Celebrate the gods of Ancient Norse Mythology with a chamomile mead cocktail bursting with floral and botanical flavours!
An Ancient Norse Mythology Feast
Embark on an epic culinary adventure as we prepare a decadent feast inspired by Vanaheim, one of the Nine Realms of Ancient Norse mythology, and the gods that inhabit it. Travelling up the winding branches of Yggdrasil, the mighty world tree, we arrive at the mystical realm of Vanaheim. This resplendent realm of lush, bountiful fields, shining lakes, and verdant forests is home to the Vanir, ancient gods of nature and fertility. In the spirit of community and kinship, we set out to honour the Vanir deities by preparing a lavish feast. With each dish, we celebrate the deep connections between food, culture, and the natural world.
The Mead of Poetry
Made from the fermentation of honey, mead has been cultivated since before the advent of agriculture and is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages known to man. It held particular significance to both ancient Norse culture and spirituality. According to legend, the Norse gods created Kvasir, an exceptionally wise being, from their spittle. He was killed and his blood mixed with honey to create a potent elixir known as the Mead of Poetry. It was said that to drink of it was to gain the gift of wisdom and poetic inspiration.
So important was mead to the ancient Norse culture that gods and mortals alike would have raised a horn of mead together in frith and kinship. The bonds created over the shared horn would have had lasting impact in ancient Norse society.
I have never seen mead enjoyed more in any hall on earth
- Beowulf, c. 700-1000CE
In this Vanaheim inspired cocktail, sweet honey flavoured mead is blended with earthy botanicals and the delicate aroma of chamomile flowers. One sip of this elixir is sure to transport you to the shining land of Vanaheim and into the great mead halls of the Vanir. Raise a glass, or horn, and hail the gods and goddesses of Vanaheim. Skål!
Ingredients
Mead: Mead has a mild honey flavour and there are sweet and dry varieties. For this cocktail I suggest using a plain sweet mead. I am fortunate to have a wonderful meadery nearby – Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm and Meadery. The Merry Mead at Campbell’s Gold is perfect in this cocktail.
B&B: This liqueur is technically a premixed cocktail itself and is made by combining French brandy with the herbal liqueur Benedictine. First produced in the 16th century, Benedictine is made using a blend of 27 herbs, roots, and spices. Combining it with French brandy and allowing the mixture to rest in French oak barrels softens the flavour for a smoother and deeper flavour.
Gin: The botanicals in gin make it the perfect choice for this floral cocktail. My favourite gin for making cocktails is Tempo Craft Gin. Another gin that I have been enjoying lately is Red Door Gin from Scotland.
Chamomile: If you’re fortunate enough to grow your own chamomile then this is the perfect opportunity to use these delicate spring flowers. Otherwise, dried chamomile is a great alternative. Dried chamomile flowers, or tea, are widely available in health food stores and online.
Lemon: Add fresh lemon juice to balance out the sweetness of the cocktail.
How to make The Vanir’s Chamomile Mead Elixir
Make the honey chamomile syrup
Begin by preparing the syrup. Combine the sugar, honey, and water in a small saucepan. Place over high heat and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. When the syrup comes to a simmer, add the dried chamomile. Let simmer for about 2 minutes then remove from the heat. Cover and let steep for 20 to 30 minutes.
After steeping, strain the syrup and discard the chamomile. Let the syrup cool completely before using. The syrup will keep for 1 month in the fridge.
Make the cocktail
In a cocktail shaker add the mead, gin, B&B, honey chamomile syrup, and lemon juice. Add ice, then cover and shake for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with fresh flowers and serve!
