The name of the Roman drink you're looking for is Mulsum. It is also known by the name Melomel and is actually a form of mead.
What is Mead? What is Mulsum/Melomel?
Mead is a beverage. It is prepared from honey, water and yeast. There are various types of mead, and Mulsum or Melomel is simply one of the types.
The specialty of mead is that its primary sugar source is always honey. Honey assists the yeast in the process of fermentation, and different types of honey can be used - each acquired from various sources.
Using a variety of different flowers to make the honey also gives the drink different flavours.
Mead can be dry, sweet, or something in-between, and is suited for both low-alcohol content and high-alcohol content.
What was Melomel made from?
Melomel or mulsum was mead prepared out of honey and fruits (or fruit extracts). It was consumed in its fresh state.
Romans believed that mulsum increased potency and preserved youth (try marketing a drink like that today!). It was usually dark red in colour, and contained notes of cinnamon, pepper, and thyme. It is considered one of the most popular ancient wines of Rome.
Interestingly, women were not allowed to consume Mulsum.
To recreate the flavour of mulsum, the quickest way would be to mix some honey into a glass of dry white wine. You could also try adding macerated fruit to the mix, to give the drink a more authentic Roman feel!
What is Mead? What is Mulsum/Melomel?
Mead is a beverage. It is prepared from honey, water and yeast. There are various types of mead, and Mulsum or Melomel is simply one of the types.
The specialty of mead is that its primary sugar source is always honey. Honey assists the yeast in the process of fermentation, and different types of honey can be used - each acquired from various sources.
Using a variety of different flowers to make the honey also gives the drink different flavours.
Mead can be dry, sweet, or something in-between, and is suited for both low-alcohol content and high-alcohol content.
What was Melomel made from?
Melomel or mulsum was mead prepared out of honey and fruits (or fruit extracts). It was consumed in its fresh state.
Romans believed that mulsum increased potency and preserved youth (try marketing a drink like that today!). It was usually dark red in colour, and contained notes of cinnamon, pepper, and thyme. It is considered one of the most popular ancient wines of Rome.
Interestingly, women were not allowed to consume Mulsum.
To recreate the flavour of mulsum, the quickest way would be to mix some honey into a glass of dry white wine. You could also try adding macerated fruit to the mix, to give the drink a more authentic Roman feel!
