product. However, you can make it vegan by substituting the honey with another plant-based sweetener, such as agave nectar, maple syrup, or molasses. You can also use a vegan-friendly yeast strain, such as Red Star Premier Blanc, which does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. However, you need to be aware that using a different sweetener or yeast can change the flavor and character of your peach mead.
How do you make peach mead gluten-free?
Peach mead is gluten-free by default, as it does not use any grains or cereals that contain gluten, such as wheat, barley, or rye. However, you need to make sure that all your ingredients and equipment are gluten-free as well, as some of them may be contaminated with gluten from other sources. You can check the labels of your ingredients and equipment for any gluten warnings, or contact the manufacturers for more information.
How do you make peach mead keto-friendly?
Peach mead is not keto-friendly by default, as it contains a lot of sugar and carbohydrates from the honey and the peaches, which can raise your blood sugar and insulin levels. However, you can make it keto-friendly by reducing the amount of sugar and carbohydrates in it. To do this, you need to use less honey and more water in your recipe, or use a low-carb sweetener, such as erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit. You can also use a yeast strain that can consume more sugar and produce less residual sweetness, such as Lalvin EC-1118 or Safale US-05. However, you need to be aware that making your peach mead keto-friendly can affect the flavor and quality.
Conclusion
Peach mead is a delicious and easy recipe that you can make at home with some simple ingredients and equipment. It is a type of fruit mead that uses peaches as the main flavoring ingredient. It has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of honey and floral notes. It is perfect for summer days, or any time you want a refreshing drink.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make peach mead. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And if you want to learn more about mead making and other related topics, check out our other articles on this website. Cheers!