Mead: The Libations, Legends, and Lore of History's Oldest Drink [Hardcover]

With fantastical narratives, home-brewing instructions, and original craft cocktail recipes,Meadis the ultimate exploration of the resurgent alcoholic beverage that is nearly as old as time itself.

Beloved by figures as diverse as Queen Elizabeth and Thor, the Vikings and the Greek gods, mead is one of history's most storied beverages. But this mixture of fermented honey isn't just a relic of bygone eras -- it's experiencing a cultural renaissance, taking pride of place in trendy cocktail bars and craft breweries across the country. Equal parts quirky historical narrative, DIY manual, and cocktail guide,Meadis a spirited look at the drink that's been with us even longer than wine.

Meadgives readers a fascinating introduction to the rich story of this beloved beverage -- from its humble beginnings to its newfound popularity, along with its vital importance in seven historic kingdoms: Greece, Rome, the Vikings, Poland, Ethiopia, England, and Russia. Pairing a quirky, historical narrative with real practical advice, beverage expert Fred Minnick guides readers through making 25 different types of mead, as well as more than 50 cocktails, with recipes from some of the country's most sought-after mixologists.


Fred Minnickis an award-winning author and spirits expert. His previous titlesWhiskey Women,Bourbon Curious, andBourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Spiritpaved the way for the artisanal whiskey resurgence, and he is a frequent beverage contributor for major publications, including theHuffington PostandParade. Fred is the Bourbon Authority for the Kentucky Derby Museum and speaks regularly at nationwide cocktail conferences. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky. Follow him on Twitter @fredminnick Minnick sprinkles in his quirky sense of humor here and there - he muses at one point that King Erik Bloodaxe has to be the best Viking name ever - but for the l3Y