How to Brew Medok (Honey Beverage)

Medok--the diminutive Russian word for honey--is one of the most ancient drinks in all of Russia. A delicious blend of honey and hops, it was often used to compliment strong, meaty drinks and deserts. It is often confused with stavlenniy myod, which is made with not only honey, but an ample amount of berries and vodka.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• 3 pounds of white honey
• 8 liters of water
• 1/2 tsp. of gelatin
• 2 tbsp. of hop
• 1-2 capsules of cardamom (8-16 seeds each)

1. Put the honey into an enamel bucket. Pour in the 8 liters of boiling water, and leave the whole concoction to sit until the next day.
2. The next day, boil the mixture for 1 hour.
3. Add the hop, and boil for 4 or 5 times more (for an hour), with short (maybe 15-minute) breaks in-between.
4. When the honey cools to room temperature, pour it into a barrel.
5. Add the cardamom seeds and gelatin, dissolved in water, and securely cork the barrel.
6. After 15-20 days (during which time the honey has had a chance to ferment), pour the honey into bottles, and cork them tightly.
7. Place the honey-filled bottles into a cold cellar, and cover them with sand. The honey will finally be ready in 3 month's time.

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