Bear Bait or Mead (Bärenfang or Honeywine)

When you see the ingredients, you'll understand how Germany's legendary ancient warriors kept themselves warm during the winter months. Gradually replaced by beer as the drink of choice during the Middle Ages, today Mead is produced commercially by fermenting honey with water, spices and yeast. This recipe for Bear Bait is a shortcut version of Mead originally from East Prussia that can be made at home. Less well-known than Glühwein, Bear Bait is still popular at Christmas time and can be found at the Christkindles markets.

Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients:

2 cups honey
1 pint grain alcohol
2 cups plus 4-1/2 teaspoons Moselle wine
Directions:

Carefully heat the honey until it has turned to liquid. Remove from heat. Stir in the alcohol, then add the wine (or water). Fill into bottles and let the liqueur stand for several weeks. The longer it stands, the better the taste.

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