Period Drinks – Spiced Wines and Sweet Waters - Historic Mead Recipes

Period Drinks – Spiced Wines and Sweet Waters by Vicente Coenca

Welcome to the Philadelphia Mead Company. Discover our connection to the rich traditions of ancient beverages and explore our own unique mead recipes, inspired by the historical significance of spiced wines and sweet waters, as detailed in Period Drinks – Spiced Wines and Sweet Waters by Vicente Coenca. This book offers a fascinating look into medieval and Renaissance drinks, and we bring that same authenticity and passion to every bottle we craft.

About the Book: Period Drinks – Spiced Wines and Sweet Waters

Period Drinks – Spiced Wines and Sweet Waters by Vicente Coenca is an in-depth exploration of ancient beverages, focusing on spiced wines, sweet waters, and other drinks from the medieval and Renaissance periods. Coenca provides authentic recipes and historical context, showing how these drinks were more than just refreshment—they played key roles in medicinal practices, social rituals, and cultural celebrations.

Philadelphia Mead Company: A Modern Take on Ancient Beverages

At Philadelphia Mead Company, we pride ourselves on crafting meads and spiced wines that honor the past while offering a modern twist. Our meads are inspired by the ancient recipes Coenca explores, creating a bridge between the history of spiced wines and the art of mead-making.

Our Mead Offerings

We specialize in creating meads with unique flavors, often incorporating spices, herbs, and fruits that reflect the same ingredients used in ancient period drinks. Here are some of our key mead varieties:

1. Spiced Mead

Inspired by the spiced wines of medieval feasts, our spiced meads combine honey with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These bold flavors transport you back to the times of grand banquets and celebrations.

2. Fruit-Infused Mead

Just as sweet waters were often flavored with fruits and herbs, our fruit-infused meads incorporate local fruits to add a fresh, natural sweetness. From apple to berry blends, each sip is a refreshing nod to the flavors of the past.

3. Traditional Mead

Our traditional meads are crafted with high-quality honey and water, offering a pure and rich experience similar to the honey-based beverages that have existed for thousands of years.

The Historical Significance of Spiced Wines and Sweet Waters

Spiced Wines: During medieval and Renaissance times, spiced wines were crafted not only for their rich, complex flavors but also for their supposed medicinal benefits. These wines, often infused with herbs and spices like cloves, cinnamon, and ginger, were enjoyed during feasts and celebrations. Coenca’s book highlights these wines as an integral part of historical culinary practices.

Sweet Waters: Sweet waters were flavored beverages that typically used fruits, flowers, or herbs. While they were enjoyed for their refreshing qualities, sweet waters were also believed to offer medicinal properties. At Philadelphia Mead Company, we draw inspiration from these drinks to create meads that are as flavorful as they are historically significant.

How We Honor Tradition at Philadelphia Mead Company

At Philadelphia Mead Company, our goal is to create meads that honor the time-honored traditions of spiced wines and sweet waters. We do this by:

  • Using Quality Ingredients: We source the finest honey and local ingredients to craft our meads, just as ancient brewers did with locally sourced fruits, herbs, and spices.

  • Crafting Authentic Flavors: Our meads are infused with spices and fruits in ways that echo the recipes and methods from the past, delivering both tradition and innovation in each bottle.

  • Embracing History: We are inspired by the research and historical context provided by works like Vicente Coenca’s Period Drinks – Spiced Wines and Sweet Waters. Our meads are not just beverages; they are a celebration of the rich history of mead-making and spiced wines.

Where to Buy Our Meads

Explore our full range of meads online and in-store at Philadelphia Mead Company. Whether you’re a long-time mead enthusiast or just beginning your journey into the world of period drinks, we offer a variety of meads that suit every taste.

Join Us for Mead Tastings and Events

We host regular events and tastings where you can sample our meads and learn more about the history and craftsmanship behind them. Our mead tasting events often feature discussions on the influence of spiced wines and sweet waters on modern mead-making.

Contact Philadelphia Mead Company

If you have any questions or would like more information about our meads or events, feel free to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

Discover the Past, Sip the Present, and Elevate Your Taste with Philadelphia Mead Company

Whether you're a history buff or a mead enthusiast, Philadelphia Mead Company offers a unique experience that connects the rich tradition of spiced wines and sweet waters with modern mead-making.