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Russia · Drinks

Medovukha

20 min
240 kcal
6 servings

By eatmundo · September 8, 2026

Medovukha🇷🇺AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

2 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Medovukha. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Fermented drink32 recipes from 15 countries

An ancient Russian honey-based fermented beverage. It is a sweet, mildly alcoholic drink flavored with aromatic herbs and spices.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Medovukha from another cuisine is Traditional English Mead (United Kingdom): the two share 50% of their ingredients.

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The Bitter Solution: Convergent Evolution in Honey Ferments
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Ingredients

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6 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Boil 2 liters of water in a large pot.

  • 2

    Stir in 500g of honey until fully dissolved, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.

  • 3

    Add 1 teaspoon of hops to the boiling liquid and simmer for 5 minutes.

  • 4

    Remove from heat and cool the mixture to 30°C (86°F).

  • 5

    Dissolve 5g of yeast in 50 ml of warm water (30°C) and stir it into the honey base.

  • 6

    Pour into a glass demijohn and seal with an airlock.

  • 7

    Keep in a dark place at room temperature (20–24°C) for at least 14 days. Fermentation is finished when the airlock has shown no bubbles for 2 full days and the liquid has begun to clear. Do not bottle earlier: unfermented sugar will build pressure in sealed bottles.

  • 8

    Carefully siphon the clear medovukha off the sediment into clean bottles, seal, and refrigerate for one week before drinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Medovukha?

Medovukha is a traditional Slavic fermented drink made primarily from honey, water, yeast and hops. It is often referred to as a type of mead and historically served during celebrations.

Is it alcoholic?

Yes. Fermented to completion as in this recipe, it reaches 8% to 9% alcohol, similar to a light wine.

Can I use any honey?

Linden or wildflower honey works best, as they provide a fragrant, floral depth to the drink.

Is an airlock necessary?

An airlock is recommended to let CO2 escape while preventing contamination from airborne bacteria.

How do I know when it is ready?

It is ready for bottling when the airlock has shown no bubbles for 2 full days and the liquid has become clearer, usually after 14 days or more.

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