Regardless of what we share below, it's best to scan the can / bottle for serving directions, or contact the mead maker directly for their recommendations
What temperature should I drink mead at?
The ideal temperature for serving depends on the type of mead, but also on personal preference. Here's a set of guidelines, but you might enjoy trying a new mead at different temperatures to see what you like!
| Type of Mead | Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| Sparkling Mead | 45°F |
| Light, Fruity Mead | 45-55°F |
| Traditional Mead | 50-55°F |
| Heavy, Spiced Mead | 65°F |
| Mulled Mead | 120-130°F |
What kind of glass should drink mead out of?
You won't go wrong choosing to drink mead out of your favorite glass or mug, but in order to enhance aromas, there are some recommendations worth paying attention to:
| Glass | Type of Mead |
|---|---|
| White wine glass | for light, sweet, or carbonated mead |
| Red wine glass, snifter, whiskey glass | for heavier, high ABV meads |
| Champagne flute, pint glass | for sparkling meads |
| Stemless wine glass | for warmed meads |
In general, a glass with a smaller opening will accentuate any aromas, and a stem is important for temperature control when drinking mead chilled.
Many hobbyists enjoy drinking mead out of a horn or tankard. These won't necessarily accentuate any aromas as well as some of the recommendations above, but you might find the experience worth the trade-off!
How should I store mead?
All mead should be refrigerated after opening. In general, they should be consumed within 1-2 weeks, though that time may change depending on
If you've acquired mead that you want to store but don't plan to open anytime soon, it should be kept in a cool dark place, with moderate humidity and no exposure to light, especially sunlight. The ideal storage temperature is between 50-60°F and should be kept consistent—avoid fluctuations.
If your mead is contained using a cork, make sure to store it horizontally.