Step 1

Sanitize everything that will be used in the brewing process.

Step 2

Combine a half gallon of filtered water in a pot with the elderflowers. Bring to a boil for about 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and steep to brew elderflower tea.

Step 3

Once the tea has cooled slightly, but is still warm, add the honey. Total amount based on taste and preference.

Step 4

Allow the tea to cool to about room temperature. Use a funnel to transfer the tea to your fermenting vessel, flowers and all. You can strain the flowers out if you wish, but leaving them in really helps get their essence.

Step 5

Add the lemon juice and raisins, then fill the jug up with cool filtered water, leaving about 3 inches of head space at the top.

Step 6

Add the champagne yeast, cap the jug, and give it a few good shakes to combine everything. Remove the cap, fill the airlock with water to the line, then place it into the jug. In a few hours, or overnight, you should start to see bubbles.

Step 7

Place the jug in a cool and dark corner of your house. Once the bubbles have almost completely stopped, it’s time to bottle. The time will be variable, 3-4 weeks based on the amount of honey used and ambient temperature.

Step 8

Bottle the mead into swing top bottles for the best sparkling results. Let the bottles sit for another 2-3 weeks, then enjoy your lovely sparkling mead!